Menard Family Scholars Cohort
2021-2022 Menard Family Scholars Cohort |
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Alyssa AnsayHometown: Frisco, TX Major: Professional Strategic Selling About me: “For me, choosing K-State was an easy decision. The people here are so kind, genuine, and driven, which are qualities that I value and see in my classmates. The College of Business has endless opportunities and resources to help prepare you for both your professional career and life beyond college. I’m so happy with my decision to attend K-State and I’m excited to see what the next few years will look like. If you’re considering attending K-State or looking to pursue a degree within the College of Business, this is your sign. Go Cats!” |
Kaylee BerensHometown: Carrollton, TX Majors: Accounting and Finance Certificate: Non-profit Leadership About me: "I love being part of the Menard Scholars Program because it has gifted me with so many opportunities. Not only have I been able to make connections with my fellow business students, but through guest speakers, company visits, and trips to Kansas City and St. Louis, I have been able to network with high-power business professionals. I was also part of the Student Finance Association and Financial Services Leadership Institute. Being apart of these organizations has helped me to enrich my first year academically and helped me meet some of my closest friends." |
Brooke BlairHometown: Prairie Village, KS Major: Marketing Minor: Leadership Studies Certificate: Data Analytics About me: “I chose K-State mainly because of the College of Business and all of the opportunities that come with it. I am so excited to be a part of the Menard Scholars Program. I think the Menard Scholars Program will open so many doors, and allow me to create a diverse network of people and knowledge. My favorite thing so far is getting to bond with everyone in the program through the classes we get to take together.” |
Blythe BolarHometown: Shawnee Mission, KS Major: Finance Certificate: Investment Management About me: “During the entirety of the admissions process, K-State’s College of Business set itself apart from other schools because everyone I interacted with was so eager to form connections with me, making me feel at home before I even decided to attend here. While the Menard Scholars Program has been impactful academically, I can also say that I’ve truly made some incredible friends through it as well.” |
Abigail BrewsterHometown: Omaha, NE Majors: Accounting and HR Management About me: "K-State was an easy decision because of the special atmosphere. Everyone is so welcoming and there are many extra opportunities through the College of Business that other schools don't have. I love getting to take classes with other Menard Scholars, and it has also been really beneficial getting to hear from all the department heads about more ways to get involved and make the most of our K-State College of Business experience." |
Drew CasonHometown: Pleasant Dale, NE Major: Finance About me: “My future plans are to hopefully graduate with a degree in finance. Right now, I want to become a financial advisor helping not only those with money, but also those in the lower poverty areas. I’ve been lucky to grow up in an environment that has promoted good financial planning, but know others don’t get that opportunity. I want to help those that weren’t given that opportunity solely because they were born into an unfortunate circumstance." |
Jack CooperHometown: Nickerson, NE Majors: Operations and Supply Chain Management and Organizational Management Minor: Leadership Studies About me: “My favorite thing so far about the Menard Program is all of the different speakers and people we get to meet in class. I have learned so much about the different departments here and have taken away some very valuable lessons. Not only have I taken away many lessons from them, but have also developed many relationships and connections with people who can help guide me to success.” |
Nick EngleHometown: Overland Park, KS Major: Finance Minor: Leadership Studies About me: "I'm a fourth-generation wildcat, so it has always been a no-brainer for me to attend K-State. I have known my whole life there is something special here in MHK and everybody on campus truly has bought into the "Family" mindset. The Menard Scholars is one of the incredible programs I have had the honor of being a part of. It has already had a great impact on me with some of the opportunities and trips we have been able to take and will continue to have an impact on me moving forward. I'm also involved in Quest Freshmen Honorary and my favorite part of these honors programs are the incredible resources I gain with collaborating with students similar to me and seeing the same faces as we all are involved in similar activities/classes." |
Reagan GeisbrechtHometown: Manhattan, KS Majors: Marketing and Organizational Management About me: “I chose the College of Business at K-State because I knew I would be provided with the resources I need to succeed and prepare for life after college. Visiting K-State I felt so welcomed and I knew it was the school for me. The Menard Program gives me the opportunity to take classes with others in the program so I have gotten to know everyone very well in a short amount of time. It creates a great community of support for school while also giving me friends outside of classes!” |
Nora GugelmeyerHometown: Kiowa, KS Major: Accounting About me: “My favorite thing about the Menard Scholars Program is the relationships I’ve made with people. I love the way the Menard Scholars Program is set up so that we have classes together. I’ve made so many new connections with friends and faculty that I know will last for a long time. Getting the advantages that we do, I’m so thankful to get to be a part of this program. I can’t wait to make more memories throughout the year. It’s definitely an unforgettable experience that I’m blessed to be a part of.” |
Sydney HerpichHometown: Mission, KS Majors: Accounting and Finance Minor: Leadership Studies About me: “I grew up coming to all the home football games with my dad, so I ultimately chose K-State because it felt like home! Joining the Menard Scholars Program was the best decision I made as a freshman. It led me to where I am today as a senior and really helped me to get involved on campus. My favorite parts about the Menard Scholars Program include the numerous opportunities you have as well as the friendships you make with highly motivated individuals. Post graduation I am looking to work in the public accounting industry as an auditor.” |
Ajooni HundalHometown: Shawnee, KS Majors: Organizational Management and Entrepreneurship Minor: Leadership Studies About me: “I’m really glad that I got the opportunity to become a Menard Scholar. I feel like we’ve all become really close and it’s just been super fun to have our classes together. It feels like we have created a small little family. I’ve made so many friends and connections that will last a lifetime and I’m so grateful for that.” |
Thomas LacyHometown: Bentonville, AR Major: Entrepreneurship About me: “I believe being part of the Menard Program has allowed me to meet people who care about their future like me. It has been great to meet the other Menard scholars and we all have become close friends this semester. I chose to major in Entrepreneurship because I want to open my own business one day, I really dislike working for other people and love to have creative control over the things that I do.” |
Joe LesserHometown: Wichita, KS Majors: Organizational and Supply Chain Management Minor: Leadership Studies About me: "The best part about the Menard Family Scholars Program is the opportunities that come with it. The Menard Program allows you to go on trips and meet one-on-one with many potential employers. Many of the speakers that come in all contain incredible stories that range from being the first dean of the College of Business all the way to someone who committed one of the worst acts of fraud. However, none of these things come close to what my favorite thing is. My favorite part about the Menard Program is the people that are in it. You get to meet some truly amazing people who will get to be with you throughout your college career and possibly into life. I truly do think the Menard Program holds something special for its members, and I am glad to be a part of it."
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Taylor MoormanHometown: Emporia, KS Majors: Professional Strategic Selling and Marketing Certificates: Marketing Technology and Data Analytics About me: “The Menard Family Scholars Program at K-State has given me a plethora of opportunities to connect with other students and faculty at the College of Business and professionals in the workforce. The program has provided a sense of community and allowed me to make more friends that share similar interests.” |
Grace OdgersHometown: Overland Park, KS Majors: Marketing and English Creative Writing Minor: Leadership Studies About me: “My favorite thing about the Menards Scholars Program has been finding like-minded people at the start of my college experience. Menards has allowed me to connect with people who share the same ambitions and passions as me. This program has provided me with connections and friendships that will inspire and motivate me to be successful and make a positive change.” |
Bryar O'NeilHometown: Beattie, KS Major: Finance Certificates: Investment Management and Professional Strategic Selling About me: “I chose K-State because it’s home. I grew up in a nearby small town and have been going to K-State gamedays for the last 15 years. The community feeling here in Manhattan was something I knew couldn’t be topped. With an esteemed business school, this made the decision that much easier for me. Being in the Menard Scholars Program has taught me a lot so far. I’m given the opportunity to network with likeminded business students and engage in activities not offered by other classes. We are able to get out and visit various companies, such as our recent trip to Koch Industries, and not simply be confined to a classroom. It is certainly an opportunity I’m thankful for.” |
Julia PfaffHometown: Overland Park, KS Major: Organizational Management and Pre-Law Minors: Spanish and Leadership Studies Certificate: International Business and Non-Profit Leadership About me: "K-State's College of Business has significantly shaped my personal and professional growth. As a Menard Family Scholar, I've benefited from leadership development, mentorship, and networking opportunities, including learning trips to Kansas City, St. Louis, Denver, Lincoln/Omaha, and Dallas. Leveraging all these experiences directly contributed to securing my legal internship after my freshman year, which is pretty uncommon for a first-year student. The College of Business as a whole has been incredibly helpful in navigating my academic journey and I am truly grateful for the opportunities and support I’ve received." |
Hannah RerickHometown: Newtown, CT Major: Accounting About me: "I chose K-State because not only do I love the community and people, but the incredible opportunities that K-State offers is what drew me here. The Menard Scholars Program has been one of the great opportunities that I have been able to be involved in. It has given me the opportunity to create new connections, not only with the members within the program but as well as connections with professionals. My favorite thing about this program is the speakers that we've had over the semesters. I learn so much from them and enjoy listening to their stories." |
Julia RobbeHometown: Lagoa Santa, Brazil Majors: Organizational Management and International Studies Minors: Chinese and French Certificates: Professional Strategic Selling and International Business About me: "Being a part of the Menard Scholars Program has been awesome! I love the opportunities that we get, such as going on trips and being able to network with faculty, alumni, and people in so many different companies. Here at K-State, I am currently working as a tutor for Chinese, Spanish, and German at the Kirmser Language Center. Being involved in both the College of Business and the Modern Languages Department has taught me a lot. I love being able to pursue my passion for learning languages while also focusing on my business degree. In the future, it would be great to have a career that combines both!" |
Lucas RothHometown: Hesston, KS Major: Finance About me: "A lot of times in business it’s said that “it is not about what you know, it’s about who you know.” Because of the Menards Scholars Program, I have had the unique opportunity to meet so many new and important people, but most importantly, I’ve gotten to meet, work with, and create friendships with 28 extremely intelligent freshmen who will no doubt be very strong contributors and great resources in the business world one day." |
Katie SchmitHometown: Garnett, KS Major: Marketing Minors: Advertising and Public Relations About me: “Getting involved in different groups across campus has been a tremendous benefit for me. I have already seen so much growth in my life and am pumped to see how I can create positive impacts on others just as I have received. My classmates and the faculty members who are a part of the Menard Scholars Program are wonderful and it has been awesome getting to know so many great people who are passionate about creating a better future for not only themselves, but others.” |
Ryan StonerHometown: Independence, KS Majors: Accounting and Finance About me: "I grew up a wildcat, so the decision to go to K-State was easy! I am a member of Student Accounting Society and Investment Club. Joining the Menard Scholars Program has been the best decision I've made at K-State. It has given me insight into everything the K-State College of Business has to offer. It has allowed me to establish friendships with high achieving students that I will share classes with until we graduate." |
Jaydon ThomasHometown: Manhattan, KS Major: Entrepreneurship Minor: Professional Strategic Selling About me: “Being a Menard Scholar has granted me the opportunity to explore and expand my knowledge on industries and industry values almost every week! By engaging us with top business owners and the people inside their companies, we get hands on interactions unlike no other. The Menards Scholars Program has given me the opportunity to get an early start in entrepreneurial studies, and it has already opened my eyes to what is truly possible when you put your mind to things.” |
Keaton VerdictHometown: Shawnee, KS Major: Finance Minors: Entrepreneurship and Personal Financial Planning About me: "My favorite thing about being a Menard Scholar has been the connections I have made with other members in the program. The biggest impact the Menard Scholars Program has had on me so far would be that it has allowed me to figure out what I want to do when I graduate. I chose K-State because I felt in my circumstances it was the best school for me in terms of preparation for my future. Currently my future plans are to major in Finance as well as minor in Entrepreneurship and Personal Financial Planning." |
Jackson WhiteHometown: Wamego, KS Majors: Finance and Accounting Minor: Leadership Studies About me: "My favorite thing about being part of the Menard Scholars Program is definitely the people. Having high achieving students with high standards and large goals has allowed me to push myself. In the short time I have got the privilege to spend with the others, I have built some amazing friendships that I hope will last through not only college, but well after. After college I hope to pursue commercial banking wherever an opportunity presents itself. This organization has allowed for me to grow professionally, which will help me in the professional world with internships and jobs in the future. On campus I am involved in Student Government Association as well as a fraternity where the professionalism learned from this organization has allowed me to pursue leadership positions and achieve tasks passed on to me." |
Brenton WildenHometown: Overland Park, KS Majors: Accounting and Finance About me: “I chose Kansas State because of the academic opportunities that are available to me. As an accounting and finance major that is looking towards getting my master's in accountancy, that could very easily take a total of 5+ years even coming into college with credit. But due to K-State's flexibility, I can graduate with my two undergraduate degrees in only 3 years and get my master's degree in my fourth year, saving me time and money.” |
Jody ZimmermanHometown: Ulysses, KS Major: Accounting About me: "Coming into college, I took the advice of getting involved on campus, and I am so, so grateful I did. While I love all the organizations I’m involved in, the networking and learning opportunities I have gotten through the Menard Scholars Program have been nothing short of amazing. Not only have I gotten a better grasp on the various places I can pursue a career in, but I have also gotten so many opportunities to learn and grow, and I’ve found myself becoming more confident over the last year. My favorite thing about the Menard Scholars Program is going on trips and getting to experience the different cultures of different companies. The trips I have had the opportunity to go on over the past year have given me more insight into where I want to work when I graduate, and what I’m looking for in an employer and in a career. Without Menard Scholars I wouldn’t have that knowledge right now. This program helps to build future leaders, and I hope that the classes that will come after mine get to reap the benefits of it for years to come." |