Indiana University Center for Rural Engagement

In Santa Claus, Indiana, the town's long tradition of answering "Dear Santa" letters from children around the world has grown into a global phenomenon. This semester, IU graduate student Brittany Eckler worked tirelessly with the Santa Claus Museum & Village to preserve these heartfelt letters—some nearly 100 years old—as part of the center's new Rural Scholars Program. Read the full story at go.iu.edu/8rOM. IU Luddy Department of Information and Library Science Indiana University Luddy School of Informatics, Computing, and Engineering

In the latest episode of Our Indiana: Stories from Rural Hoosiers, we join host Denny Spinner and guests Jessica Potts of Martin County Alliance for Economic Growth, Inc., Jonathan Racek of the IU Eskenazi School of Art, Architecture + Design, and Nicole Vasconi for a discussion on the transformative impact of the Rural Placemaking Studio on Martin County, Indiana, and the IU students who took part in the program. Listen now at go.iu.edu/ourindiana or visit any major streaming platform.

ALUM SPOTLIGHT: As an IU student, Sarah Murphy helped develop reuse proposals for the decommissioned Avoca State Fish Hatchery in her native Lawrence County through the Sustaining Hoosier Communities (SHC) initiative. Today, the nature enthusiast channels her passion for the outdoors as the assistant property manager at Spring Mill State Park. Read more at go.iu.edu/8rO4. Indiana University School of Public Health-Bloomington Indiana Department of Natural Resources

The new Rural Scholars Program is connecting IU students with high-priority projects throughout rural Indiana. This semester, students are recording oral histories for Indiana Landmarks' Black Heritage Preservation Program, creating placemaking designs for the communities of Washington and Ferdinand, working on archival projects for the Santa Claus Museum & Village, and advancing rural health initiatives. Learn more and meet the Rural Scholars at go.iu.edu/8rN9. IU Eskenazi School of Art, Architecture + Design

In her 2024 State of the University address, Indiana University President Pamela Whitten highlighted the center's ongoing efforts to support and strengthen rural communities across Indiana. "We are also increasing rural partnerships statewide through IU’s Center for Rural Engagement, which connects the research, teaching, and service of IU Bloomington faculty, staff, and students with rural Indiana's opportunities and assets to support thriving communities. Since its creation in 2018, the center has launched 344 projects in 81 Indiana counties, mobilized more than 4,000 students to help Hoosier communities, and engaged over 53,000 Indiana residents in more than 90 communities. A project from this past summer in Dubois County, Indiana, stands out. Jessica Pineyard, a graduate student at the IU Bloomington School of Public Health, conducted a community mental health needs assessment that uncovered some stark realities facing rural areas—provider shortages, geographic isolation, and compounding barriers that make equitable healthcare a significant challenge. Strengthening our rural communities also serves IU students and their families. Almost 40 percent of IU’s regional campus students are from rural areas. Rural students comprise more than 60 percent of the student bodies at IU East and IU Southeast and over 73 percent at IU Kokomo." Read the full address at go.iu.edu/8rN8.

Interested in applying for the 2025 Rural Placemaking Studio? Attend a virtual Q&A on Thursday, January 9, to discuss your project or application with our staff. The deadline to submit an application is January 17. Register for the Q&A at go.iu.edu/8rLw.

Join us for a virtual info session on Monday, December 16, to learn how your rural community can become the next Sustaining Hoosier Communities (SHC) partner. The session will cover program details, eligibility, and how to apply by the October 2025 deadline. Learn more and register to attend at go.iu.edu/8rsh.

Through September 2024, we've engaged 101,160+ residents in 123 communities across 86 counties, developing 402 projects on resilience, health, and quality of place. Explore our 2023-24 Impact Report to see how we're building a brighter future together. Download the report at go.iu.edu/8rHg.

We're accepting proposals for the annual IU Rural Conference, held May 12-13 at the French Lick Resort. Submit your ideas for breakout sessions, demonstrations, and posters through December 31. Learn more at go.iu.edu/2025rural. #IURural2025

Thank you to our interns for your hard work, dedication, and willingness to learn. Your contributions are invaluable, and we're grateful to have you as a part of our team. #WeekOfThanks