Michael Stottlemyer

In his three years at IUPUI, senior and secondary math education major Michael Stottlemyer has made significant contributions to campus, contributions that by all accounts promise to have a lasting impact.

Countless examples illustrate Stottlemyer's outspoken advocacy for others, including his testimony at the Indiana Statehouse in support of student scholarships as a freshman, his guidance to local high school students both as a tutor and a teaching assistant, and his outstanding leadership at Paw's Pantry that stimulated its growth and expansion.

"I have always wanted to speak up for what's right," said Stottlemyer, who hails from Anderson, Indiana. He credits his grandmother with instilling that mentality in him. "She was always one to put everybody before herself. You take care of yourself, you get yourself the bare necessities, but with everything else, you need to help other people. It's really where I learned to stand up for others, to stand up for what's right."

As chairman of Paw's Pantry, Stottlemyer oversaw its recent move from a tiny, cramped space to a new 1,000-square-foot home in the Campus Center. He also has been instrumental in building the sustainability of Paw's Pantry, which has distributed more than 15,000 items during more than 1,300 client visits this semester alone.

"As chair of Paw's Pantry, Michael has done an excellent job in his leadership, developing ideas and initiatives focused on growth and sustainability, adaptability, and overall vision for the pantry," said Shaina Lawrence, Assistant Director for the Office of Student Advocacy and Support.

As second-term president for the Student Activities Programming Board (SAPB), Stottlemyer is guided by his belief that SAPB programs can create a sense of belonging and community among IUPUI's diverse student population.

"As president, Michael demonstrates a strong ability to motivate his peers, guide the organization, make decisions, and keep more than 80 members united in their efforts to fulfill the organization's mission," said Kristin Kreher, Coordinator for Student Activities, Campus Center and Student Experiences.

Under Stottlemyer's leadership, SAPB grew from less than 30 active members to more than 80, allowing the board to increase the number of programs, add a new committee focused on boosting school spirit, add two additional officer positions for marketing, and engage nearly 11,000 students in programs — a significant increase over the previous year. Now, just a few months into his second term, participation in SAPB programs has already tripled compared to previous years.

"He is a stand-out leader with an impressive level of competence, a constant curiosity, a natural ability to build relationships, an understanding of complex systems, and an insistence to always challenge the norm. Through a genuine desire to improve the lives of both friends and strangers alike, Michael uses his talents, skills, and attitude to leave a lasting impact on the world around him," Kreher said.

Stottlemyer will graduate next spring, but luckily the Hoosier state will not be losing his talent. As a recipient of the student scholarship that he lobbied for in 2014, he knows he'll be teaching math to Indiana students for at least five years.