SOUTH BEND — Two South Bend natives have been named to the 2026 cohort of the Orr Fellowship, an Indiana-based early career development program, according to a press release.
Carter Wittendorf and Ann Okhiria, both students at Indiana University, will be matched with Orr partner companies as they begin a two-year fellowship upon graduation.
Wittendorf will be matched with the Applied Research Institute, while Okhiria will be matched with the Boys and Girls Club.
Orr Fellowship connects graduates with Indiana companies
Orr Fellowship’s 2026 cohort has matched more than 90 college seniors and recent graduates with leading Indiana-based partner companies. Wittendorf and Okhiria join a network of 676 Orr alumni and 131 current Fellows in the program, according to the announcement.
Fellows gain career development and networking opportunities
This year’s Fellows, formally selected after Finalist Day interviews in Indianapolis and Evansville, will gain career development, an expedited pathway into the Kelley Evening MBA program and Butler University MBA program, formal leadership training, networking opportunities, mentorship, and community building within Indiana’s thriving business ecosystem.
Fellows are selected for their strong leadership potential, academic achievements and commitment to community impact.
“We’re thrilled to welcome this new group of highly motivated up-and-coming talent to Orr Fellowship,” said Steven Emch, president of Orr Fellowship. “With these vetted, high-potential graduates, Orr partner companies gain dedicated, skilled employees who contribute significantly to their success and are more likely than their non-Orr peers to remain with the organization long-term.”
Fellowship aligns with regional talent goals
“Orr Fellowship’s mission aligns perfectly with our regional plan to grow the young adult population,” said Lloyd Winnecke, president and CEO of the Evansville Regional Economic Partnership. “Our first cohort of Fellows is having an amazing experience, immersing themselves in world-class business opportunities and fun, unique cultural events. As the premier post-graduate experience in the nation, Orr Fellowship is an important facet of helping us attract and retain top talent in the region.”
Together, Orr Fellowship and partner companies give graduates the professional development resources and support network they need to accelerate their careers in business and positively impact Indiana, according to the release.
Fellowship begins in 2026
Fellowships will begin upon graduation in January 2026 for December graduates and in June 2026 for May graduates.
This story was created by reporter Cheryl Morey, cmorey@usatodayco.com, with the assistance of Artificial Intelligence (AI). Journalists were involved in every step of the information gathering, review, editing and publishing process. Learn more at cm.usatoday.com/ethical-conduct.
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