UIndy senior crowned Miss Indiana
By Adrian Kendrick | Managing Editor
Most young women dream of one day being in a pageant and maybe even winning the beloved crown. But University of Indianapolis senior, Katie Stam no longer has to dream of being crowned Miss Indiana, because it is now her reality.
“My life has changed so drastically, but it has made such a positive impact on my life,” said Stam, who is majoring in communication with an emphasis in electronic media. “This experience is much more than I thought it would be. It is absolutely amazing!”
Stam has participated in pageants for several years and experienced wins and defeats at all levels including local, regional and national.
She recently won the Miss Duneland pageant in Michigan City, Ind., which made her eligible to compete for the Miss Indiana pageant. Little did she know, she would win the Miss Indiana title on June 21 at the Zionsville Performing Arts Center.
“I know this is a resume changing experience for her,” said Scott Uecker, general manager of UIndy TV and university owned radio station WICR-FM. “Winning [the pageant] has been one of her goals and dreams. It makes me so happy she has been able to achieve this. I’m thrilled, we’re (UIndy) all thrilled!”
Stam not only surpassed other contestants in the Miss Indiana Pageant, but she also excels in academics. She has been one of the top broadcasting students in the Department of Communication, taking on leadership roles such as News Director and the current Operations Manager for the campus cable station UIndy TV.
This year Stam helped the UIndy TV department win the Indiana Association of School Broadcasters annual college competition, obtaining the TV School of the Year title.
Stam has also received awards for first place in both the TV News Anchor and TV News Package categories. She, along with six other UIndy students, won national recognition this year in the Broadcast Education Association’s annual competition.
Uecker said Katie processes all the qualities he looks for in a good student.
“Her leadership ability is what has impressed me more than anything else,” Uecker said. “She is a leader in every sense of the word. She is intelligent, talented and she has a presence on camera. Katie has the whole package when it comes to being a television journalist.”
This summer Stam interned with WISH-TV and last summer she had the opportunity to work with WTHR. She will graduate a semester early this year and hopes to have a career in TV news.
“Miss Indiana is a scholarship pageant, so the first priority is school,” Stam said. “I’m dropping down to a part-time student status just so I can focus on prep for Miss America.”
Stam will compete for the title of Miss America in Las Vegas, Nev. On January 24, 2009. She will also participate in various other activities as the reigning Miss Indiana.
“I have many appearances multiple times a week. I’ve already driven about 2,000 miles being in parades, going to different events,” Stam explained. “I am extremely busy, but I love every second of it.”
Stam is not the only Miss Indiana winner to come from UIndy. UIndy alum and former music major Karen Rogers claimed the title after graduating from in 1973.
Stam said her main goal as Miss Indiana is to represent this state to the best of her ability at the Miss America competition. She also wants to promote the Miss Indiana program throughout the state and uphold her own platform community service.
“I know Katie Stam as Miss Indiana and I know Katie Stam, but I’m more pleased and proud to have known Katie for the past three years,” Uecker said. “She’s very grounded and down to earth. She’s a tremendous young woman, who will represent the university, the state and our TV department well as Miss Indiana.”
