May 13, 2026
Trine University students filed 122 tax returns for low-income residents through the Volunteer Income Tax Assistance (VITA) program this past semester.
The number reflected a more than 58% increase over 2025 and saved taxpayers an estimated $30,000 in preparation fees.
The Trine team was made up of: Silas Jones, an accounting major from Swayzee, Indiana; Luke Rasor, a finance major from Riga, Michigan; Paige Asleage, an accounting major from Huntertown, Indiana; Stashu Patterson, a finance and accounting major from Saint Marys, Ohio; Mayte Velarde, an accounting major from Bellflower, California; Braylin Snyder, a finance major from Sherwood, Ohio; Katelyn Joseph, a finance major from Avilla, Indiana; Nicholas Alexander, an accounting major from Monticello, Indiana; and Jack Sarno, an accounting major from Indianhead Park, Illinois.
VITA serves those who make $70,000 or less, persons with disabilities and limited-English-speaking taxpayers who need assistance.
Student volunteers earn IRS certification while enrolled in the AC 383 or 483 Volunteer Income Tax Assistance classes at Trine.
Top photo: Trine University students filed 122 tax returns for low-income residents through the Volunteer Income Tax Assistance (VITA) program this past semester. Front, from left, Paige Aselage, Mayte Velarde, Katelyn Joseph, Jack Sarno; back, Silas Jones, Luke Rasor, Braylin Snyder, Nicholas Alexander and Stashu Patterson.
Two Trine University alumni were recently named to the sixth annual Rising 30 class, recognizing outstanding young professionals making significant early-career contributions to Indiana’s advanced manufacturing and logistics (AML) sectors.
A Trine University senior design team developed a custom pediatric walker for Sophia Dillon, who cannot use common gait trainers or walkers due to multiple medical conditions.
Two amputations haven’t stopped Ben Masten from working as a paramedic, but he still faces challenges every day. A team of Trine University biomedical engineering majors worked this spring to help him overcome one of them.