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Commencement Speakers
Graduate Alumni Speaker | Dr. Gregory D. Bierly
Graduate Student Speaker | Ms. Kimberly Collins
Kimmie Collins, a lifelong Sycamore from Terre Haute, Indiana, is graduating with a Master of Arts in Communication. She is Vice President of Lambda Pi Eta, the Honor Society for the National Communication Association. Her research project, "May I have the Definition of Culture? Co-Constructing Camaraderie and Competition at the Scripps National Spelling Bee," explores how Scripps National Spelling Bee participants create a collaborative organizational culture amidst fierce competition.
Through the McKee Fellowship, Kimmie fulfilled her dream of writing and publishing a children’s book about Sycamore Sam entitled Sam Becomes a Sycamore. She and Sycamore Sam read the book at local schools, providing each second grader a book to foster their love of reading and Indiana State. Kimmie’s book is available through the ISU Bookstore and Amazon. She is eager to continue writing children’s books.
During her studies, Kimmie was a graduate assistant in Rose-Hulman's Office of Communications and Marketing, where she wrote feature stories and created social media content. Kimmie also returns to the Scripps National Spelling Bee's social media team each year.
Appointed by the governor, Kimmie served as Student Trustee on Indiana State University's Board of Trustees from 2021 to 2023. She earned a Bachelor's degree in Marketing with a Minor in Entrepreneurship from Indiana State in 2022.
Passionate about education, Kimmie hopes to spend her career telling people’s stories to make a difference in students’ lives.
Undergraduate Alumni Speaker | Mr. Rondrell Moore
Rondrell Moore graduated from Indiana State University Suma Cum Laude in 2008, with a bachelor’s degree in Communications and a minor in Spanish. While at school he was news director for WISU and an anchor for Sycamore Video (then Sycamore Beat.) He was both a Lilly Endowment and Richard G. Lugar scholar. Thanks to a 4.0 GPA, Rondrell was the 2008 recipient of the Hines Memorial Medal. He was also named Communications Student of the Year.
Shortly after graduation, Rondrell began his career at WTHI-TV and has been there for 16 years. He has worked as an internet content producer, producer, reporter, weekend anchor, and morning/midday anchor. He is currently the evening anchor for News 10 at 6 and News 10 Nightwatch and the current Director of Talent Development.
As a reporter, Rondrell has received two Ohio Valley Regional Emmy nominations. One was for his piece, ‘Face the Truth’ which showed the dangers of unmonitored Internet usage for children. The other was for his piece, ‘Cell Block’ which chronicled the issues of cell phones in prison. He’s also won an award from the Associated Press for his piece ‘While You Were Sleeping’ where he followed the Terre Haute Police Department’s overnight shift. He’s also received recognition from the Indiana Broadcaster’s Association and the Society of Profession Journalists.
Rondrell’s investigation into fungus found in Capri Sun drinks gained national attention. The story caught the eye of biologists, who used it to inspire the company to make a national packaging change.
Rondrell has worked to impact the Terre Haute community, serving for more than a year on the Wabash Valley Community Foundation Distribution Committee. He’s done work with the United Way’s African American Board Leadership Institute. He’s worked for several years with the League of Women Voters moderating political forums. He continues working with Indiana State University, hosting several events for the ISU foundation. In 2016 he was the recipient of the 12 under 40 Award from the Terre Haute Chamber of Commerce. In 2019 he received the Polaris Award for Terre Haute North Alumnae. He’s emceed various community fundraisers and events. He also enjoys sharing inspirational messages with school students in the area.
Rondrell has a passion for theater and has performed in several productions in the area. He is an ordained Elder in the Church of God in Christ, where he works with younger people. He is also the minister of music at Saints Home Church of God in Christ. Rondrell loves spending time with family and friends. He’s an avid tennis player. He’s most excited to start his new chapter as a husband later this year when he marries his fiancé Kara.
Undergraduate Student Speaker at Noon | Julio Rosales
Undergraduate Student Speaker at 3 p.m. | M. Ahsan Khan
Contact
Rankin Hall 200
Indiana State University
(812) 237-2304
Fax: (812) 237-3607