Who’s Who at Washburn Brief

Hannah Alleyne

Washburn’s Office of Student Involvement and Development will be holding a reception to honor this year’s recipients of the Who’s Who at Washburn University award on Feb. 27 at 6 p.m. in the Bradbury Thompson Center. The event will include hors d’oeuvres.

Below is a list of all the recipients of Washburn’s Who’s Who.

Hannah Edelman is a senior studying Human Services and Family Studies with a minor in Gerontology.

“I am the President of an organization called Love Your Melon and I participate in outreach for Called to Greatness. I also work at the Law School at Washburn. Being nominated for Who’s Who is a true honor. Throughout college, I have taken my academics seriously while studying to maintain a high GPA. It is my hope that my nomination to Who’s Who is in recognition of these efforts. Recognition from my professors, mentors, and peers. This is a humbling yet rewarding thought, and one that inspires me to continue to push myself towards excellence as I finish my time as Washburn and as I move into my career.”

Cedrick Henderson-Smith is a senior majoring in Criminal Justice with a minor in Psychology.

“I am on the track team at Washburn, president of Kappa Alpha Psi Fraternity Inc., I’m in Black Student Union, I‘m a senator for WSGA, I work in the Office of Diversity and Inclusion, and at the Mabee library. I believe I was chosen because I know my boss and others around see a lot of the work I do behind the scenes. I’m very driven when it comes to my life and goals. And I just love to spread as much love and positivity as I can to others.”

Brandon Moreno is a senior Biology major.

“I am in the leadership team of the FYE Peer Educator Program, a LinC Bonner Scholar, the Chairperson for the Diversity and Inclusion Committee in WSGA, a Student Leader for the Ichabod Success Institute, a student employee in the Prior Learning and Testing Center located in Mabee Library, and been a student representative in committees: Academic Diversity and Inclusion, WU Hostile Terrain 2020 Exhibit, NCORE, and the College of Arts and Sciences Student Advisory Board. I believe I was chosen for Who’s Who because of my dedication in making Washburn a more inclusive campus. I have personally felt welcome at Washburn throughout my years, and I want all students to experience that same feeling throught their college career. “

Abby McBee is a senior majoring in Forensic Chemistry

“I am Vice President of the Hispanic American Leadership Organization, Noble Founder and academic chair for Gamma Phi Omega International Sorority, Inc., and I work at the Student Recreation and Wellness Center. I believe that I was chosen because I have worked closely with Angela and the OSID office for many years during my time in H.A.L.O and while working to bring more diverse organizations to campus. I am actively involved in academics and outside organizations as well.”

Taylor Keller is a junior majoring in entrepreneurship and finance with a minor in leadership studies.

“I’m involved in Innovation Club and the Leadership Institute, as well as working as an intern in President Farley’s Office. I would like to believe that I was selected for putting in the hard work and always having a positive attitude about life.”

Cecilia Nuno-Maciel is a senior majoring in Graphic Design & Electronic Arts.

“I am involved in Phi Theta Kappa Alumni of Washburn as Vice President for Marketing. This organization has allowed me to contribute to the community in many different ways, such as Shoe Drives with Doorstep inc., Trunk-or-treat at family service and guidance center., Hygiene Drives, create and design flyers to promote fundraisers and donations.

I believe I was chosen for Who’s Who because of my exceptional contribution and leadership to the organization.”

Brielle McArthur is a senior accounting major.

“I am a member of Delta Gamma Sorority, Treasurer of Mortar Board National Honor Society, a member of Gamma Sigma Alpha National Honor Society, a member of Beta Alpha Psi Accounting Honorary Society, and a Peer Educator. I believe I was chosen by one of my accounting professors because I spent my Saturdays filing income taxes as a volunteer tax preparer for low income families in the Topeka communities during tax season last spring. Not many students would spend their Saturdays doing this. I did this through the school of business. This was one of the first times that the school of business partnered with the law school to do this and they really want more students to participate. I really felt like I was making a difference and having an impact in the Topeka community.”

Sydney Masters is a senior social work major, with minors in communication studies and leadership studies.

“I’m involved in Alpha Phi, Leadership Institute, I serve as the President of Nonoso Women’s Honor Soceity, a member of Mortar Board, Phi Alpha National Social Work Honor Society, FYE Peer Educator, and a few other organizations as well. I believe I was nominated and chosen for Who’s Who because faculty noticed my commitment for serving and helping others both on campus and within the community.”

Evan Hahn is a senior in the Bachelor of Social Work program doing my field education (internship) at Family Service & Guidance Center.

“I am involved in the Bonner Program, which provides leadership development through long-term service learning opportunities as well as involvement in the student organization. My service learning involved coordinating the volunteer recruitment and program operations for an organization called Thrive Topeka which provided group support meetings and supportive mentoring and coaching for families struggling in poverty. Within the Bonner Program’s student organization, I have worked on the leadership team to mentor newer students and organize events on campus. In 2018, I organized the Topeka Community Conversation for Poverty Reduction. I believe I was chosen for this award because of the leadership positions I’ve been involved in and the events I’ve helped to coordinate, but the impact I hope I’ve had during my time on campus is to encourage students I’ve met in the Human Services and Social Work fields, as well as providers in nonprofit organizations, to participate more in volunteer events and opportunities through the campus.”

Claire Leffingwell is a senior graduating in May 2020 with a degree in Psychology and a minor in Leadership Studies.

“At Washburn, I am involved in the Leadership Institute, Mortar Board Senior Honor Society, Nonoso Women’s Honor Society, and Psi Chi Psychology Honor Society. I also work in Residential Living as a Desk Assistant and the Leadership Institute office as the Leadership Challenge Event™ student fellow. I am honored to be chosen for Who’s Who this year, I believe it is attributed to the involvement I have had across campus in many different areas. I love connecting with people, and the students, faculty, and staff at Washburn have helped me expand my network and helped me grow as a person and as a leader. I know that my time at Washburn has set me up for success post-graduation, and I am so excited to see what the future holds. Go Bods!”

Linda Thomas graduated Magna Cum Laude in December 2019 with a Bachelor’s of Health Science. She completed an Associate’s in Health Information Technology in May 2019.

“I was a peer educator for 2 years with the Center for Student Success. While I wasn’t super active on campus during my time at Washburn, I was an adult learner, a single parent, worked 50 hours a week for the last year and maintained a full time class schedule. I also actively advocate for mental health all day, every day. I believe that I was chosen because my professors, supervisors and co-workers recognized how diligently I worked to complete my degree. All of the hurdles that life threw at me during my 3 years at Washburn didn’t deter me from completing my degree.”

Tessa Pierce is a senior kinesiology major with an emphasis in P-12 Physical Education.

“I am the president of the physical education majors club, I am the student director of Bod Squad, and I am a member of the Washburn next generation educators club. I also work at the rec center on campus. I believe I was chosen because of my leadership qualities and my ability to push and challenge those around me to do better.”

Isaac Bird is a senior art education major.

“I’ve had four years of involvement with FYE; Mortar Board Honor Society; Homecoming King 2019; Washburn Student Teacher. I’d like to believe I’m chosen because I have a positive effect on this community. If I’m playing guitar for open mic, dancing at homecoming, giving tours to freshman, or just smiling at a stranger, I just want to keep Washburn bright.”

Paul Mismaque is a a Senior double majoring in Marketing and Economics while double minoring in Public Relations and Communications.

“I am involved in: Kappa Sigma, WSGA, Ichabods Moving Forward, First Year Experience. I think due to my involvement and the time that I spend helping on campus.”

Victoria Smith is a senior double music performance major with a dual emphasis in violin and voice.

“I am a Noble Founder of Gamma Phi Omega, Sigma Alpha Iota (Vice President, Membership), Upper Strings Association, Washburn Student Government (Budget Director, President candidate running). I have done a lot on campus, probably more than I realize. I came in and changed the Budget Director position after a rough year, and I continue to show passion in everything that I do, whether it is academics, or extra curricular. Everything I do is done with class, grace, and integrity.”

Emily Gartner is a senior majoring in Kinesiology in the Exercise Rehab degree.

“I am the president and founder of the Exercise Rehab club on campus, I’m involved with Called to Greatness, and was on the Washburn soccer team for the last four years. I believe I was chosen because I am involved in my major and have started a club to help future students in the exercise rehab degree.”

Meghan McClorey is a senior majoring in nursing with a minor in leadership graduating this coming May.

“Throughout my time at Washburn, I have been involved in Alpha Phi Sorority for four years serving as their Director of New Member Education and Study Hour Proctor. Additionally, I have participated in numerous volunteer events through Alpha Phi, such as blood drives, the Heart Walk, the Heart Ball, the sorority’s annual philanthropy week, and Washburn’s Big Event. I have also been involved in Washburn’s First Year Experience organization as a Peer Educator and Washburn’s School of Nursing Mentor Program. I am also a member of Gamma Sigma Alpha National Greek Honor Society, Mortar Board National Senior Honor Society, Phi Kappa Alpha Honor Society, and Alpha Lambda Delta Honor Society. I believe I was chosen for Who’s Who because of the hard work I have shown over the last four years to achieve top grades and be at the top of my class, become a leader through my campus involvement, and to make a difference in the community through my volunteering activities.”

 

Other recipients include: Patricia Alferez, Kendall Beemer, Christopher Bryne, Richard Ellis, Kayli Goodheart, Abigail Inman, Allee Iverson, Melissa King, Cole Meier, Emily Nelson, Katlin Othmer, Sam Pomeroy, Brian Sazo, Kaylee Snell, David Walker, Emma Wetzel, Emily White and Alexander Yelland.