The scent of street food, the crispy September air and the constant roar could only echo one thing “It was Regatta time,” with the rain in the forecast. The weather felt temperamental but everyone was still hoping for a break in the clouds. This year felt different but significant.
It marked the first Regatta as IU Indianapolis (IUI), infusing anticipation with fresh energy that set the stage for a celebration like no other. Regatta, originally an alumni-led event, was primarily centered on raising scholarship funds. While this was an admirable goal, the event found its true purpose when it transitioned under the Division of Student Affairs by shifting its focus from solely alumni-driven to a student-centered initiative. This transition allowed students to connect with the event on a deeper level and fostered a sense of responsibility and ownership for a broader campus community.
Regatta was established in 2009 and emerged from Stefan Davis’s vision, a retired executive director of IU Indianapolis Alumni Relations. Davis collaborated with David Nguyen, another alumnus who is an associate professor at the School of Education, to bring their vision of Regatta to life. Together, they sought to create an event that could bridge the campus with the downtown community, recognizing the unique position of the school located in the heart of the city.
Regatta, derived from the word “regattare” which means to compete and, years later, began to specifically refer to boat races. Over time, alumni and staff worked closely with student leaders to ensure that Regatta remained a structured, well-organized event.
“The reason I’m a professor is because of the Regatta,” said Nguyen. “This event has shifted my career path.”
Nguyen’s life took an immense turn from practicing law after creating such an event. He mentored students around the logistics and traditions of Regatta, discovering a hidden talent that he didn't even know he possessed.
“I found myself being on a college campus again and working with students so fulfilling for me that I went back to school to get a PhD,” said Nguyen. After volunteering on campus, Nguyen found a passion for mentoring. He enjoyed volunteering on campus so much that he wanted to turn this into a career.
Like many campus traditions, Regatta halted in 2020 during the COVID-19 pandemic leaving a void in the campus tradition and dwindling Hoosier Spirit. However, it returned in 2021 with renewed energy and a profound purpose. Organizers understood the importance of not only reviving the tradition but reigniting the flame of campus spirit and drawing the community into something that was once familiar. The event was more than just a race on the canal, it symbolized a new beginning, where the campus and the community could come together once again stronger and more connected than before.
Through the efforts of enhanced digital marketing, social media became the primary channel for spreading the word about the event. Platforms such as Instagram and Twitter allowed for a broader, and more immediate, reach, attracting new audiences and building greater anticipation. Alumni partnered with various student and community organizations to boost visibility and participation among its patrons. This renewed focus was placed on marketing to ensure that it wasn’t just a step back to normalcy but a bold step toward the event’s future.
Now under the leadership of Nolan Campbell, Executive Director of Regatta and the Division of Student Affairs, the 2024 Regatta is experiencing a revitalization. Campbell and his team have worked tirelessly to continue and uphold the event’s vibrant energy, reshaping it to reflect the diverse and vibrant present IU Indianapolis. This year’s Regatta marks a turning point, as inclusivity plays a pivotal role in the event. The Multicultural Center has invited over 100 Marion County students to experience the Regatta for the first time. By waiving the registration fee, they are ensuring that students from different backgrounds can feel welcome and that everyone has access to this iconic campus tradition.
“This year, we’ve made it a priority to engage every part of our community,” Campbell explained. “We want to make sure the Regatta isn’t only about racing but what the event represents: its connection to the community and fostering a sense of belonging.”
Behind the scenes, Campbell oversees every detail, from logistics to student participation. On practice days, his presence ensures that things can run smoothly even when students tip over in their canoes during trial runs, adding some humor towards preparation day.
Nguyen reflected on his recent practice for the Regatta with his son and shared how the experience brought a profound sense of pride and nostalgia.
“It’s incredible to see how the Regatta has grown,” he remarked, recalling the long hours spent rallying the community and campus organizations to get involved in those early years. Now, he’s back and rowing for the first time in the first time in 14 years with his son. For Dr. Nguyen, this year is about being able to step back and watch the beloved tradition evolve into something that blossoms based on strength and unity.
“From its humble beginnings to what it is now, the Regatta has transformed in ways I never expected. I’m looking forward to being there on September 28 to experience the turnout and celebration,” said Nguyen.
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