2022-2023 Menard Family Scholars Cohort

Adam Ackerman

Hometown: Endicott, NY

Majors: Finance and Accounting

Minor: Entrepreneurship

About me: “I was fortunate enough to be accepted into the Menard Scholars and I cannot be more thankful. In just a few short weeks I can already see the benefits that this program will have on the rest of my life, from the people I meet to the knowledge I will gain in the business world. My favorite part of the Menard Program is the people: my peers, our learning assistants, and the program head. From the minute we first met, I knew I was in the right place. Everyone has found their groove; we already get along so well. I know these people will be life-long friends. Menards has already helped me get out of my comfort zone, and the year has just begun. I am excited to see where the Menard Scholars will take me.”

Avery Barrows

Hometown: Lee's Summit, MO

Majors: Mangement and Marketing

Certificate: Business of Sports and Entertainment

About me: "Choosing K-State was a no-brainer for me after seeing all the opportunities that are available. Since my first campus tour, the people here have been kind, genuine, and truly want to see all of their students succeed. The College of Business has endless resources, and there is always some event going on! I am so excited to be a part of the Menard Scholars Program this year because I think it will be a great learning experience with people that share the same drive that I do. We are given the opportunity to engage in activities that are not offered by other classes, which allows us to start networking and gain experience early in our college careers."

Margaret Benson

Hometown: Wamego, KS

Majors: Accounting and Spanish

Certificate: International Business

About me: "The Menard Family Scholars Program has given me valuable connections, not only with working professionals, but with my peers in the College of Business. It was part of the reason I chose K-State - that I would have that built-in community. Along with the Menard Program, I am fortunate to be in the K-State Marching Band as a tuba player. I also serve on the Union Program Council as part of the After-Hours Committee and am a member of Beta Alpha Psi, the accounting academic fraternity. All of these programs help me feel more connected on campus, and I know these experiences will help me in the future."

Jayden Brethour

Hometown: Lenexa, KS

Majors: Finance and Accounting

Certificate: Investment Management

About me: "The Menard Family Scholars Program has allowed me to get connected in the College of Business. Meeting faculty from all across the College of Business really helped me to gain a wider understanding of what the different business degrees have to offer. Getting to know the other Menard Scholars has really been a great highlight of my time at K-State so far. The wide range of backgrounds, viewpoints, and intended degrees has helped me stretch myself to grow and widen my horizons. I also love the trips that the Menard Scholars get to take to visit companies. We are exposed to a wide range of fascinating businesses. In addition to the Menard Family Scholars, I enjoy being in the Finance Scholars Program and the Student Finance Association. I am planning to go into a career in the Investment Management or Private Equity industries. I can't wait to see what the rest of my time at K-State has in store for me."

Maria Bures

Hometown: Topeka, KS

Major: Marketing

Certificate: Marketing Technology

About me: "The Menard Family Scholars Program has given me so many opportunities throughout my time at KSU. I have grown personally and professionally through the many classes and networking trips that the program offers. Outside of the College of Business, I am a cochair for both the Music and CEF committees of UPC and I play the trumpet in the Pride of Wildcatland Marching Band."

Joy Clemence

Hometown: Abilene, KS

Majors: Accounting and Management

Minor: German

Certificate: Nonprofit Leadership

About me: "I am excited to be a part of the Menard Family Scholars program because it will open doors to so many more opportunities here at K-State but also around the country! So far, I have loved being around several like-minded individuals who are also driven and goal oriented, and I have loved learning about all of our strengths and how to work well with one another! Of course, I am excited to take some trips as well! In my future, I want to have a career in the real estate industry. I hope to travel the world and hopefully serve others wherever I can. I am so excited to see where my life takes me after going through college and this great program!"

Marie Connelly

Hometown: Thousand Oaks, CA

Majors: Marketing and Fashion Business

About me: "I joined the Menard’s Family Program because of all the opportunities that this program provides. Not only am I introduced to a vast selection of companies to network with, but I also get to create lifelong connections with the other Menard Scholars! I also really love all the different ways to get involved on campus at Kansas State. Some of the few programs I’m a member of other than Menards include Rise Up, which is a multicultural business organization, the University Honors Program, and my sorority. Choosing Kansas State was an easy decision for me as it has excellent Business and Fashion programs and allows me to pursue both! For anyone considering applying for Menards, I 100% recommend it as it will open many doors for your future professional career. Go Cats!"

Landon DiLeonardo

Hometown: Topeka, KS

Majors: Accounting and Finance

Minors: Statistics and Economics

Certificates: Integrated Investment Management and Data Analytics

About me: "I chose K-State because I really liked the atmosphere, and the campus itself. My favorite part about the Menard Program is the connections I get to make, and the great information I get about the things going on in the business school. In the future, I am planning to leave Kansas and go to a city with a big financial industry, like Chicago or New York City. There I plan to be an investment banker."

Lilly Graham

Hometown: Overbrook, KS

Major: Accounting

About me: "I am extremely grateful to have been blessed with the opportunity to be a Menard Scholar. This program has benefitted me greatly and is something I am so thankful for. I have created lifelong relationships with those in my cohort and those in other cohorts as well. The Menard Family Scholars Program has set me up for success by allowing me to take on opportunities that may not be as accessible for other College of Business students. Some of these opportunities include, but are not limited to: taking GENBA 205 as a freshman, getting to go on trips with the program, and being exposed to many high achieving students that have big goals and dreams. Currently, I have an internship with the Kansas City Chiefs, and I do not think I would have gotten this opportunity without the structure and being set up for success by the Menard Family Scholars Program. Being a Menard Scholar was, by far, the best decision I made coming into K-State."

Jake Holzmeister

Hometown: Overland Park, KS

Majors: Accounting and Finance

About me: "The Menard Family Scholars Program has helped me tremendously as I adapted to my first semester at college. It has helped guide me on how to get involved here in the business building. As a finance major, I'm getting involved in the Student Finance Association and Economic Club on campus. I'm also a member of the Delta Upsilon fraternity. Through these clubs and opportunities, I'm able to hear about real-world issues in our economy and from alumni guest speakers. The most helpful aspect of the Menard Scholars Program has been the special advising as well as going on trips to see firsthand what we're learning in class about leadership. The Menard Family Scholars program has set me up with a road map to success in the Business School. The thing that I love most about K-State is that there is always someone available and anxious to answer any questions you may have and help you reach your career goals."

Matt Holzmeister

Hometown: Overland Park, KS

Major: Finance

Minor: Supply Chain Management

About me: "I am incredibly grateful to be part of the Menard Family Scholars Program, which has already made a significant impact on my college experience. The program has helped me smoothly transition into college life and provided access to opportunities that many other students don’t have. Through its various activities, I am constantly learning new ideas and developing the skills needed to become a future leader in the business world. I’m excited to see what else the program has in store! One of my favorite aspects of being a Menard Scholar is the amazing people I’ve had the chance to meet, from successful business leaders to fellow students who have become great friends."

Grace Hoskins

Hometown: Overland Park, KS

Major: Management

About me: "My favorite thing about the Menard Family Scholars Program is that I get the chance to connect with lots of potential employers. I also get to experience speakers who have experience in my field. I chose K-State for a number of reasons. The first being how at-home I felt on campus. As soon as I took my first tour, I felt that Manhattan was where I wanted to be. Touring the business school was also impactful because I loved the opportunities that it brought. Currently I am a member of the K-State women’s rowing team. I enjoy getting to learn more about leadership in my role as a coxswain. I am also in the Honors Program here at K-State. I also am a member of the Athletic Women Leaders Organization. I also attend Christian Challenge and enjoy being involved in that organization."

Mauricio Lesme Segovia

Hometown: Asunción, Paraguay

Major: Finance and Agribusiness

About me: "There are many things that I love about the Menard Family Scholars Program, for example the upcoming industry learning trips that the program offers to Denver, Kansas City, Dallas, and many other cities. I also like that we take several classes together with the other Menard Scholars, since it makes it easier to bond and form great new friendships. Aside from the Menard Family Scholars Program, I am also part of the Student Finance Association and the University’s Honors Program."

Carson Lund

Hometown: Wausau, Wisconsin

Major: Accounting

Minor: Art History

About me: "I choose K-State because of the opportunities that going here would give me. After meeting Frank Tracz I learned about how amazing the KSUMB is and what an incredible environment it is. I also learned about the Menard Family Scholars program and the MAcc program. Wanting to go into accounting having an easily laid out path to the Master’s degree seemed like an easy choice, but also having a program that would help me build professional connections like the Menard’s program was an opportunity that was too good to pass up. After visiting K-State a few times and talking to several people within the business department it was very obvious that K-State was where I needed to go to school."

Cole Mauer

Hometown: Leawood, KS

Major: Accounting

About me: "So far, the Menard Family Scholars Program has made it very easy to meet a bunch of other people and connect, as well as learn more about the business building and what it has to offer. Listening to the different speakers is very informational and has opened many opportunities up. I'm looking forward to the trips and the rest of the semester to get to know everyone even more. I chose K-State because of the business program, size of classes and school, and the student life overall. I'm currently in Greek Life, the Investor's Club, the honors program, and will be playing intramural sports in the future as well. Outside of business I enjoy watching sporting events such as soccer and football in addition to playing. Hanging out with friends, traveling, and going to the lake are all also things I enjoy doing."

Brock Olson

Hometown: Shawnee, KS

Major: Management Information Systems

About me: "Being a part of Menard Family Scholars Program is great because of the many benefits it offers. The program gives you the resources needed to succeed, from trips to major cities to the opportunities to make new connections. The community that makes up the program is also very welcoming and helpful! They are there to answer or solve any questions or problems that you might have.

I was interested in a business degree because of the wide variety of jobs and opportunities offered in the workforce following college, along with the highly competitive pay. I am actively involved in the Greek system at K-State, as well as multiple intramurals, and the MIS club. My fraternity participates in many community service activities, and it is through them that I play sand volleyball and football intramurals. Outside of school, I enjoy doing many things outside including playing golf and hiking."

Reese Reitz

Hometown: Louisburg, KS

Major: Entrepreneurship

About me: "I currently have a small business called Room Decor Alley that I love! I spend a lot of time working on that but when I am not working or in class I love dogs, playing the piano, and anything artsy! I am so excited to be in the Menard Scholar Program this year. I know that it is going to be super helpful when I am looking for jobs and internships. I am most excited about our trips and getting to travel with such a fun group of people. I have made some great friends through the program and I am so thankful for that!

On campus I am involved in the Entrepreneurship club and I am a member of the Women in Business Club! I love all things business and I like these clubs because they give me a chance to meet people with similar interests to me. I chose K-State because the resources that the business program has to offer are just amazing! Not only is the building itself so awesome, but the professors seem to really care and the classes have taught me a lot! I am so glad I chose to be a wildcat!"

Erin Rule

Hometown: Lawrence, KS

Major: Accounting

About me: "The Menard Family Scholars Program is a great program for business majors wanting to have a close-knit community of other like-minded individuals as they enter college. It is nice having a group of people I see throughout the week with whom I have been able to form connections. Also, knowing that I have classmates who are having similar experiences and struggles as mine is reassuring. The entire College of Business environment is welcoming and supportive, and this program adds to that. It is a great way to jump-start your business education and even your career."

Caroline Sandstrom

Hometown: Prairie Village, KS

Major: Finance

Minor: Personal Financial Planning

Certificate: Sports and Entertainment

About me: "I am now a Junior at K-State planning to pursue a career in Wealth Management. I have continued to stay involved both on and off campus since my time with the Menards Scholar Program. I participate in Student Finance Association and Alpha Kappa Psi as well as being an active member within my sorority Gamma Phi Beta. I am so thankful for the program and how its shaped my time at Kansas State."

Dalton Simmer

Hometown: Hiawatha, KS

Major: Accounting

About me: "As I attend my first semester here at K-State, I have no doubt I made the right decision with my college choice. I believe that being a part of the Menard Family Scholars Program has contributed to my positive experience so far. As a Menard Family Scholar, I'm being provided with the necessary resources and experiences to maximize my education within the College of Business. Some of my favorite components of the program include our trips to various companies, specialized advising, and early access to business events."

Sydnie Sykes

Hometown: Overland Park, KS

Major: Finance

Minor: Chinese

Certificate: International Business

About me: "Although I have only been in the Menard Family Scholars Program for a short time, I feel that it has already provided me with an immeasurable number of resources and access to a community with an unmatched determination towards success. On campus I am involved in several student organizations and clubs such as Black Student Union, Asian American Student Union, Women In Business, Rise Up, and Multicultural Business Scholars Association. In my dorm I work for KSU Campus Housing and Dining as a Community Assistant. In terms of other involvement, I am also a 2022 Edgerely-Franklin Leadership Scholar with the Staley school of Leadership."

Gavin Strunk

Hometown: Wamego, KS

Major: Finance

Certificate: Investment Management

About me: "I chose K-State because I wanted to go to a university with a good business school. When searching for a school, proximity to home was definitely a factor as well. After talking to other K-State students current and former, their recommendation made the decision easier. I love spending time with family and friends, cars, history, and watching football."

Emily Tran

Hometown: Overland Park, KS

Major: Finance

Minors: Statistics and Personal Financial Planning

Certifcate: Insurance

About me: "My first semester of K-State has been a lovable experience. With the Menard Scholars Program, they have made the transition from high school to college that much easier with the learning opportunities they have as well as the numerous resources they offer to us. Each week we have a different speaker telling us about their department and having the ability as a freshman to hear about it has been valuable to me!"

Kyla Traub

Hometown: Spring Hill, KS

Major: Entrepreneurship and Innovation

Minor: Management

About me: "I am excited to be a part of the Menard Scholars Program because I think it is a great way to meet people and start networking with major companies. It provides exclusive, once-in-a-lifetime opportunities to engage with potential employers and can help propel me when looking for jobs in the future. So far, this program has offered me a chance to hear about various services in the College of Business. It has also allowed me to hear from speakers with real-world experience in big business. I am eager to see what else I will learn from the program. In addition to the Menard Scholars Program, I am on the K-State Women's Rowing Team."

Jayme Wagner

Hometown: Burlington, KS

Major: Organizational Management

Minor: Personal Financial Planning

Certificate: Business of Sports and Entertainment

About me: "Growing up, I always knew I wanted to be a K-State Wildcat. Some of my earliest memories are of my parents bringing my sisters and me to all the home football games. I was THE K-State fan in my high school. I even dressed up as Bill Snyder for Halloween one year! I thought I knew everything about Kansas State, but when I came for my official visit, they mentioned the Menard Family Scholars Program. I had never heard of this program but applying for it has been the best decision that I’ve made so far. Not only does the program provide you with a multitude of events to network with employers, mentors, and staff members, but you also get to go on several trips with the other Menard Scholars. The program really gives you a sense of belonging because everyone is so welcoming and fun. While the Menards program is designed to help boost your professional development, it also brings lasting friendships with the other scholars. I know that I have made lifelong friends through the program. Outside of the Menard Family Scholars Program, I am extremely active in following K-State sports. You will always find me tailgating before the football games, and I plan to attend every basketball game!"

Colton Wallace

Hometown: Mound City, KS

Major: Finance

Certificate: Investment Management

About me: "The Menard Family Scholars Program has offered me unique opportunities to connect with industry leaders, participate in enriching seminars, and gain insights from distinguished speakers. These experiences have broadened my understanding of the financial world and inspired me to pursue a career in investment management. More importantly, they have profoundly impacted my perspective on life and inspired me to continuously learn. I am incredibly grateful for every opportunity, as they have not only prepared me for future success but also shaped my career goals and personal growth. Outside of my academic and professional pursuits, I enjoy playing golf and spending time with my family and fraternity brothers. I am thankful for the support and opportunities provided by the Menard Family Scholars Program and the College of Business Administration, which have significantly enhanced my development."​

Caleb Woleben

Hometown: Lenexa, KS

Major: Finance

Certificates: Professional Strategic Selling and Integrated Investment Management

About me: "The thing I’m most excited for in the Menards program is definitely the trips. Going to Denver and Dallas is what I’m especially excited for as they are places I rarely get the chance to go to and it will be a fun chance to bond with the rest of the Menard Scholars. My interest in business started with conversations about investing with my dad, and after that I got really interested in the stock market and the world of business. This interest led me to want to pursue a degree in finance and a career in asset management."

Katie Zachgo

Hometown: Wamego, KS

Majors: Marketing and Professional Strategic Selling

Certificates: Marketing Technology and Business of Sports and Entertainment

About me: "I love being a member of the Menard Family Scholars Program because of the lasting relationships I've formed. I value the learning trips and exposures to new areas of business that I wouldn't otherwise experience. The College of Business and the Menard Family Scholars Program have provided ample opportunities for professional development and growth, and I'm grateful for the additional academic support I have been provided with, such as free Google certification courses and individual opportunity funds. I’m involved in Women in Business, Student Governing Association, Chimes Honorary, and St. Isidore’s. I work as a marketing specialist at BHS Construction here in Manhattan, and enjoy playing pickleball in my free time!"