For many students, involvement in Indiana University Dance Marathon begins as a way of giving back. For IUDM alumna Ella Self, the organization became the defining experience of her college career. Ella first joined IUDM during her freshman year of college. She began as a first-year dancer in 2023, before becoming the Hospital Relations Fundraising Chair. In this leadership position, Ella helped plan fundraising incentives for large events, such as Day of Hope. But Ella t

By: Conor Banks Last week, Indiana University Dance Marathon celebrated its annual Alumni Week, recognizing the thousands of individuals who have helped shape the organization into what it is today. Throughout the week, IUDM participants were challenged to raise $26 for the kids and families at Riley Hospital for Children in honor of the class of 2026. In addition to honoring all our wonderful alumni, we wanted to give special recognition to our newest alumni in the class of

By: Conor Banks Last week, Indiana University Dance Marathon held its annual Ryan and Ashley Week, honoring the legacies of Ryan White and Ashley Louise Crouse. The two figures serve as lasting reminders of the why behind IUDM, inspiring this year’s theme –– “Empowered Together to Honor the Angles Among Us.” Ryan, an Indiana native, contracted HIV/AIDS at 13-years-old. Following his diagnosis, Ryan faced widespread challenges. Throughout the 1980’s, he battled the stigma surr

By: Conor Banks Indiana University Dance Marathon is widely known as the second largest student-run philanthropy in the world, raising record-breaking totals for Riley Hospital for Children. During its 2025 Dance Marathon, the organization revealed its $3,135,391.23 total for the kids and families at Riley. But behind these large numbers is a growing network of high school students, known as High School Dance Marathon. These students make a difference long before they step

By: Conor Banks Each year, Indiana football takes on Purdue to compete for the Old Oaken Bucket. Inspired by this rivalry on the field, Indiana University Dance Marathon partnered with Purdue University Dance Marathon for a week-long fundraising effort to benefit the kids and families at Riley Hospital for Children. This annual tradition is known as Old Riley Bucket Week. Throughout the week, IUDM members participated in several activities and challenges to acquire donatio

By: Conor Banks Every spring, IUDM dedicates a week to strengthening the connection between its members and Riley Hospital for Children –– a tradition known as Riley Week. IUDM held its 2026 Riley Week from Feb. 23 – 27. Throughout the week, activities showcased IUDM’s ongoing commitment to Riley and celebrated members of the dedicated staff and miracle makers who make up the hospital community. Riley Week began with a Doc Talk on Monday, where students learned from Riley

By: Conor Banks Leadership is at the heart of Indiana University Dance Marathon. Each year, a dedicated group of 23 people is selected to serve on the Executive Council –– the organization’s highest level of leadership. The Executive Council is made up of 18 Directors, four Vice Presidents and one President. Tasked with overseeing committees, fostering community, and supporting fundraising efforts, these leaders play a crucial role in raising money for Riley Hospital for Ch

By: Hannah Bukowski From November 7 to 9 at the IU Tennis Center, hundreds of students from Indiana University hosted the 35th annual IU Dance Marathon (IUDM) Over the course of 36 hours, thousands will unite with a common goal: raising funds and awareness for Riley Hospital for Children in Indianapolis and celebrating the courage of young patients and families whose lives are touched by the hospital's care. IUDM is about far more than dancing. It’s a movement born out of ho

At Finney Hospitality Group, our commitment to giving back is inspired by our founder, Nathan Finney, who believed hospitality is about more than food and drinks; it’s about creating spaces where everyone feels valued and welcomed. From The Tap in Bloomington to Social Cantina, SmokeWorks, and beyond, Nathan’s dedication to community and service has been at the heart of everything we do. Supporting IU Dance Marathon aligns perfectly with his philosophy of making a difference

At Buckingham Foundation, when we say we care about community, we are not just saying it, we are investing in it. Our support of IU Dance Marathon (IUDM), in partnership with The Reilly Foundation, is one of the many ways we live out that mission. We are continually inspired by the students who lead this powerful effort. Their passion, hard work, and commitment to service reflect the values we strive to uphold. By supporting IUDM, we are not only helping children in need, but

By: Hannah Bukowski Day of Hope 2025 Total Reveal; besting the previous record by over $100k. On October 9, 2025, Indiana University Dance Marathon hosted arguably the most memorable Day of Hope in the organization’s history. From the moment the sun rose over Lake Monroe until the final total reveal in front of Sample Gates, energy and emotion filled every corner of Alumni Hall. One of the most powerful moments came just after a record-breaking Power Hour, when the Board of M

By: Ayaan Abbasi Every year, IU Dance Marathon [IUDM] hosts its annual gala to raise money for Riley Hospital for Children, and this...

By: Hannah Bukowski Every September, we shine a light on the courageous journey of children and families affected by pediatric cancer....

By: Kim LaCava I knew when I came to college I wanted to put myself out there and join some sort of club where I could meet new people...

Ella. top left, pictured with friends from FYDE. By: Ella Glowacki People often say college is the “best years of your life.” Thanks to...

By: Hannah Bukowski There are few experiences more rewarding than seeing a child’s face light up with joy. Through Riley Connect, that...

By: Hannah Bukowski “Legacies we carry always, in all ways.” This phrase summarizes how IU Dance Marathon honors the legacies of Ryan...

By: Conor Banks Every spring, IUDM takes a week to focus on expanding our cause-connection between Riley Hospital for Children and our...

By: Hannah Bukowski Indiana University Dance Marathon (IUDM) and Purdue University Dance Marathon (PUDM) have completed their annual Old...

By: Conor Banks “Treat everyone like they’re wearing a necklace that says, ‘how can you make me feel special’”. This phrase...