The University of Southern Indiana Engineers in Action (EIA) chapter recently led a team of engineering students in constructing two pedestrian footbridges in Eswatini in Southern Africa, including the global EIA organization’s first ever student-led suspension bridge, to connect isolated communities to critical services such as shops, schools, clinics, co-ops, churches and more.

The Khelekhele suspended footbridge spans 93.5 meters across the Black Mbuluzi River, providing year-round, safe access for more than 4,250 residents. USI led the project with students from Penn State University and the University of Colorado Boulder collaborating on the construction.

The project was not without challenges as students faced a massive underground rock where the bridge was to be built. The team demonstrated resilience and ingenuity, finding a solution and keeping the project on schedule.

During the project, the team worked, ate, slept and socialized with the local community, learning the language and customs of its people. Each team member played a unique and important role.

Jonas Hollis, a USI manufacturing engineering major who plans to graduate in 2026, served as the Project Manager and Media Manager, overseeing all aspects of the build for the participating institutions. This included working with each member of the student teams to ensure they worked efficiently, communicated well and collaborated with the community and other project stakeholders.

Kelsey Ellis, a USI civil engineering major who also plans to graduate in 2026, served as the Logistics Manager. In this role, she oversaw travel information, sleeping accommodations, finances and meals.

Kayla Gerth, a USI manufacturing engineering major who plans to graduate in 2026, served as the Quality Manager. This role included verifying and validating all critical construction points throughout the building process.

Sophia Miranda, a USI biology major, who plans to graduate in 2028, served as the Cultural Relations Manager. She focused on the interactions between the university teams and the local community. “As a non-engineering student, I found a new adventure, a wider world view and a welcoming community on this trip,” she says.

During the Fall and Spring Semesters leading up to the bridge builds, USI students work with volunteer professional engineers to complete the bridge design and make sure it receives a seal of approval. Students designing and planning the bridge project complete work equivalent to one of their engineering courses, and many utilize their Senior Design course to complete the work necessary for the project.

Following the success of Khelekhele, another team, including Hollis, who served as Safety Manager, completed the Hlanganani suspension bridge as part of an EIA pilot project, bringing their total impact to more than 6,000 community members, including over 1,000 children who can now safely access vital resources. USI worked in partnership with Cornell University and University College London on this build. This is the first student-led suspension bridge in EIA’s history as all other bridges completed have been suspended bridges. Suspended bridges are concave and use tiers made from rock and concrete to support the weight of the bridge. Suspension bridges are convex and use large steel towers to support the weight of the bridge. The team is now a part of EIA history and is positioned to help train future teams on suspension bridge builds.

These projects underscore the strength of the USI Engineering Program’s focus on real-world applications to build student skills.

“This trip was more than just building a bridge—it was about connecting people,” said Ellis. “Working alongside the local community reminded me to slow down, appreciate relationships and focus on what really matters. I came home with a deeper gratitude and a renewed commitment to use my skills to serve others.”

“Applying engineering principles in the real world with unexpected obstacles and unforeseen variables is always a challenge—to do this in a rural community of a developing economy with language barriers is even harder,” said Dr. Susan Ely, Assistant Professor of Engineering. “This experience is so much more than applied learning—it provides a perspective on just how powerful engineering can be at changing the lives of those in need.”

Last year, Melanie Cedeno, an international student from Panama who graduated in 2024 with a degree in electrical engineering, received EIA’s highest student honor, the Builder of the Year award. Following graduation, she was hired as an EIA fellow and is now stationed in eSwatini.

Since being hired, she has helped build six of the eight bridges the organization plans to complete this year, including both bridges USI worked on. In her role, she mentors students from across the globe on international development, engineering problem-solving and intercultural exchange.

“This journey has taken me across Eswatini, from long hours on the road to visits with diverse communities and meeting school children who face challenges I once experienced as a child,” says Cedeno. “With the bridges we are building, communities are no longer divided by natural barriers; they are united, with greater access to opportunities and to one another.

USI’s EIA chapter is a part of the national EIA organization which improves the lives of thousands of people every year by building critical infrastructure in their communities including bridges and access to clean water. USI has sent student teams to Eswatini in South Africa in 2024, Eswatini in South Africa in 2023, Bolivia in 2022, West Virginia in 2021 and Eswatini in South Africa in 2019.

The trip was generously funded by the USI Foundation.

Evansville recognizes Jamale Thacker and Joseph Hostetler for their commitment to Ivy Tech

EVANSVILLE, Ind. – Ivy Tech Foundation has honored 37 Distinguished Alumni and Benefactors from across Indiana, recognizing high-achieving graduates and generous donors and supporters who help to elevate Ivy Tech Community College’s mission. Those recognized represent each of the College’s 19 campuses and include both people and organizations that have made Ivy Tech stronger.

Jamale Thacker and Joseph Hostetler, selected by the Evansville Campus, were named Distinguished Alumni and Benefactor of the year, respectively, for their work in the community.

Selected through a highly competitive process, each recipient across Indiana has made a lasting impact on their community and on Ivy Tech by demonstrating outstanding professional, philanthropic, or volunteer accomplishments. Those selected were recognized on September 26 at a celebration in downtown Indianapolis.

Jamale Thacker, the Distinguished Alumni award recipient, serves as the Dean of the Frank L. Hilton, M.D., School of Health Sciences at Ivy Tech Community College. A proud alumna of Ivy Tech’s Medical Assisting program (Class of 2011), she also holds a master’s degree in health administration from the University of Southern Indiana.

With over five years of experience in the healthcare sector, Jamale brings a strong focus on patient-centered care, healthcare education, and student success. In her previous role as Practice Manager for Deaconess Clinic Health Systems, she managed several primary care clinics and led the launch of a collaborative care initiative that earned a nomination for the “Raising the Bar Award.” She also spearheaded the implementation of the Uber Healthcare Rides program, which provided more than 545 free rides to patients in need of transportation for diagnostic procedures, health screenings, and mental health services.

Now in her role as an academic dean, Jamale leads a team of healthcare professionals and faculty, driving initiatives aimed at increasing student success, retention, and enrollment. She is committed to creating an inclusive, empowering educational environment where innovative ideas become realities. Passionate about community health and education, she seeks opportunities for partnership, embraces change, and champions continuous improvement.

Joseph Hostetler, the Benefactor of the Year award recipient, has been giving back to the student body in his official position since 2001 as professor and program chair for the Visual Communications Program at the Evansville campus. And, he also – through careful financial planning and foresight over 23 years — is a role model to his colleagues and to the community showing how small donated amounts, over time, grow into a significant contribution benefitting students for years to come.

While he has taught more than 200 courses and mentored thousands of students, his contributions to Ivy Tech also extend beyond the classroom, including planning campus events, presenting at regional and national conferences, and serving on numerous faculty rank advancement and hiring committees. He has applied his design expertise to support multiple departments across campus, as well as in the community. He has played an active role in fostering dual credit and dual enrollment opportunities for high school students across the Evansville and Terre Haute service areas. Additionally, he has coordinated student trips, curated student exhibitions, organized awards ceremonies, and facilitated student transitions to four-year universities and professional networks.

He won the highest honor available from the American Advertising Federation of Greater Evansville  — the 2024 Silver Medal Award; and the 2014-15 Regional President’s Award for Excellence in Instruction.

“It truly is an honor for Ivy Tech to be associated with so many alumni, friends, and organizations that underscore the value of our mission,” said Ivy Tech President Dr. Marty Pollio. “Our honorees are making Indiana communities stronger through their leadership, skillsets, and generosity. We are proud to recognize these incredible recipients.”

Daniela Vidal, chancellor of Ivy Tech Evanville, added, “Jamale and Joe have made numerous contributions that have made our community and our College stronger. I could not be prouder of them, and I look forward to our collective work moving forward that makes Evansville even better.”

More than 4 of 5 Ivy Tech graduates stay in Indiana to pursue their careers, and Ivy Tech contributes nearly $4 billion annually to the state’s economy. Today, 86 percent of people who graduate from Ivy Tech do so without the burden of student debt.