Alumni Association Q&A: Marguerite Stearns
Meet the new president of the IU Southeast Alumni Association
“We are an organization of people who are proud of our IU Southeast and IU education and culture.”
Meet Marguerite Stearns, a 2008 graduate of Indiana University Southeast with a Bachelor of Science in computer science.
Stearns currently serves as the president of the IU Southeast Alumni Association and has a long history of volunteerism with her alma mater and community. She has been a member of the IU Southeast Alumni Board of Advisors since 2014 where she has been a strong supporter of student scholarships.
Stearns has served as past president of the School of Natural Sciences Advisory Board and as president of the Louisville Chapter of the International Institute of Business Analysis, where she was involved in the professional community with agile coaching, mentoring and business analysis training.
Get to know her and how she is serving IU Southeast:
Why did you choose to complete your degree at Indiana University Southeast?
I was a pre-med major at the University of Kentucky when I lost my husband. I had to stop attending school and work to provide a living and health insurance for my children. I started to work at UPS and moved to Indiana while I contemplated my education future. UPS had tuition reimbursement, so I looked at local and online universities. I chose IU Southeast at first because it was cheap, close and they told me my degree would say IU, but I stayed and completed my degree in computer science because of the great relationships I built with my professors and the great curriculum.
Who were the faculty and staff that influenced or inspired you during your time at IU Southeast?
Many of my professors educated, listened and valued me, making my experience very rich. I was in Dr. Walsh’s program for business majors, and the way he talked about the class after ours, which was for computer science majors, made me change my mind that day. I stayed for his next class and changed my major to computer science. Dr. Hollingsworth was always willing to help but never let me off the hook and challenged me to learn.
How have you built your career since graduation?
I am currently a scrum master, agile coach and trainer. I love doing these jobs. It is about servant leadership and making others better. Some of the most rewarding things are helping people find jobs they love and helping them do their best.
What advice would you give students looking to get into your field?
Learn the technical skills but really learn to communicate, listen and help others.
Think back to a time on campus. What was your favorite IU Southeast moment?
Graduating. I walked while my children, who at the time were at IU Bloomington, were in the crowd. They came back and finished at IU Southeast, so we are a proud legacy family.
Were you involved as a student?
As full-time employee, a mother and a student it was difficult to be involved. While I did not belong to any organizations, I definitely went with my children to cultural events and professional events.
Marguerite Stearns leads the Pinning Ceremony at Induction Day.
What is the IU Southeast Alumni Association?
We are an organization of people who are proud of our IU Southeast and IU education and culture. We work to engage the community and support students from induction day through graduation. Our goal is to build a rich community through our proud educational heritage.
Why did you choose to get involved with IUSAA?
After graduation, I stayed involved with the School of Natural Sciences, helping students get internships and mentoring. At some point in my work on campus, I met Jerry Wayne, he asked me to put in my application for the Alumni Board, and I have been involved ever since.
How can someone become involved with the IUSAA?
We are looking for volunteers at several levels. Every year we invite alumni to join our board, and as a board member, you are an integral part of planning our future. We also have three committees that any IU proud person can join. These committees come up with ideas for activities, scholarship fundraising, etc. If anyone is interested, they can contact me or any of our board members. They can also check out our website or visit the Office of Alumni Engagement at the University Center.