Marian University is celebrating the selection of three students to the highly competitive 2026 Orr Fellowship, an early career development program that matches top graduating seniors and recent alumni with high-impact roles at leading Indiana-based companies. Avery Toole ’26, Garrett Koch ’26, and Markevious Keys ’26 will each begin their Fellowships following graduation, joining a distinguished network of high-achieving professionals shaping Indiana’s business and civic landscape.
For Marian University, the selection of Toole, Koch, and Keys highlights the institution’s ongoing commitment to preparing students for leadership and impact beyond graduation. Their achievement reflects both individual excellence and the university’s emphasis on experiential learning, professional readiness, and mission-driven success.
Avery Toole ’26, a business major, has been matched with the Robert Dietrick Company, where she will begin her professional career in January or June 2026, depending on her graduation date. In addition to her selection as an Orr Fellow, Toole was recently named a regional champion in the Fastenal National Sales Invitational. From a pool of more than 1,000 students nationwide, she advanced to the national finals as one of just 17 competitors—an achievement that underscores her drive, talent, and passion for sales.
“This opportunity represents the perfect intersection of my academic experience, professional goals, and passion for building relationships,” Toole said. “Being selected as an Orr Fellow affirms the value of hands-on learning and mentorship I’ve received at Marian, and I’m excited to contribute meaningfully to my partner company.”
Garrett Koch ’26 will work with Arlington/Roe, a respected insurance brokerage and risk management firm, while Markevious Keys ’26 has been selected to join Selerix, a technology-driven benefits administration company. Each Fellow was chosen through a rigorous, multi-stage assessment and interview process designed to identify candidates with strong leadership potential, adaptability, and a commitment to long-term professional growth.
Founded in 2001, Orr Fellowship recruits, assesses, and matches university graduates with high-agency roles at growing businesses in Central and Southwest Indiana. The program has built a powerful network of 676 alumni and currently includes 131 active Fellows from universities across the United States. Notably, an average of 66 percent of Orr Fellows remain with their partner companies as they advance in their careers or pursue graduate education, underscoring the program’s effectiveness in talent retention and professional development.
“Orr Fellowship is proud to welcome this new cohort of highly motivated, high-potential graduates,” said Steven Emch, president of Orr Fellowship. “With these vetted Fellows, our partner companies gain skilled, driven employees who contribute meaningfully to organizational success and are more likely than their peers to stay and grow long-term.”
The 2026 cohort includes more than 90 college seniors and recent graduates who were formally selected after Finalist Day interviews in Indianapolis and Evansville. Fellows will begin their appointments in January 2026 for December graduates and June 2026 for May graduates. In addition to full-time employment, Fellows receive unparalleled career development opportunities, including formal leadership training, executive mentorship, networking experiences, and community engagement throughout Indiana’s thriving business ecosystem.
For Marian University, the selection of Toole, Koch, and Keys highlights the institution’s ongoing commitment to preparing students for leadership and impact beyond graduation.