Each year, the Connect Conference brings together the College of Arts and Sciences community for a day filled with connection and inspiration. The College's bright and ambitious students spend the day exploring the vast potential of their liberal arts and sciences education by connecting with a diverse group of impactful, accomplished alumni through workshops, group sessions, and networking.

At the heart of many of these conversations are tales of faculty members who inspire and make a difference in students' lives.

The Walter Center for Career Achievement is proud to honor the inaugural recipients of the student-nominated Career Advocate Award, which recognizes faculty who have demonstrated exemplary dedication to their students' career readiness and professional development. This year's award winners are:

Justyna Zając, Ph.D., Departments of International Studies and Political Science

Justyna Zając is a Professor of Practice in European Security Studies in the Departments of International Studies and Political Science. She also teaches regularly at the European Academy of Diplomacy in Poland. Since Fall 2021, Professor Zając has been the Director of the IU Polish Studies Center, an academic unit that for almost five decades has been providing intellectual leadership at institutional and national levels and has supported Polish-related research around the world.

She was nominated by Declan Gallagher, B.A. '25, Spanish and International Studies.

"She provides personalized mentorship, connects students with industry professionals, and facilitates internships and job placements," Declan writes. "In the classroom, she integrates real-world projects, invites guest speakers, and aligns course content with current market trends … Professor Zając's dedication to her students' success makes her an exemplary Career Advocate.

Gerhard Glomm, Ph.D., Department of Economics

Gerhard Glomm is a Professor in the Department of Economics. Previously, he held faculty positions at the University of Virginia and Michigan State University. His research and teaching interests include macroeconomics, economic growth, income distribution, and political economy. He was nominated by Sejal Boobna, B.S. '25, Economics and Quantitative Methods.

"He doesn't just tell us about conferences—he helps us secure funding, organizes alumni networking lunches, and even drives us to the events himself," Sejal writes. "He is the one who walks into the room and asks, 'How are you?' His actions prove that he is not just invested in our careers but in our growth as individuals."

Beth Huffman, M. Arch, Eskenazi School of Art, Architecture + Design

Beth Huffman is a Lecturer in Comprehensive Design. An architect, interior designer, and educator, Huffman draws much of her artistic inspiration from traveling and nature. She has enjoyed introducing students to new countries and cultures, including Thailand, Eswatini, and Italy.

She was nominated by Alejandro Medina Lara, B.S. '26, Comprehensive Design.

"Beth guides students individually while connecting them to resources, internships, and industry contacts to help them move further in their career goals," Alejandro writes. "Beth works to include projects, discussions, and skills-building exercises in her classes that prepare students for practical applications of their learning."

We thank these faculty members – and the many more nominated – for their dedication to career readiness and professional development.

Momentum Merit Recipients

The Walter Center for Career Achievement is also proud to announce the following students are recipients of the inaugural Momentum Merit certificates for their dedication to personal development and professional growth.

Momentum, which was launched in Fall 2024, helps College students track their activities and accomplishments as they progress towards their degrees. It allows students to craft their one-of-a-kind stories, culminating in a cohesive, personalized portfolio of their social, academic, and professional experiences as a student in the College.

This year's recipients are:

• Ricardy Elie, B.S. '25, Human Biology
• Micah Ghiassi, B.A. '28, History
• Kaleigh McCullough, B.A. '28, Human Biology