10/21/2026
Dayne Pollard knew when he got to USI, he wanted to step out of his comfort zone. He, and those closest to him in which he also recruited to the University, are doing just that now. 🙌
“Coming to USI from a small high school in Southern Illinois, I was nervous about finding my place. I worried everyone would already know each other and getting connected would be difficult. Instead, I found the opposite.
I’m a sophomore accounting major, and from the moment I arrived, I found people, organizations and opportunities that made USI feel like home. I’ve gotten involved with Southern Indiana Dance Marathon, the Accounting and Professional Services Club, Archie’s Army, Future Alumni Ambassadors and two club sports: Clay Target Club and the Bowling Club, where I serve as Vice President and President, respectively.
I wanted to step outside my comfort zone. Bowling was an easy choice because it was familiar, but Southern Indiana Dance Marathon was completely new. Growing up in Illinois, I didn’t know much about Riley Children’s Health or what a dance marathon was. I got recruited, gave it a chance and ended up falling in love with it.
One of my favorite USI memories happened during my first semester. In Dr. Rhew’s Intro to Business class, I mentioned that I’m an identical twin. My twin, Daylon, wasn’t at USI then. Dr. Rhew asked if I’d want him to transfer here. When I said yes, he told me to call him.
So, in front of about 50 business students, I called my twin. Dr. Rhew introduced himself and told him USI would love to have him. It also happened to be our birthday, so the entire class sang “Happy Birthday” to us over the phone. Eventually, Daylon transferred to USI.
Now we’re both here and working to build the Bowling Club into a club sport. We hope to develop a co-ed team, hold practices and eventually compete against other colleges and universities.
That’s what I love most about USI. I came here thinking about how I could make a difference, but I’ve realized how much USI has made a difference in me.
My goal now is to help the organizations I care about flourish while finding balance between classes, involvement and relationships.
I’ve found my place at USI. And apparently, I’m pretty good at recruiting people to join me here, too. My twin is here. My wife, Kalli, transferred here. At this point, I might need to start asking Admissions for a commission.”
