Angela Stellrecht, Champaign, IL

From a young age I knew I had a passion for helping other people.  As an undergrad at the University of Wisconsin-Madison, I studied sociology with a concentration on analysis and research.  This program allowed me to do health research in the hopes of improving health and social welfare for vulnerable populations.  As a graduate student at the University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign I will continue to pursue this goal.  Upon completing my education I hope to work in the non-profit sector for an organization that is focused on improving social welfare systems for disadvantaged populations.  Thanks to the significant and meaningful influence and guidance I’ve received throughout my life from both my parents, Jeffrey Gerard and Nancy Anne Stellrecht, and grandparents, Warren and Elsie Stellrecht, I know I can achieve these goals and much more.

Mathew Evans, Johnston, IA

I am a sophomore at Iowa State University-Ames, majoring in public relations with a minor in sports management.  My family includes my father, James Evans, mother, Cathy Evans, and my brother, Andrew. While at Iowa State I’ve worked for the Iowa State Daily, a nationally accredited news publication, and have been published multiple times. After college I would like to work for a broadcast company, like CNN, and eventually work for a sports team, preferably NFL.  The reason I chose public relations as a major is because I have a passion for working with and building relationships with people. It has also been my dream to work for an NFL team.

Ally Parent, Stillwater, MN

I see myself as a self-motivated, ambitious, and caring individual.  My plans are to start my freshman year at Century College, then transfer to a university such as Mankato or Bemidji State to continue working towards my degree in education and a career in teaching elementary school. My mom is a teacher and I had opportunities to help in her classroom reading books with students, working with special needs students, and reinforcing math concepts. These first-hand experiences have been very valuable to me.  I really thrive on bringing out the best in people through teaching, and feel I will have the opportunity to do this on a daily basis. (Ally’s parents are Jeff and Janet Utecht Parent, and her grandparents are Warren and Beth Durand Utecht.)

Katie Derrick, Zimmerman, MN

My academic goals are to obtain a bachelor’s degree in psychology and work in advertising while I get my master and doctorate degree.  I am fascinated with why people are the way they are.  I want to understand why people react to different things in different degrees.  I want to minor in Spanish because I think the world is becoming more connected so I want to learn about another very big culture.  I constantly read; I love the numerous worlds that it transports me to and learning about many new things.  (Katie is a freshman in the College of Liberal Arts at the University of Minnesota-Twin Cities. Her parents are Tim and Darcy Derrick.)

Joshua Haren, Portland OR

I have always been good at mathematics.  I also enjoy working with computer applications.  These facts pushed me to wanting to become an engineer.  During high school many of my electives centered around engineering: game design, web design, and robotics.  My dad works at Intel and for one of my school projects he helped me use the Intel computer system to design and code a “fully functional four-floor elevator.” This project is what really prompted me to pursue an electrical engineering degree.  Before high school I played baseball for 10 years and loved it.  Although I no longer play, I can still apply communication skills, know how to handle both success and failure, and bring leadership skills to my new-found passion for engineering. (Josh is a freshman at Benedictine College, Atchison, KS.  His parents are Ken and Nancy Haren.)