Khalil Pierce, '22 believes there is a little bit of magic in photography. When he lifts his camera to his face, he isn't just snapping an image. He's preserving a moment.
"I like capturing the memories," he said. "Sometimes we tend to forget things, but photos help you capture the good times."
While studying graphic design at Indiana State University, Khalil captured a plethora of memories. Scroll to learn more about Khalil's experience at Indiana State - through his lens.
Khalil joined Brotherhood of Successful Scholars (B.O.S.S) as a freshman. He served as B.O.S.S.'s public relations leader, which allowed him to combine his loves of graphic design and photography to benefit his organization.
In addition to the bonds he created within the organization, B.O.S.S. gave Khalil exposure to opportunities across campus, including the Charles E. Brown African-American Cultural Center (AACC).
For Khalil, the AACC provided a space to learn and grow, as well as a built-in campus support system.
"I've met wonderful students, faculty, and staff, like Dr. Reed, Ms. Val, and Ms. Bruce," he said.
Dr. Tiffany Reed, Assistant Vice President for Student Affairs and Inclusion, has been a mentor to Khalil, helping him develop his photography skills. The AACC frequently hires Khalil to photograph events and programs. Dr. Reed also connected Khalil to Tony Campbell and University Marketing, where Khalil was able to use his photography skills to capture memories across campus.
"The AACC really made a big impact," Khalil said. "They're not only supportive of my photography, but they also allow me to capture their moment for them," Khalil said.
He feels honored to be able to preserve significant memories for his friends, such as when fellow photographer Michael Seawood received an award from Dean Linda Maule in 2021.
He recently designed matching hoodies for his African-American Cultural Center crew. Framed around an inside joke, the hoodies bear a vivid logo on the front and the nicknames of Khalil's friends on the back.
"It was just another family moment that brought us together to take a picture," Khalil said. "It was another opportunity to see how happy we are."
"Photography is not just a job. It's a way of getting to know different people," he said. "I'm not the biggest social person, but it's a social job. You build a relationship with people."
Khalil happily captured the glee and strength of his friends as they strolled and danced at the AACC's Street Fair in the fall.
"The AACC lets me capture the events through my lens," Khalil said. "Everyone huddles around events, but being able to give it back to them amazed me as well."
Though he loves capturing moments in the lives of his friends, Khalil's true passion lies in sports photography.
"I love trying to get those action shots to get those amazing dunks, catches, and dives," he said.
As a senior, Khalil received the Bridge the Gap Scholarship, which helped him cover his remaining financial balance and continue his education. The Bridge the Gap Scholarship helped Khalil stay in action so that he could capture the action.
"The support here at Indiana State keeps letting me do what I like to do and keep showing the happy faces and events at ISU," he said. "It motivated me to influence others and to take advantage of these opportunities."
"I've always had a passion to capture the big plays, the final seconds of something, or the big catch," Khalil said. "I wanted to have something that everyone is going to remember."
For Khalil, the "big catch" would be a career as a sports photographer for the National Football League. He played football in high school, and the challenge of experiencing the game from the sidelines allows him to relive those experiences.
The memories, lessons, and opportunities he has been able to capture while at Indiana State have prepared him well for his bold journey.
"I'm proud to be a Sycamore because it gave me enough to really grow not only as a student, but as a person," Khalil said.