When I think about field trips, I’m taken back to elementary school–those early-morning bus rides, paper bag lunches, and the excitement of going somewhere new. That feeling hasn’t faded, but Field Trips with the Lilly Scholars Network bring something more. They’re about connection, reflection, and seeing Indiana through a lens that’s both personal and shared.
My first experience with an LSN field trip was last October in Madison, and I had an incredible time. So when I saw South Bend on the calendar, I couldn’t wait. I was genuinely excited–not just to explore a new city, but to do it alongside Scholars who share a commitment to curiosity, growth, and community.
We kicked things off at the Concours d’Elegance at Copshaholm, a classic car show held on the grounds of the Studebaker National Museum. It felt like a meaningful full-circle moment. While this event wasn’t directly linked to the Newport Antique Auto Hillclimb Festival–an event dear to me as someone who grew up in Newport and served on the festival’s queen court–seeing the trophies displayed inside the museum quietly brought that connection to mind, along with the excitement of the journey ahead. The cars, the atmosphere, and the pride in preservation made it the perfect starting point to ground us not only in South Bend’s rich history, but in Indiana’s as well.
After walking through the museum and the the surrounding Washington Historic District neighborhood, we stopped for lunch at PEGS, a popular local spot among college students. As I was preparing to cover social media stories for Launch 2025, it felt good to reconnect with two familiar faces–Cooper VanDriessche and Miles O’Shea, fellow Collegiate Scholars I first met at Lilly Scholars Launch last year. Cooper had been my Cabin Leader for ziplining, and Miles and I are in the same Scholar cohort, but this was the first time we really had the chance to talk beyond quick introductions.
Along with our guests, Miles, Cooper and I caught up over a relaxed meal, then jumped into one of the most memorable parts of the trip: white water rafting. The five of us formed one raft group. And let’s just say…we flipped immediately. But after the chaotic first run, we regrouped, adjusted, and had an absolute blast. That kind of shared experience–equal parts laughter, adrenaline, and teamwork–brought us together quickly.
Later that evening, our group kept the momentum going with a spontaneous visit to the University of Notre Dame. Cooper, who attends Notre Dame, gave us a student-led tour that offered a unique, insider’s perspective. Experiencing the campus through his eyes made the visit feel more meaningful. For Scholars looking to engage with alumni and explore professional growth in a similar setting, we explored notable spots like the Hesburgh Library’s famous “Word of Life” mural, which deepened our appreciation for the campus culture.
Dinner that night was at Café Navarre, a cozy downtown restaurant that gave us a chance to slow down and reflect. I had the opportunity to sit with Alumni Scholar and Advisory Council Chair-Elect Victoria Jennings and Collegiate Scholar Charley Potthast, and the conversation was one of my favorite moments of the weekend. The setting felt more intimate than other Field Trips, allowing for deeper, more personal conversations. Victoria shared her experience navigating life after college and what staying connected to the LSN community has meant to her. It reminded me how valuable programs like Scholar Link are for fostering meaningful, cross-generational connections within the Network. If you haven’t explored the mentorship program yet, I highly recommend giving it a try.
Sunday morning began with a quiet breakfast at the hotel, followed by time to explore the city at our own pace. A few of us visited Cloud Walking Coffee, a locally loved shop with a calm, welcoming vibe. It was the perfect setting to catch our breath, sip something delicious, and ease into the day.
Next, we toured the South Bend Chocolate Company Factory. While I’m not a big fan of chocolate myself, I still appreciated learning about the business and its local impact. That theme of local pride and innovation carried into our next stop, just across the hall–the Indiana Dinosaur Museum–where we had the chance to dig into interactive exhibits and even explore a bit past our scheduled time.
To round out the weekend, we took a cart ride out to the Continental Divide trails, where chickens and buffalo made for a surprising and memorable encounter. It was a quirky, peaceful adventure that captured the spirit of these trips: surprising, meaningful, and shared.
Before heading home, Miles and I wrapped up the trip with lunch at a nearby
Mexican restaurant with our guests. It was a simple but perfect ending–good food, good conversation, and time to reflect on a weekend that had given us so much more than just a change of scenery.
What stood out most from this trip wasn’t just what we did–it was how we experienced it together. LSN Field Trips are often a Scholar’s first introduction to the Network, and they offer a rare chance to slow down, connect meaningfully, and discover something new–about Indiana, about each other, and about ourselves.
South Bend gave me the opportunity to step away from my usual pace and engage with a place and community more deeply. Whether it’s a field trip, a mentorship connection, or a spontaneous coffee chat, the Lilly Scholars Network continues to create space for growth, reflection, and authentic connection. And when you say “yes” to these moments, you gain more than just memories–you gain a deeper sense of belonging.
