Indiana University
Bloomington

Kevin Gilmore

Major: Marketing and Accounting
Hometown: Gary, IN
Classification: Senior

Scholar Spotlights

Q&A

Why do you belong at IU?

From the moment I stepped onto IU’s campus I knew this was the place for me. It just felt right. After my freshman year that feeling grew stronger. Besides the nationally ranked Kelley School of Business and phenomenal sports teams, IU fosters an environment that promotes individuality and scholarship in and outside of the classroom. Also, I never experienced real world diversity until I enrolled at IU, and as a result I have been able to grow as a student, professional, and human being.

What do you like most about your major or scholarship program?

The thing that I like most about my majors is how flexible they are. There will always be a need for someone to count money, or promote a product, person, or service. Another thing that I like about both of my majors is that they provide an inside look into how real business decisions are made, and how business can sway our decision making processes and ultimately affect our lives.

What is an interesting fact about you that most people would find surprising or unexpected?

I love the arts! During my middle school years I attended a visual and preforming arts school. While I was there I had the opportunity to attend a world renowned school of ballet that sits below the Joffrey Ballet School in Chicago.

Where is your favorite spot on campus?

My favorite spot on campus would have to be the arboretum. The greenery and soothing sound of the water makes it the overall most beautiful and serene place on campus.

What is your favorite thing about Bloomington?

My favorite thing about Bloomington is the diverse mix of food present within the city. We have food ranging from Thai to Creole. It gives you the big city food scene, in a charming little city.

Tell us about your family.

My family is my rock! My mom has always encouraged my siblings and I to make the best out of every situation presented to us. I have an older sister, who works in corrections; an older brother who is a nurse, a middle brother who is still finding his way, and a younger sister who will be enrolling in Grand Valley State University in the fall. Ultimately my family means the world to me, and I can honestly say that if it were not for them I would not be who I am today. I am proud of the lessons they have taught me and time we get to spend together.

What is the best college experience you have had so far?

My best college experience so far would have to being able to work for the Office of Diversity, Equity, and Multicultural Affairs (DEMA). Through the various offices under DEMA, I have had to opportunity to serve as a mentor for children, and I have even had to opportunity to facilitate a banquet for a group of young scholars. I don’t think I would have been able to pursue this amazing endeavor if I was not at IU.

What do you want to do after you graduate?

After graduation I plan to enter corporate America and work for 2-5 years. After that I would like enroll in an MBA program (either at IU or University of Pennsylvania). Once I obtain my MBA I plan on starting my own hospitality and real estate organization, similar to that of my role model Donald Trump.

What music are you currently listening to?

Promise – Jagged Edge

What is your advice to students interested in Indiana University?

My first piece of advice to any student interested in Indiana University would be to make sure you have amazing grades. I used amazing as opposed to good, because good gets you admission, however amazing gets you scholarships. Secondly, come visit the campus and experience some of the things that IU has to offer. Seize every opportunity to talk with students and get their perspectives as well. Lastly, after you have done all of that, get involved at your high school or within your community. If you follow the pieces of advice then there is no doubt in my mind that you will be an IU student in no time!

Tell us about your favorite class or teacher.

I would say my favorite college class and teacher was Bus-X 104 Business Presentations with Dawn New. Dawn was an excellent teacher and really helped me to feel comfortable in my own skin. Prior to coming to college I hated public speaking, but after Dawn’s class it has become second nature to me.

What fun extracurricular activities have you been involved with?

I am currently involved in several fun and rewarding activities. I have volunteered for The Office of Admissions through the Multicultural Outreach Recruitment Educators (M.O.R.E.). By being a member of M.O.R.E., I have been able to speak to prospective students about all the wonderful things that I IU has to offer. Aside from working with high school students, I have also had the opportunity to work with younger students through my involvement with the Office of Community and School Partnerships, and the P-16 Office through the School of Education.  Outside of working with children, I have been heavily involved in the campus chapter of the National Association for the Advancement of Colored People (NAACP), where I served as President for the last academic year and will continue my term into the coming academic year. This organization has helped me to better understand race relations. It also has given me an opportunity to explore how these relations affect those around me. I have also been involved with the National Association of Black Accountants (NABA), where I served as the secretary of my college chapter during this past academic year. This organization has given me the opportunity to network with various upcoming and established professionals. I have also received two paid internships through the organization. Lastly, my newest student organization is the Scholarship Advisory Committee. Serving on this committee gives me a chance to speak to prospective students who are among the elite of their graduating classes. This has been personally rewarding because I am able to help students who are now in a position to make one of the most important decision of their life. Seeing that I was in that position three short years ago, I understand how important and stressful that decision can be.