Another $27,000 in Scholarships Awarded

PRESS RELEASE

Leader in Independent Higher Education awards

$27,000 in service and success scholarships across Kansas

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE | April 26th, 2024 | Topeka, KS: The Kansas Independent College Foundation, (KICF), on behalf of its member institutions, is proud to announce the 2024 Maud Wyatt Recognition Scholarship Recipients. These 19 recipients are all full-time, degree seeking students on the cusp of graduation, and have each demonstrated excellence in academics, character, and integrity. Our winners have encouraged their peers to build bright, dynamic futures, all while maintaining GPAs of 3.5 or above. Each will receive an award of $1,446.32. Please help us congratulate our 2024 recipients:

• From Bethel College, Claire Broxterman, a Biochemistry & Molecular Biology double major from Lindsborg with a GPA of 4.0
• From Southwestern College, Jordan Burford, a Psychology major from Andover with a 3.66 GPA
• From Baker University, Kolbie Christensen, a Mass Media major from Olathe with a GPA of 4.0
• From University of St. Mary, Kali Christie, a Nursing major from Dade City, FL with a 3.62 GPA
• From McPherson College, Wendy Diaz, a Spanish major from McPherson with a 3.72 GPA
• From Cleveland University - Kansas City, Lexie Duncan, a Radiologic Technology major from Smithville, MO, with a GPA of 4.0
• From Kansas Wesleyan University, Hannah Farley, a Social Work major from McPherson with a 3.75 GPA
• From MidAmerica Nazarene University, Gianna Gugliotta, an English major from Olathe with a 3.85 GPA
• From Donnelly College, Zo Hmung, an Information Systems major from Kansas City with a 3.75 GPA
• From Newman University, Allie Johnson, an Elementary Education major from St. Marys with a 3.66 GPA
• From Bethany College, Katie Kueker, an Elementary Education major from Hesston with a GPA of 4.0
• From Central Christian College of Kansas, Amaleigh Mattison, a Physical Education from Hutchinson with a 3.75 GPA
• From Hesston College, Anna McIntire, an Aviation major from Lawrence with a 3.71 GPA
• From Kansas Christian College, Jo-Annie Perez, a Business major from Juana Diaz, PR with a 3.94 GPA
• From Sterling College, Zachary Schemm, a Youth and Family Ministry major from Wallace with a 3.89 GPA
• From Manhattan Christian College, Paige Schroeder, a Biblical and Theological Studies major from Derby with a 3.53 GPA
• From Friends University, Faith Smith, a Computer Science and Spanish double major from Wichita with a GPA of 4.0
• From Benedictine College, Niki Wood, an Elementary and Special Education double major from Derby with a 3.94 GPA
• From Tabor College, Sonya Zimmerman, a Studio Art major from Valley Center with a 3.65 GPA

KICF President Matthew Lindsey, upon the announcement of the 2024 scholarships, shared, “The students at Kansas’ independent colleges are going to change the world for the better. It’s a privilege to support them in their endeavors and we’re grateful to Maud Wyatt for making it possible for us to do so.”

To that end, here are recollections of the campus experience and perspectives on the future, all from our 2024 winners: 

• Because of the small class sizes, I believe I have gotten more in-depth instruction, as well as having the opportunities to ask questions, and receive thorough feedback.
  
  
• The program has prepared me professionally in the classroom to go out into the clinical sites set up for success and ready to put my knowledge to work.
  
  
• My classes here have emphasized the interconnectedness of different disciplines, the importance of accepting and providing feedback and criticism, as well as a strong understanding of narrative principles that guide the way I approach my life.
  
  
• I have matured spiritually, physically, and mentally. This institution has believed in me like no one has ever done before. For them, I am not just another student, but I am part of a beautiful family
  
  
• [My] University has given me unlimited opportunities for success, in leadership, academics, athletics, and growth.
  
  
• At [my] University I am more than just a number or a face, I am a person. I am a person who matters inside the classroom and outside the classroom. I look at all the opportunities [they] have given me, and I am forever grateful.
  
  
• Part of what led to my success in finding a job was the connections the school and professors have and career services. I met my future employers on campus.
  
  
• [My] University has played a crucial role in preparing me for success…The university's comprehensive education program has provided me with a strong foundation of knowledge, skills, and practical experiences essential for teaching.
  
  
• I hope that as I finish my time as an undergraduate, I will represent resilience, hope, and passion.

The scholarship was established in 1995 through the generosity of Maud Wyatt, whose bequest has supported the work of KICF and its institutions since 1961. The Kansas Independent College Foundation seeks to develop, promote, and direct unified approaches to selected corporations, foundations, and individuals for financial support of Kansas’ independent colleges and universities.

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Located in Topeka, the Kansas Independent College Foundation is a 501(c)3 that develops and enhances the competitive standing of its 21-member independent, non-profit, regionally accredited, degree-granting colleges and universities and strives to assure opportunity and choice in higher education for all students. For more information, please contact Jesyca Hope at jesyca@kscolleges.org.