Retrospective Reflection

Honors College Retrospective: Luke Lonneman
“Growth is never by mere chance; it is the result of forces working together.” – James Cash Penney

Who I Am Today: A Personal Statement
My name is Luke Lonneman, a proud soon-to-be graduate of IU Indianapolis and a former NCAA Division I soccer player turned commercial real estate enthusiast. When I first enrolled, all I saw was the pitch — soccer defined my identity. But as life threw me unexpected turns, I found a new direction and a deeper sense of purpose through the IU Honors College. Today, I stand as a student advisor to one of the university’s most successful student organizations, a Harold E. Eisenberg Scholar, and a member of the IU Indy Top 100.

The Honors program shaped me through critical reflection, rigorous academics, and unmatched mentorship opportunities. I credit this transformation to three main factors:

Interdisciplinary Learning – Honors I-Core, in particular, challenged me to think entrepreneurially and apply cross-functional skills in real-world simulations.

Community Leadership – Serving as Co-President and now Student Advisor for the IU Indianapolis Real Estate Club taught me the meaning of servant leadership.

Personal Reflection & Resilience – The Honors experience demanded personal introspection, which allowed me to find power in vulnerability and growth after stepping away from athletics.

From H200 to Now: My Journey of Personal and Professional Growth
In H200, I was still navigating the loss of my identity as a collegiate athlete. The honors curriculum forced me to ask deeper questions: Who am I outside of soccer? What does purpose look like? One conversation with my advisor changed everything — he connected me with Professor Sara Coers, who would become one of the most influential mentors in my life. Through her Intro to Real Estate course, I discovered an industry that combined analytics, storytelling, and service — everything I didn’t know I was looking for.

From there, the growth was exponential. I interned at Valbridge Property Advisors, Sullivan Development, and Cushman & Wakefield. I was selected as one of six Harold E. Eisenberg Scholars across the Midwest. I earned recognition on the Dean’s Honor List every semester. These achievements were not isolated — they represented the Honors College learning goals in action: curiosity, creativity, civic engagement, and integrative learning.

Showcased Artifacts & Their Meaning
Harold E. Eisenberg Scholarship Award

Evidence of distinction, leadership, and real-world application.

Connects with Honors learning outcomes of leadership and ethical reasoning.

Professor Coers' nomination was more than symbolic — it proved the power of mentorship and paying it forward.

IU Real Estate Club Leadership

Testament to civic and community engagement.

Under my leadership, we launched high school outreach at Ben Davis to promote real estate as a viable career to underrepresented students.

As Professor Vicki Daniels once said of me, “Luke is our number one recruiter,” which speaks volumes about the connections I strive to make.

Colvin Case Competition & Real Estate Workshop

Artifacts that highlight my intellectual curiosity and ability to synthesize complex problems.

These academic engagements taught me how to lead within teams, manage ambiguity, and present ideas persuasively to real professionals.

Reflections on Change & Philosophical Shifts
The biggest transformation I’ve undergone during my time at IU Indianapolis was not academic — it was internal. When I left the soccer team, I didn’t know who I was without a jersey. Through the Honors College, I discovered that I am resilient, reflective, and ready to lead with authenticity. My values shifted from performance-based self-worth to people-centered purpose.

In Fall 2023, I was honored to be personally invited to President Pamela Whitten’s State of the University, where she acknowledged my contributions. Yet, the truest honor has been representing the Kelley School of Business and IU Indianapolis with pride, humility, and a servant’s heart.

Life After IU Indianapolis: Honors-Driven Ambition
The Honors College has set me up for a future grounded in learning, empathy, and excellence. Whether in brokerage, appraisal, or development, I am entering the commercial real estate industry not just to succeed, but to elevate others — especially students like me who once felt directionless.

With mentors like Sara Coers and professionals like Joe Alerding by my side, I’m confident that I will continue to grow, adapt, and one day give back to the same communities that shaped me.

“The world is a small place. A smile, a hello — that’s all it takes to change someone’s path.”
– Luke Lonneman