Three IU School of Liberal Arts graduate students, Persis Ayeh, Ph.D. Health Communication and a minor in Social and Behavioral Sciences, Isabel (Izzy) Silverman, M.A. Museum Studies, and Hiba Alalami, Ph.D. American Studies with a minor in Philanthropic Studies, were named as IU Indianapolis’ 2025 Elite 50. This prestigious honor is presented annually across all Indiana University Indianapolis graduate schools to 50 graduate and professional students who excel beyond the classroom through leadership, scholarly work, and community engagement.
And very special congratulations to Persis Ayeh, who took home top honors of the recipients by winning the 2025 Charles R. Bantz Award for Excellence.
Selected from more than 7,500 graduate and professional students, these exceptional students were honored at the Elite 50 Awards Celebration on April 7 at the Hine Hall auditorium on campus.
Persis Ayeh, Health Communication Ph.D., Social and Behavioral Sciences minor
“I’m deeply honored to be named among IU Indy’s Elite 50 and to receive the 2025 Charles R. Bantz Award for Excellence,” Ayeh said. “This recognition affirms the purpose behind my work—uplifting underrepresented voices, advancing equity, and creating spaces for impactful, community-centered research.
I’m especially grateful to my advisor, Dr. Katy Head, for her invaluable support, mentorship, and belief in my vision throughout my graduate journey.
Looking ahead, I’m excited to pursue roles that allow me to continue bridging health communication, community engagement, and research, particularly within higher education, public health, or nonprofit sectors that prioritize health equity and systemic change.”
Izzy Silverman, Museum Studies, M.A.
“I am truly honored to receive this award. While I deeply value my museum work, especially those projects that benefit the community, I sometimes overlook the broader impact and significance of this work. Listening to the remarkable achievements of my fellow honorees at the Elite 50 ceremony was a humbling experience, and it made me realize how special my contributions are as well,” Silverman said.
“After graduation, I will continue my work as a museum educator at The Children's Museum of Indianapolis, where I hope to inspire curiosity and foster a love of learning every day.”
Hiba Alalami, American Studies, Ph.D.
“I am deeply honored to be named one of the recipients of the 2025 IU Indianapolis Elite 50 award,” said Alalami. “This recognition is not only a personal milestone but also a humbling reminder of the incredible work being done by graduate students across campus. I was truly inspired to hear the stories of my peers, whose achievements in community service, campus leadership, and scholarly excellence speak volumes about the spirit and strength of the IU Indy graduate community.”
“This recognition reflects my commitment to serving and uplifting marginalized communities through engagement and education. My community service has centered around supporting organizations that champion equity and inclusion, while my campus involvement has allowed me to represent and amplify the voices of Muslim and Arab American students at IU Indianapolis. My scholarly work—particularly my research on the contributions of Indiana women—has further deepened my dedication to public scholarship and community-based impact.”
Alalami’s passion for sharing her knowledge is also on full display at the IU School of Liberal Arts in Indianapolis. She has been mentoring and contributing to student success as associate professor in Arabic and Islamic Studies Program―a role she is dedicated to following after graduation in May.
“I am excited to continue this work in my role as an associate faculty member in the Arabic and Islamic Studies Program, where I aim to strengthen our local and academic communities,” Alalami states. “By fostering meaningful conversations and cultivating a deeper understanding of Arab and Muslim cultures, I hope to honor my identity and inspire others through inclusive and transformative education.”
Congratulations to our Liberal Arts Jags, Persis, Izzy, and Hiba, on their exceptional academic accomplishments!
