Senior Profile: James Budge

Photo by Caitlin Leiker

James is from Haven, Kansas, and is earning his degree in Marketing, with a minor in Music and a Leadership Certificate. 

If you attended a music event on campus or in the community you've probably seen James; he was a member of the Marching Band, Jazz Band, Hays Symphony, Wind Ensemble, Symphonic Winds, Low Brass Ensemble, and FHSU Pep Band. If he wasn't playing, there was a good chance he was there anyway to support his fellow musicians. 

"All of my professors have been great to work with, but Brad Goebel's advising really helped my degree go by like a breeze. The music department also helped get me involved on campus, keeping me motivated to finish my degree."

As a member of the Honors College, James served as a Peer Mentor and Honors Ambassador, helping to support both current students and recruiting new Tigers. He was a constant support for other students, helped others get involved on campus, and was a huge support for our program from beginning to end. 

This summer he will continue to work at Hays Regional Airport, probably find a few car problems to work on, and plans to go into Aviation Marketing when he finds the right opportunity. 

James is a Tiger, through and through. Though one day someone might fill his fish flops, it won't be the same without him. We wish you all the best on your path! 🐯

Senior Profile: Henry McVeigh

Photo from FHSU Shooting Club & Team

Henry McVeigh is from Lincoln, Nebraska, graduating with a degree in Mathematics with a minor in Physics. 

Hank earned his spot on the Dean's Honor Roll and won numerous awards as a member of the FHSU National Champion Shooting Sports team!

On those who have helped contribute to his success, Hank says "My fiancé, Laura. Without her, I don't know that I would have completed my degree. She has provided me with the grounding and support I needed to get through the last two years of college.
My parents and brother have been a huge blessing throughout my entire college experience.
My coach, Dr. Duane Shepherd and his wife, Teresa Shepherd, and all my teammates have been huge supporters of mine throughout my 5 years with the team. The 5 national championships I have been a part of during my time with the team will remain some of my most treasured experiences and accomplishments throughout the remainder of my life.
Lastly, the professors in the math department are truly incredible and have helped me and worked with me throughout all the difficulties I have encountered." 

He plans to take on an ownership role in his family asphalt company in Lincoln, where he looks forward to continuing to grow the business and impacting his hometown in positive and lasting ways. 

Hank's next big accomplishment will be to get married this July! He plans to continue competitive shotgun sports and aspires to become a semi-professional competitor and instructor. 

We could say he should "aim high" but I think with a national title under his belt we'll leave the aiming advice up to him. Best of luck Hank, and congrats on your upcoming wedding! 

Senior Profile: Zachary Zahner

Zachary is from Goddard, Kansas, and is earning is degree in Geosciences with a certificate in GIS. 

Zach was a member of the Sternberg Geosciences Club and earned his spot on the Dean's Honor Roll.

Words of thanks from Zach -

"I would like to thank Dr. Jeanne Sumrall for not only being a good source of advice and knowledge for my early years here, but also for facilitating the study-abroad trip to Ireland I took summer of 2022. I consider this one of the best things I have ever done not only for the professional experience it provided but also for the personal growth it allowed me to undergo. I would also like to thank Dr. Jonathan Sumrall for ample opportunities to gain experience whether through verbal information or direct experience in the field. I feel like I learned many skills through these opportunities that I will continue to use in the future. Lastly I would like to thank Dr. Aly Baumgartner for enabling me to volunteer at the Sternberg Museum in both the collections and the fossil prep lab. The experience of working there I feel will be invaluable should I continue to pursue paleontology as a full-time career." 

He is going to explore his options before he makes any decisions about his future academic career and finding his specialty. He hopes to eventually find his path working in the field doing surveying, consulting, or research. Whatever he chooses, he will continue to grow his knowledge in geology and the natural world. 

Zach came in as an undergrad already with an amazing amount of experience so we know he makes the most of his opportunities. There's no doubt he will continue to discover new and awesome things he's brilliant at and things he wants to really dig into...geoscience pun not intended...but fitting. 😆

Best of luck Zach!  

Senior Profile: Hannah Wiebe

Hannah in Peru!

Hannah is from Andover, Kansas and is earning her degree in Psychology with a minor in Spanish. 

She was an FHSU Cross Country and Track and Field athlete, a volunteer with Big Brothers Big Sisters, President of the Pre-Professional Healthcare Club, member of the Fort Hays Honor Society-including serving as Community Service Committee Coordinator, member of the Spanish Club-including service as Vice President, served as a Tiger Ambassador, and was on the Encounter Serve Team. 

Hannah was also awarded 1st place for her Undergraduate Literature Review Oral Presentation for the Great Plains Students' Psychology Convention, awarded for Best Program for Disability Awareness Week by FHSU Student Engagement, won an MIAA Excellence Award, D2ADA Academic Achievement Award, and was on the Dean's Honor Roll. 

Hannah is taking a well earned gap year to spend time at home in Andover, doing some traveling, and working as a Physical Therapy Aid in a pediatric clinic, as well as working as a Registered Behavior Technician with children with Autism. She will then pursue a Doctoral degree in Physical Therapy. 

"First and foremost, my Mom, Dad, and sister, Rachel, have been my greatest support system for as long as I can remember and their pride and belief in me has only been amplified throughout my past few years in college. My parents raised me to be a kind, ambitious, and highly motivated individual, and for that, I am forever thankful. Moving forward, I continue to look to my sister as a role model as I follow in her footsteps in pursuit of a career in PT. 

Secondly, I believe the Psychology Department in its entirety deserves an esteemed recognition. I have never come across a group of such respectful and thoughtful individuals-- including both faculty and my peers. They have not only educated me inside of the classroom and uniquely supported my research endeavors, but they have also collectively shaped my experience in higher education and thus my perspective of the world. In particular, I would like to thank Dr. Ken Windholz for his intentionality and meaningful investment into each of his students. His wisdom and friendship is immeasurably valuable."

With her many other ambitions, Hannah hopes to one day own her own dance studio! She loves brownies and spending time outdoors, and looks forward to having some time to read, paint, and garden. 

There's no evidence that there is anything Hannah can't accomplish, and she puts her all into her work. She really makes sure she's doing everything she can be well prepared, well trained, and be of service to others; she will do much good in her field. Don't forget to take as good care of yourself as you do others--we wish you the best, Hannah! 

Senior Profile: Ashley Achilles

 Ashley is from McPherson and is earning her degree in Agriculture, with a certificate in Accounting. 

"I have had a great support system all through college that I couldn’t have succeeded without. I have also had numerous professors in the ag department that have guided me, encouraged my growth, and provided me with opportunities I wouldn’t have found on my own." 

After graduation Ashley plans to work as an Agronomist in Central Nebraska, and to eventually own her own farm with her own herd of cows. She's excited to see where the Ag industry takes her!

She's going to be a great asset in Nebraska and her future cows will be lucky to have her! 

For now, we hope she takes a little time to enjoy the summer days in her happy place--her backyard with her friends and dogs. Best wishes from the HC, Ashley! 

Senior Profile: Addison Mininger

Addison is from Hesston, Kansas and is earning her degree in Political Science. Addison previously graduated from the KAMS program, where she was nominated as Resident of the Year in 2021! She was also awarded 2nd place for her work at the Wichita Area American Chemical Society Symposium. 

Addison plans to attend law school in the future but will work in the field for a bit after graduation. 

Reflecting on her time here at FHSU, she says "KAMS gave me the opportunity to be here from the beginning. The staff have continued to encourage, foster and advise academic achievement. Kevin (Honors College Director) has directed me through my major change, research project development, and integration into FHSU's 'general population'."

Among many other things she committed time to, Addison is a member of Phi Kappa Phi, National Society for Leadership and Success, and FHSU Young Democrats. 

Addie's proclivity to climb trees that she might not be able to gracefully get out of is a great metaphor (though also quite literally true) that shows her commitment to taking on challenges others shy away from. Law school may be a pretty big tree, but she will most definitely climb it and lead the way for others. 

Wishing you the best of luck, Addie! 

 

“You have to act as if it were possible to radically transform the world. 

And you have to do it all the time.” 

~ Angela Davis

Senior Profile: Levi Hickert

 Levi is from Hays, and is earning a degree in Pre-engineering Physics with a minor in Mathematics. He plans to complete the dual degree program in Engineering at K-State, where he will transfer this coming fall, and will receive his degree in Physics from FHSU. 

Levi was President of the Physics and Engineering Club, and a member of Astronomy Club, College Republicans, and Tigers Motorcycle Club. He was granted a spot on the Dean's Honor Roll every semester at FHSU.

"I would like to thank all of the profs in the Physics Department. The relationships I've developed with each of them has really made my time at FHSU great. Having daily conversations with Clark, Deyo, Kayvan, and Maseberg over lunch really made the physics department feel like home. Also, having Gavin as a research mentor and reference really gave me the opportunity to excel not only on paper, but in practice as well. I also can't forget about my daily chats with Kelly, our department administrative assistant. Finally, all of my buddies in the physics department, some of which are also a part of the Honors College. I wouldn't be here without them, truly. If I hadn't met them in my first semester of college, I would not have stuck with Physics for this long. I am truly grateful to all of them. They kept me sane and allowed me to achieve what I have so far!"  

When he's not in the lab, Levi enjoys collecting and shooting vintage firearms, mountain hiking, history, and motorcycles. His goal, once he graduates, is to work in the defense industry in vehicle or weapon systems development--which he hopes will take him around the world! 

Levi brings a great work ethic to everything he does, so K-State is lucky to have him! Show them how it's done, Levi, and best of luck! 

Senior Profile: Clay Burk

Fellow pre-engineering collaborator Levi (left), Kevin and Victoria (center), and Clay (right)

Clay is from Hays and is majoring in Physics, with a minor in Mathematics. 

He plans to complete the dual degree program in Engineering at K-State, where he will transfer this coming fall, and will receive his degree in Physics from FHSU. 

Clay was a member of the Physics Club and Astronomy Club, but it was a rare treat to see him out and about, away from his work with the physics department. (If you need to know how to lure out physics students, we recommend snacks.) He plans to become a mechanical engineer. 

"Pretty much every professor in the physics department has contributed tremendously to my success by pushing me to do my best academically." 

Clay is humble, mindful, and committed to his work so we're sure he'll only continue to get better with new resources at his fingertips. Take good care of him, K-State. Best of luck, Clay! 

Senior Profile: Brynn Wooten

Brynn is from Westminster, Colorado and is earning degrees in Geology and Biology, as well as certificates in Museum Studies and Zoology. 

Here are some of the things Brynn accomplished, just at her time here at FHSU: 

National Science Foundation Graduate Research Fellowship
Barry Goldwater Foundation 2021 Goldwater Scholar
Geological Society of America J. David Lowell Field Camp Scholar
Association for Women Geoscientists Maria Luisa Crawford Field Study Scholar
Honorable Mention for Undergraduate Excellence in Paleontology and Expanding Representation in Geosciences Award
Kansas Geological Society Kansas Geological Foundation Scholar
Fort Hays Honor Society
Dean's Honor Roll
Phi Theta Kappa
Honors College scholarship awardee and Peer Mentor
Werth STEM Scholar
Committee for 2023 FHSU Pilot Award
FHSU Geosciences Department Christopher Schmidt Geology Scholar, Longpine Field Scholar, Women in Geosciences Award, and Myrl V. Walker Scholar

Is that all, you might ask? Nope. She was also a member of FHSU Concert Choir, Smoky Hill Chorale community choir, FHSU Women's Chorale, Sternberg Geosciences Club, Biology Club, and was a Sternberg Museum volunteer. Brynn was a finalist for the 2023 FHSU Torch Award for outstanding undergraduate seniors.

Having long been involved in research, and museum and field work, Brynn's goal is to develop a career in research and teaching in paleontology, or as a museum curator. You can take Brynn out of the museum but...she'll just go back! 

"I would like to acknowledge the Geosciences Department, Biology Department,  Sternberg Museum, and Honors College for contributing to my success throughout college. I chose to attend FHSU because 1) it has excellent geology and biology programs which allowed me to take graduate-level courses in paleontology, taxonomy/systematics, and museum studies (coursework rarely available to undergrads at other colleges), 2) it gives me the opportunity to work at the Sternberg Museum, and 3) it has the Honors College. The idea of being in the Honors College and living in the honors dorm, where I could interact with other like-minded scholars, was very appealing to me. The support I received from the Honors College scholarships allowed me to continue my museum work, focus on my studies, and participate in extracurricular activities in the Honors College and university choirs. These FHSU institutions have been pillars of my college experience, not just academically, but also the means by which I have met so many interesting people along the way. I have had a lot of great professors at FHSU, but I would like to specifically acknowledge four professors (Drs. Laura Wilson, Kevin Amidon, Lorelei Patrick, and Jeanne Sumrall) and a Sternberg curator (Dr. Aly Baumgartner) for their advice, mentorship, and recommendation letters. They went above-and-beyond and were instrumental in my success here at FHSU and my future in grad school." 

Brynn will continue her academic journey this fall at Vanderbilt University in Nashville. 

As proud as we are of all of Brynn's academic commitment and success, we're as proud of who she is as a person. She's an advocate for students, a dedicated student of life, a loyal friend, and a rescuer of skunks (among other critters, no doubt). She will open doors Vanderbilt didn't even know were shut and they will be better for it, just as we are at FHSU. There is no question that she will succeed in her goals and we can't wait to see what else she accomplishes. Congratulations, Brynn!

Senior Profile: Faith Little

 Faith calls Holton, Kansas home, but has made her mark here in Hays. She is earning her degree in Communication Studies, with a Minor in Sociology. She also has certificates in Leadership, Grant Writing, and Non-profit organizations. 

She is a member of the Track & Field and Cross Country teams. as well as being involved in Christian Challenge, VIP Ambassadors, Tiger Forever, and Sigma Nu Tau (Entrepreneurship Honors Society). 

Along with the Honors College, Faith was a member of Hansen Hall, during which she received 1st Place in the Kansas Startup Competition (2020 & 2021), and in the Faulker Challenge earned 3rd place in 2022, and was a finalist in 2021. She also was awarded a Congressional Award Bronze Medal in 2021, and was on the Dean's Honor Roll. 

On those who support and inspire her, Faith says, "My parents are very supportive of me and my goals. They have provided so much valuable wisdom in my life. Coach Jason McCullough and Coach Brett Meyer have helped me reach my athletic goals and helped me grow as a person. The Communication, Business, and Leadership professors have been especially encouraging to me. Professor Yang and Marez in the Communication department have been great mentors. Pat McGinnis at Breathe Coffee House has inspired me a lot in the ministry and nonprofit realm. Garrett Kahrs has encouraging me in my writing pursuits." 

In her free time she loves reading, running, book binding, and watercolor painting. Faith is never without a project! 

We're happy to say she has chosen to remain at FHSU to earn her Master's of Business Administration, with an emphasis in Digital Marketing. She will also continue to compete with her Track and Cross Country teams. 

She hopes to work within a church or non-profit doing marketing and communications, and to continue her entrepreneurial pursuits of photography and book binding. 

Faith does everything wholeheartedly and has, perhaps, endless talents. We wish her the best of success in continuing her education and beyond! 

"Success means doing something sincerely and wholeheartedly." ~ Bruce Lee