Senior Profile: Saige Heizer

 Saige is completing her degree in Biology with a minor in Chemistry, and she earned Leadership and Criminal Justice certificates. She was a 2022 FHSU K-INBRE Scholar. 

This summer, Saige will begin her Master's in Public Health Administration and is working on her medical school application in hopes of attending either KU or UMKC in the fall of 2025. 

"Dr. Gillock has been the best academic advisor I could ask for over these past four years. He has always given me great advice in regard to my classes and personal endeavors. I always enjoy popping into his office to say hello. Dr. B and Dr. BT in the chemistry department were great professors who managed to make a subject I had always struggled with more manageable and sometimes even interesting. Their courses taught me to study and research skills that I will use while earning my master's degree and eventually my medical degree."

We wish Saige the best of luck and look forward to seeing Dr. Heizer in a few years! 

Senior Profile: Rose Reilly

Rose is from Tonganoxie and is graduating with her degree in Biology with a minor in Psychology. She will be doing a little traveling this summer before she starts at UMKC School of Dentistry for her DDS degree in the fall! 

As many have seen, one of her hobbies is contortion and foot archery. She hopes to have more chances to perform in the future. 

Rose tells us, "My mom and dad have helped me a lot. There were many times where I wanted to give up pursuing dentistry because of how difficult it was, and they always were there to encourage me to keep going." 

Rose has made the most of her ups and downs, and we know she'll keep up that commitment at UMKC! Keep smiling and seeking those adventures. 

                      

"Life is either a daring adventure or nothing." ~ Helen Keller

Senior Profile: Nathaniel Egan

 Nate is from Wichita and will complete his degree in Finance with a certificate in Insurance. He was a Torch Award nominee, Finance Student of the Year nominee, and a Robbins College Ambassador. Nate is moving to Chicago to be a financial analyst at Molex. 

"Cole Engel, Anthony Gable, Emily Breit, and Sam Schreyer all have helped me grow greatly in the clubs and organizations I am involved in. They have all become people I can talk to about anything, school-related or not. They have done a great job of helping me whenever I need it but also pushing me when I needed to be pushed the most. They have pushed me to be a better student and leader than I couldn't have imagined coming into FHSU. My family has greatly contributed to my success as they have always been so supportive and have helped shape me into who I am and who I will continue to be. John Egan, my brother, and David Schulte [both Honors College alums, if we may proudly interject] have been two great resources throughout my time at FHSU. They were both older and have helped guide me to my success. I also want to thank all my friends who have helped me in college in and out of the classroom, especially the UABs." 

Nate has put his best foot forward and taken advantage of amazing learning opportunities that will continue to guide him in his success. Best of luck in the also-windy city, Nate! 

“I give you Chicago. It is not London and Harvard. It is not Paris and buttermilk. It is American in every chitling and sparerib. It is alive from snout to tail.” ~ H. L. Mencken

Senior Profile: Madi Hicks

 Madi is from Bennington, Kansas, and is earning her degree in Sport and Exercise Therapy, with a minor in Psychology. She was a regular member on the Dean's Honor Roll from 2020-2024, and served as an Honors College ambassador. Madi has been accepted to Northeastern State University in Oklahoma where she will pursue her Master's degree in Occupational Therapy. She hopes to combine her love of the gospel and of occupational therapy and someday serve as a missionary overseas. 

Madi enjoys readying, collecting vinyl records, swing dancing, and traveling. She tells us "My family has been monumental in their support of my future and helping me chase my dream career. My husband, Cody, has been my constant these past four years of college. I’m so blessed to have him in my corner, today and every day. I’m incredibly grateful for Christian Challenge for shaping my faith walk, giving me a community, and equipping me for life beyond college. Lastly, I’d like to thank Haley Williams and Paige Engler for supporting me through mentorship during this time!" 

Madi will surely brighten the days of her future patients and we wish her much luck in Oklahoma! 

“It’s not enough to give a patient something to do with their hands. You must reach for the heart as well as the hands. It’s the heart that really does the healing.” ~ Ora Ruggles, a pioneer in occupational therapy

Senior Profile: Logan Erichsen

 Logan is from Ellsworth, Kansas and is graduating with his Bachelors of Science in Geoscience, with an emphasis in Geology. He also earned a GIS User Certificate and Global Studies Certificate. 

In the fall Logan will start his Master's degree in Geology at Kansas State and he plans to work toward a career in the field of natural resources and conservation. 

In additional to the Honors College, where he served as a Peer Mentor, Logan was a Rudd Scholar, an FHSU Torch Award Finalist, and was named a Donoghue Scholar at Kansas State University. During his time at FHSU Logan participated in many extracurricular activities as well. He served as the principal trumpet in the Wind Ensemble and Symphonic Wind Band the past two years. He also served as student senator for the Werth College and was honored to represent all students in his college in the Student Government Association. 

From Logan, "I want to thank my family for always being there for me. My parents have always instilled great values into me and continue to always support me throughout my life in any way that they can. I want to thank Dr. Jon Sumrall for going above and beyond in the classroom to make sure my many questions got answered. He has always supported and encouraged my educational and research goals and makes sure he is there whenever I need him. Also a huge thank you to Dr. Kevin Amidon and the rest of the Honors College. Kevin has been a wonderful resource and mentor in guiding my education and is always there to talk about anything that crosses my mind. A big thank you to both Brad Dawson and Dr. Peter Lillpopp for giving me many band and music opportunities while here at FHSU. And finally, thank you to the Rudd Foundation. When people ask me about being a Rudd Scholar it is always hard to put my emotions into words. I have many friends and connections from the program and my Rudd Scholar family has always been there to check on me through my undergraduate degree and make sure I am on the right path. The connections they have provided have been valuable to my professional development. Thank you to everyone! I will never forget my time here at FHSU." 

Once Logan commits to something, you know he's going to give it his all. We wish him great success and K-State and beyond! 

"Look deep into nature, and then you will understand everything better" - Albert Einstein

Senior Profile: Laurel Myers

 

Laurel is from Colby, Kansas, earning her degree in Social Work with a certificate in Leadership Studies. As a social worker, she hopes to continue to help people see their strengths and potential, and will continue with her Master's degree at FHSU. Laurel is currently working at Larned State Hospital. She can see herself working there long-term as a case manager and group therapist for the adult psychiatric treatment program, but she also enjoys working with children. She would like to eventually get a license for play therapy. 

Laurel was accepted into the Annual Program Meeting for the Council on Social Work Education, as a research qualifier, where she had the opportunity to host a self-care night for over 20 people. She also took on a leadership role with the Social Work Club as their vice president. 

Laurel says, "I am thankful to all of the social work faculty for sharing their experiences and passions as Social Workers, anyone that has encouraged me to not give up, my parents and brother for the sacrifices they made to get me here, my church family, and most of all my faith in God." 

She aims to be a lifelong learner of mental development to learn about how trauma impacts people's lives and how to help them overcome difficult things. If you've ever spent time with Laurel, you know she is a great listener, compassionate, and wants to understand others. She has a very gentle and reassuring presence that will undoubtedly help her help others with big challenges. Keep up the great work, Laurel! 

Be the change you wish to see in the world. ~ Mahatma Gandhi

Senior Profile: Kayla Brannick

 Kayla is from Topeka, graduating with a Bachelor of Business Administration in Marketing, with an emphasis in Business Development and Sales. She has also earned a certificate in leadership. 

Whatever path Kayla finds herself on, you can be sure she will make it her own. May you have many adventures awaiting you. Congratulations! 

The purpose of life is to live it, to taste experience to the utmost, to reach out eagerly and without fear for newer and richer experience. 

~ Eleanor Roosevelt

Senior Profile: Joshua Schulte

 Joshua is from Victoria, Kansas, and is earning his Bachelor of Business Administration in Accounting with an emphasis in Public Accounting. He also has a minor in Agriculture and will complete certificates in Ag Business and Finance. Joshua plans to pursue his career as a tax accountant as well as return to farming. 

The HC won't be quite the same with Joshua! We wish him nothing but success in his pursuits. 

There are three people you need in life: an accountant, a fishmonger, and a bail bondsman.

~ Guy Fieri

(Preferably not the latter.)

Senior Profile: Jasmin Alvarado-Martinez

 

Jasmin is from Dodge City, Kansas, and is completing her Bachelor's degree in Business Administration with a concentration in Human Resources. She plans to be an HR Generalist back home in Dodge City for Dodge City Community College and is looking forward to reconnecting with her home community. She wants to make a difference for her community using what she learned here at FHSU. Jas is also looking forward to spending more time on another one of her loves, soccer! 

Her department professors and mentors, LeAnn Brown, Tony Gabel, Cole Engel, and more have helped contribute to her success. "ALL my professors and mentors that I have had along the way have contributed to my success. Without them, I wouldn’t have had the absolute best experience and support system that I did in my time at Fort Hays!" 

Jasmin has stepped up to make a difference already so we know she will find success doing so back in Dodge City. We're lucky to have had her in Hays for a while and wish her the best of luck! 

 It's one thing to be a part of an organization. It's another thing to be a part of the community. 

~Travis Kelce

Senior Profile: Hannah Eller

 Hannah is from Hoxie and is completing her Bachelor of Arts in English with a concentration in Literature. For the near future, she plans to remain in Hays while her partner completes their degree but is interested in pursuing a library career and returning to school to complete a Master's degree. 

We wish you many days spent with your favorite books! Congratulations!

“I know nothing in the world that has as much power as a word. Sometimes I write one, and I look at it, until it begins to shine.” 

~ Emily Dickinson

Senior Profile: Gabriella Rueschhoff

 Gabriella is from Manito, Illinois, graduating with a Bachelor's in Biology, with a minor in Chemistry, and a Criminal Justice certificate. She has started the accelerated biology master's program here at FHSU, which she expects to complete next year. Ella hopes to have a career as a state lab technician in DNA or drug chemistry. 

Ella says that Dr. Phelps-Durr has been a great mentor and advisor, overseeing her research and as her department advisor.

Congratulations, Ella! Keep up the great work!

 

“Above all, don't fear difficult moments. The best comes from them.” 

– Rita Levi-Montalcini (1986 Nobel Prize winner) 

Senior Profile: Elizabeth Stoeck

 Liz is from Olathe, Kansas earning her degree in Marketing. She was recently selected as the 2023-2024 Outstanding Student for the Marketing program! 

Liz hopes to one day work for a nonprofit to help causes she is passionate about, but for the near future she has accepted a position with FHSU University Marketing as a Digital Media Specialist and hopes to pursue an MBA. 

As her advisor, Brad Goebel was a huge help in helping her plan and coordinate, and Dr. Rachel Dolecheck was flexible and supportive in Liz's adjustment to being an online student with an in-a-hurry baby on the way. Dr. Mary Martin's classes have been directly applicable to Liz's internship work and she says Dr. Martin has been great to work with due to her eagerness to help and how she builds relationships with her students. 

Liz's biggest new learning experience has been welcoming our tiniest Honorable, Elsie! "I am so proud that not only am I learning how to be a mom, but that I managed to graduate a year early when I was previously on track to graduate in 4 years. I am proud of the example I am setting for her and thankful for all the opportunities FHSU provides for success. I genuinely believe that while I would have succeeded at any university, it is because of the environment and support systems at FHSU that I could graduate in the pathway that I did and still have relationships with my professors and succeed in my courses." 

We're proud of you too, Liz! Sometimes the most important thing about Honorable life (and mom life) is finding balance and making it all work. Some days it's easier than others, but you're doing amazing and we're grateful to have Elsie as part of the Honors Tiger family. 🐯

Senior Profile: Cole Gibson

Cole is from Pawnee Rock, Kansas, earning degrees in English with a writing concentration and Psychology. CJ was awarded 2022-2023 Outstanding Undergraduate Student in the Department of Psychology and is a 2024 Torch Award nominee. 

CJ comes from a proud FHSU Tiger family, "I'll forever consider FHSU a place connected to two of my grandparents; they were both FHSU alums and passed away before seeing me get this far." 

Along with being the longest-standing Honors College staff member for the last 3 years as Recruitment and Outreach Coordinator, CJ also held positions with the Tiger Book Shop, FHSU Writing Center, and had numerous other professional, educational, and enlightening experiences. CJ is especially grateful to Dr. Cheryl Duffy and Dr. Matthew Smalley, from the English department, and Dr. Janett Naylor-Tincknell from Psychology, for their support. 

CJ plans to remain at FHSU to pursue graduate degrees and become a practicing school psychologist. He hopes to move into a tiny house and live a low-tech life while continuing to work as an advocate for and an educator about misophonia. 

Congrats, CJ! While we may never be rid of dark clouds, remember to also bask in the rays of the victories.