Friday, April 30, 2021

Senior Profile: John Egan

 John is a Finance major from Wichita; he also earned certificates in Accounting and Insurance. He's been named a finalist for both Finance Student of the Year and the FHSU Torch Award. This summer he will be doing a second internship with Travelers in their Operations Leadership Development Program (OLDP), and he hopes to pursue an MBA in the near future. John will wait to begin his full-time career until summer of next year after backpacking Europe with his two little brothers! 

John hopes to get out and explore the world a bit but plans to come back and be near his family. "My family has always been there to support me through all my ventures. Specifically, my parents and grandparents who are excellent role models and sacrificed so much for me and my brothers to have great lives and education."  

We know John works hard so now is the perfect time to play hard. Be safe, be wise, be adventurous, and don't do anything we wouldn't do! ๐Ÿ˜‰ Congratulations!


Thursday, April 29, 2021

Senior Profile: Carlie Sanders


Carlie is from Minneapolis, Kansas and is graduating with her degree in Nursing and was named a Dane Hansen Leaders of Tomorrow Scholar. She will be starting an RN position in the Orthopedic Unit for KU Med and continuing on to obtain her license as a Family Nurse Practitioner. 

Carlie is looking forward to serving her new community in Kansas City. "My goal is to obtain my Family Nurse Practitioner license in the next five years and return to my hometown community that has given me so much. Throughout my time at Hays I have discovered a passion to encourage and serve women and the pediatric population through the skills that I have been given. I look forward to partnering with community resources and my local churches to continue to interact with these people and groups and form meaningful relationships." 

Carlie values her Hays community for their contribution to her success; "From the Honors College, Nursing classmates & staff, Encounter family, and husband & friends I would not have finished without them. Their encouragement to keep striving to do better and make the most of my time in Hays was a big part of my success." 

With her ever-present warm smile and positive attitude, Carlie will be a welcome sight to anyone she cares for. She wants only the best for people and there couldn't be a better line of work to give her time and energy to. We wish you all the best; you'll do great! 

Wednesday, April 28, 2021

Senior Profile: Nathaniel Hunt


Nathaniel is from Wichita, and graduated last fall with a Bachelor's of Business Administration (BBA) in Accounting. He has been working at Allen, Gibbs & Houlik CPA firm since January of this year. 

During his time with the Honors College Nathaniel served as an Honors Ambassador, and Outreach Coordinator. He was a member of the Tiger Marching Band and Pep Band. He served on the executive board of the Intrafraternity Council (IFC), as VP of Fundraising for Alpha Kappa Psi, and as Publicity Coordinator for the Honor Society. 

His advisors, Cole Engel and Anthony Gabel, provided him with the support and advise he needed, not only for classes, but for what steps he needed to make to meet his career goals and aspirations. 

Nathaniel has a big ol' Tiger gold heart and supports the heck out of his fellow students and tries his best to lift up those around him. He's the first to show up, he's the first to volunteer, and he's happy to bring others on board. It's what Tiger Pride is all about. Crunch those numbers buddy! We miss you. 

Tuesday, April 27, 2021

Senior Profile: Hayley Nitz


Hayley comes from Olathe, Kansas. She is majoring in Biology, Political Science, and Spanish. She will be attending graduate school at Georgetown University, in the Security Studies Program (SSP) with future aspirations to become a U.S. diplomat. 

She has been influenced by her father in all her big dreams; "my dad has always supported everything I do. He pushes me to make my dreams a reality but also helps me in the process to do so."  

There isn't a whole lot you can say Hayley didn't do during her time her at FHSU; studying abroad and beyond the coasts. She made the most of every opportunity, created new opportunities, and explored so much of the world in just a few years. May you have many more bold adventures and don't forget to land every once in a while! 

Monday, April 26, 2021

Senior Profile: Zachary Meyer

 


Zach Meyer is from Andale, Kansas and is graduating with a degree in Chemistry. He is planning to attend the Arkansas College of Osteopathic Medicine in Fort Smith, AR. 

He finds support from his family, who is always there for him. Zach is looking forward to being able to help people in his future career. 

Zach is exceptionally thoughtful, open, and considerate of others. There is no doubt he will be amazing in his field where these qualities are so valuable. Congratulations, Zach! You have so much ahead of you! 

Friday, April 23, 2021

Senior Profile: Grace Philop


Grace comes from a very Tiger-ific family in Fort Collins, CO. She is completing a Nursing major and plans to start a nurse residency program and work as a registered nurse in Kansas or Colorado. 

Grace has been a collegiate athlete on FHSU's softball team for all 4 years here, and served as the Student-Athlete Advisory Committee (SAAC) Secretary. In her free time she enjoys hiking, camping, and traveling! Hopefully some of those are on the to-do list for this summer. 

Grace credits some of her biggest fans for aiding in her success; "my family, my boyfriend, my circle of friends, and my softball teammates have been incredibly supportive throughout my four years as a collegiate nursing student-athlete. I cannot thank the people in my life enough for the compassion and understanding that they have shown me throughout my college years, and I am going to miss my Hays family immensely." 

Being a committed athlete and a student is a hefty commitment on it's own. Doing so in a program as rigorous as Nursing, and keeping herself accountable to being an Honors student, is no small task. Grace has committed her time (and probably a little blood, sweat, and tears--softball is serious business) to making the most out of her time at FHSU. She has what it takes to dig in, make her way, and make a difference in the world of nursing. You will do an amazing job, Grace! Congratulations!

Photo by: Allie Schweizer


Thursday, April 22, 2021

Senior Profile: Jorja Elliott


Jorja is a Biology major from Pratt, Kansas where you can find her Elliott Plant Shop open for one more weekend! Go on and adopt yourself a beautiful plant! She really has the touch. 

She will still be surrounded by greenery as she continues her research in plant physiology, fully-funded, in the Texas A&M Department of Biology PhD program this fall.

Jorja credits Dr. Brian Maricle, from the Biology Department, in contributing to her success at FHSU. "Dr Maricle and I have worked together completing botanical research since my second year at the University. It was in his lab that I developed a passion for plant research, and I look forward to utilizing the skills I have learned through our research as I work toward a career in the plant biology field."  

She has been recognized many times for her outstanding research and she will be a wonderful asset to her department in Texas. Congratulations, Jorja! We know you're going to do amazing!


Wednesday, April 21, 2021

Senior Profile: Conrad Vajnar


Conrad is from right here in Hays, Kansas. He is majoring in Accounting, minoring in Criminal Justice, and earned a certificate in Business Law. He plans to earn his CPA and work in public accounting. 

Conrad recognizes the support of his advisors Dr. Tamera Lynn, from the Department of Criminal Justice and advisor of the Criminal Justice Club, and Jessica Heronemus, from the Department of Economics, Finance, & Accounting. Their guidance throughout his academic career has helped him find success during his time at FHSU and feel prepared to move on to his future career. 

As he prepares for these next steps, Conrad will also be getting married this summer to his amazing fiancรฉ, Haley. ๐Ÿ’•Big congratulations to the beautiful couple! 

Conrad has always gone above and beyond, to give his all to whatever he's committed to. We wish you all the best, Conrad! 

Tuesday, April 20, 2021

Senior Profile: Brynn Niblock


Brynn is from Hoxie, and joined us just a couple short years ago as a transfer student. She is graduating with her degree in Biology, in Health Professions, with a minor in Chemistry. She plans to complete her MCAT this summer and begin applying for medical school! 

On those who have encouraged her, Brynn says "so many people have helped contribute to my success in life. Of course my parents, they are my biggest supporters and have helped shape who I am as a person today! I have had amazing coaches mentor and guide me as I played both high school and college athletics at a highly competitive level. I also have had many professors, advisors, and other professionals in the education world that have helped point me in the right direction towards my goals! I've been very blessed to be surrounded by people who have encouraged and cheered me on in life!" 

Brynn has the hidden talent of making herself look like Post Malone, which she has done for the past several Halloweens. We don't see the resemblance but when you're talented, you're talented. ๐Ÿ˜‚ As we always say, if you're gonna Post Malone, be the best Post Malone you can be. 

We wish you the best of luck on the MCAT, and we know you'll show them your best once you head to medical school! 


"You don't gotta be perfect, just keep it real." 

~ The Actual Post Malone ~

Monday, April 19, 2021

Senior Profile: Megan Roth

Megan is a Social Work major from Wichita. She is a member of Phi Alpha Society, Phi Theta Kappa, and the All State Academic Team. 

She will attend KU to receive her MSW in Macro Concentration Practice, and plans to remain in Lawrence to work on writing social policies & grants, and working to help immigrants and refugees. 

Megan came to us as a transfer student and immediately got to work here at FHSU. As an Honors College student she has held multiple student staff positions and has been a great advocate for the program and her fellow students. She also worked as an Advocate for Options Domestic and Sexual Violence Services in Hays, as well as an Empowerment Counselor at Crossroads--a youth homeless shelter connected with Wichita Children's Home. 

In her free time, which we're never sure how she has, she works on her podcast for Christian College, Undivided, and is a self-proclaimed longboard and ukulele enthusiast! 

We will miss Megan's abundant spirit, her dedication to inclusion, and her drive to help but she will most certainly make an impact for good wherever she is. We wish you all the best! 
 

Friday, April 16, 2021

Senior Profile: Alex Rea

 


Alex is from Topeka, and is graduating with a degree in Political Science with a Pre-Law focus. He has been accepted into the Kansas University School of Law, starting this fall, with a full scholarship! 

For his academic successes, Alex thanks Professors Dr. Wendy Rohleder-Sook and Dr. Jay Steinmetz. He says they "influenced me in so many ways during my time on campus. They pushed me to be my best in the classroom and aided me in my applications for my future career as an attorney. I would not be in the position I am today with a full scholarship to Law School without these professors helping me during my time on campus. They are truly remarkable and top tier professors that care about the success of their students and take interest in helping them succeed."

Alex thanks his parents for their continued support during his time in school now and in the future and his brothers and the "friendly yet competitive relationships" that helped push him to do his best. Last, but not least, he is grateful for his girlfriend Mikaela for her emotional support during this challenging year. 

He hopes to continue to enjoy golfing to spend time with friends and decompress from those long law school days ahead. 

Congratulations on this wonderful opportunity, Alex! 

Thursday, April 15, 2021

Senior Profile: Brady Stephenson

Brady is a senior from Little River, KS graduating with a degree in Finance with an Economics concentration. He plans to remain at FHSU to complete his MBA in Finance, graduating in the spring of 2022. Brady hopes to continue on to earn a PhD in Finance, and to pursue a career in academia as a professor. 

He attributes his success to God, his parents, and the wonderful people he's surrounded himself with during his four years at FHSU. He enjoys fishing and a well-made pair of boots! 

Practical and reliable, just what you want from your financial professional! ๐Ÿ˜ƒ๐Ÿ’ฐ

We wish you the best of luck Brady, don't be a stranger while you're still here on campus!