Fall 2025 marked a defining chapter for IUNited. What began as a shared commitment to service continued to grow into something measurable, meaningful, and deeply rooted in our community. This semester was not just busy. It was impactful.
A New Record for Student Engagement
Over the course of the Fall 2025 semester, 17 students came together through IUNited to contribute a total of 196 hours and 27 minutes of volunteer service. This represents more than 80 additional volunteer hours compared to the previous semester, making Fall 2025 the highest impact semester in our organization’s history.
These hours reflect real work across Northwest Indiana, from hands on restoration projects to community outreach, advocacy, and direct service. Every minute logged represents time intentionally spent giving back.
Group Volunteer Outings Across Northwest Indiana
IUNited organized multiple group volunteer outings during Fall 2025 that allowed students to serve together while supporting organizations addressing essential community needs. These outings included volunteering at the Northwest Indiana Food Bank, participating in a renovation and restoration project at Fair Haven Rape Crisis Center, and assisting with a community based cooking class focused on accessibility and inclusion.
Each outing provided students with hands on experience while reinforcing the importance of service, teamwork, and community responsibility.
Collective Effort, Individual Commitment
While IUNited’s success is built on collaboration, individual dedication played a major role in this semester’s progress. Members balanced academics, jobs, and personal responsibilities while consistently showing up for their community. From long volunteer shifts to behind-the-scenes planning, each contribution mattered.
This semester highlighted what happens when students are empowered to lead with purpose. Engagement increases, impact deepens, and service becomes sustainable.
Fundraising With Purpose
In addition to volunteer work, IUNited raised 2,559.75 dollars through fundraising initiatives during Fall 2025. These efforts supported causes addressing critical needs within our community, including a fundraiser for suicide awareness, a bake sale benefiting survivors of domestic violence, and Creative Cookies for a Cause in support of Brothers’ Keeper, a local shelter serving unhoused men and veterans.
Fundraising was not treated as a standalone effort. It was integrated into our broader commitment to community impact and accountability.
Growth That Matters
Fall 2025 was not about numbers alone. It was about progress you can feel and see. Stronger partnerships. More consistent engagement. Students growing personally and professionally through service. A community that knows IUNited is present and committed.
Real work. Real progress. Real advocacy.
This semester proved that when students are united by purpose, meaningful change follows.
As we look ahead, we carry this momentum forward, committed to expanding our reach, deepening our impact, and continuing to serve Northwest Indiana with intention and care.
Thank you to every student, partner, and supporter who made Fall 2025 possible. This progress belongs to all of you.
With gratitude,
Marwah Tarakey
President and Founder, IUNited
Indiana University Northwest
IUNited 
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