2024 Student Scholarship Recipients:
Eddy Bagaruka
Doctor of Osteopathic Medicine
Nyarugenge, Rwanda
Inspired by his mother’s determination, resiliency and compassion after becoming an orphan in Rwanda, Eddy Bagaruka developed an early commitment to philanthropy and service to others. Eddy served as a mentor and science tutor in the student success program at Oklahoma Christian University and advocated for students in need of mental health assistance. Eddy has been active with Restore OKC by cleaning Route 66 after storms in Tulsa. After graduation, Eddy wants to join a residency program. He is interested in practicing medicine in Oklahoma but would like to spend time in Rwanda working in rural hospitals and training doctors.
Inspired by his mother’s determination, resiliency and compassion after becoming an orphan in Rwanda, Eddy Bagaruka developed an early commitment to philanthropy and service to others. Eddy served as a mentor and science tutor in the student success program at Oklahoma Christian University and advocated for students in need of mental health assistance. Eddy has been active with Restore OKC by cleaning Route 66 after storms in Tulsa. After graduation, Eddy wants to join a residency program. He is interested in practicing medicine in Oklahoma but would like to spend time in Rwanda working in rural hospitals and training doctors.
Emily Frantz
Nonprofit Management
Fort Worth, Texas
Emily Frantz's study abroad trip to Cambodia ignited a passion for nonprofit organizations. Emily is the Learning Environments and Community Activation intern at United to Learn as well as an intern at the Wesley Foundation. She serves as the vice president of the Non-Profit Club and the vice president of the Spears School of Business Student Council. Emily volunteers with Our Daily Bread, Into the Streets and Down Home Ranch. Upon graduation, Emily intends to pursue a master's in business administration.
Emily Frantz's study abroad trip to Cambodia ignited a passion for nonprofit organizations. Emily is the Learning Environments and Community Activation intern at United to Learn as well as an intern at the Wesley Foundation. She serves as the vice president of the Non-Profit Club and the vice president of the Spears School of Business Student Council. Emily volunteers with Our Daily Bread, Into the Streets and Down Home Ranch. Upon graduation, Emily intends to pursue a master's in business administration.
Kodie Gough
Marketing
Graham, Texas
Kodie Gough's orange passions are the Cowboy Strong Student Emergency Fund and combating food insecurity on campus. Kodie deeply cares about the well-being of Oklahoma State University students and volunteers at Our Daily Bread, Big Brother Big Sister, and Into the Streets. Kodie is a member of the Women in Business Club and the OSU Student Foundation. Serving as the Philanthropy Executive of the Spears School of Business Student Council, Kodie fosters and sustains relationships with the community and student-led organizations to promote service and philanthropy. Following graduation, she plans to pursue a master's in business administration.
Kodie Gough's orange passions are the Cowboy Strong Student Emergency Fund and combating food insecurity on campus. Kodie deeply cares about the well-being of Oklahoma State University students and volunteers at Our Daily Bread, Big Brother Big Sister, and Into the Streets. Kodie is a member of the Women in Business Club and the OSU Student Foundation. Serving as the Philanthropy Executive of the Spears School of Business Student Council, Kodie fosters and sustains relationships with the community and student-led organizations to promote service and philanthropy. Following graduation, she plans to pursue a master's in business administration.
Jacie Gray
Music Industry
Scurry, Texas
Jacie Gray is a member of the Stillwater Sister City Council, where she cultivates connections between OSU and Kameoka, Japan. Through this membership, she warmly welcomes students to OSU and represents the university in Kameoka. Fluent in Japanese, Jacie has served as an interpreter for a middle school delegation from Kameoka, taught English online to Japanese students and is president of the OSU Japanese Language Club. Jacie has also contributed to the planning committee for a student-led nonprofit music festival, aiming to make a positive impact through philanthropy.
Jacie Gray is a member of the Stillwater Sister City Council, where she cultivates connections between OSU and Kameoka, Japan. Through this membership, she warmly welcomes students to OSU and represents the university in Kameoka. Fluent in Japanese, Jacie has served as an interpreter for a middle school delegation from Kameoka, taught English online to Japanese students and is president of the OSU Japanese Language Club. Jacie has also contributed to the planning committee for a student-led nonprofit music festival, aiming to make a positive impact through philanthropy.
Kylie Hammack
Economics & Political Science
Broken Arrow, Oklahoma
Kylie Hammack is passionate about working in the field of international economic development in rural and regional areas. She interned with the George Kaiser Family Foundation in Tulsa, where she authored a report about the obstacles that hinder the economic mobility of low-income Tulsans. In this role, Kylie identified eligible candidates from countries embroiled in humanitarian crises to live and work in Tulsa under the InTulsa Visa Network. Kylie is currently the director of data analytics for the non-profit Wishes for Water, which is operated entirely by Oklahoma State University students and raises funds to build water wells in rural Zimbabwe. After graduation, Kylie plans to obtain a master’s degree in international affairs and public policy with a concentration in development studies.
Kylie Hammack is passionate about working in the field of international economic development in rural and regional areas. She interned with the George Kaiser Family Foundation in Tulsa, where she authored a report about the obstacles that hinder the economic mobility of low-income Tulsans. In this role, Kylie identified eligible candidates from countries embroiled in humanitarian crises to live and work in Tulsa under the InTulsa Visa Network. Kylie is currently the director of data analytics for the non-profit Wishes for Water, which is operated entirely by Oklahoma State University students and raises funds to build water wells in rural Zimbabwe. After graduation, Kylie plans to obtain a master’s degree in international affairs and public policy with a concentration in development studies.
Lauren Haygood
Doctor of Philosophy, Geology
Owasso, Oklahoma
Lauren Haygood’s orange passion is inspiring future geologists. Since 2021, Lauren has served as the president of the Geology Graduate Student Association. She is a member of the OSU Student Foundation, where she serves on the stewardship committee. Lauren is also a volunteer mentor for the Geoscience Education Mentorship and Support Program and a STEM penpal for Letters to a Pre-Scientist. A published researcher, Lauren is the recipient of the 2023-2024 Devon Energy Graduate Fellowship and received the Outstanding Geoscience Award and Graduate Research Award in 2023. After graduation, Lauren aspires to be a professor, where she can teach, research and continue building collaborations with communities and industries.
Lauren Haygood’s orange passion is inspiring future geologists. Since 2021, Lauren has served as the president of the Geology Graduate Student Association. She is a member of the OSU Student Foundation, where she serves on the stewardship committee. Lauren is also a volunteer mentor for the Geoscience Education Mentorship and Support Program and a STEM penpal for Letters to a Pre-Scientist. A published researcher, Lauren is the recipient of the 2023-2024 Devon Energy Graduate Fellowship and received the Outstanding Geoscience Award and Graduate Research Award in 2023. After graduation, Lauren aspires to be a professor, where she can teach, research and continue building collaborations with communities and industries.
Alyson Mack
Doctor of Osteopathic Medicine
Tahlequah, Oklahoma
Alyson Mack is passionate about helping women succeed after witnessing the lack of women represented in various career fields. During her medical trips to Mexico, Malawi, Belize and Honduras, she provided medical resources to underserved populations. Alyson is the president and founder of the Medical Ethics Using Secular Humanism Club. She also serves as vice president of the Medical Students for Choice Club and the Anesthesiology Students Interest Group. After graduation, Alyson will enter a residency program with hopes of specializing in radiology. She aspires to establish a career where she can serve women and marginalized communities.
Alyson Mack is passionate about helping women succeed after witnessing the lack of women represented in various career fields. During her medical trips to Mexico, Malawi, Belize and Honduras, she provided medical resources to underserved populations. Alyson is the president and founder of the Medical Ethics Using Secular Humanism Club. She also serves as vice president of the Medical Students for Choice Club and the Anesthesiology Students Interest Group. After graduation, Alyson will enter a residency program with hopes of specializing in radiology. She aspires to establish a career where she can serve women and marginalized communities.
Kirstien Minley
Doctor of Osteopathic Medicine
Broken Arrow, Oklahoma
A first-generation physician and Muscogee Creek Nation citizen, Kirstien Minley’s passion for health equity is deeply rooted in her heritage. She believes that health equity lies at the heart of philanthropy. Kirstien serves as the vice president of Gold Humanism Honor Society and Sigma Sigma Phi. She is the founding member of the Health Equity Book Club and a student ambassador at Oklahoma State University Center for Health Sciences. After graduation, Kirstien intends to work as a primary care physician in Oklahoma.
A first-generation physician and Muscogee Creek Nation citizen, Kirstien Minley’s passion for health equity is deeply rooted in her heritage. She believes that health equity lies at the heart of philanthropy. Kirstien serves as the vice president of Gold Humanism Honor Society and Sigma Sigma Phi. She is the founding member of the Health Equity Book Club and a student ambassador at Oklahoma State University Center for Health Sciences. After graduation, Kirstien intends to work as a primary care physician in Oklahoma.
BreAnna Peeper
Elementary Education
Stillwater, Oklahoma
BreAnna Peeper is passionate about Wishes for Water, an OSU student-run nonprofit that raises money to drill boreholes at schools in rural Zimbabwe. She serves as the organization's director of brand promotions. BreAnna has studied abroad in Zimbabwe to meet Dr. Tererai Trent — the 2020 Women for OSU Symposium keynote speaker — and observe her humanitarian work in the Hurungwe Region. She was active with the Emerging Leaders Alliance, a service project bringing awareness to the food pantries on campus. She was a member of the President’s Leadership Council and the Early Childhood Education Club. After graduation, BreAnna would like to remain in Oklahoma and teach first or second grade.
BreAnna Peeper is passionate about Wishes for Water, an OSU student-run nonprofit that raises money to drill boreholes at schools in rural Zimbabwe. She serves as the organization's director of brand promotions. BreAnna has studied abroad in Zimbabwe to meet Dr. Tererai Trent — the 2020 Women for OSU Symposium keynote speaker — and observe her humanitarian work in the Hurungwe Region. She was active with the Emerging Leaders Alliance, a service project bringing awareness to the food pantries on campus. She was a member of the President’s Leadership Council and the Early Childhood Education Club. After graduation, BreAnna would like to remain in Oklahoma and teach first or second grade.
RachelKate Puckett
Management Information Systems & International Business
Yukon, Oklahoma
RachelKate Puckett is deeply passionate about Into the Streets, a student-led organization focused on planning a large-scale day of community service each semester. Her involvement with Into the Streets has inspired her to continue serving her community and encourage her peers to participate in similar philanthropic efforts. RachelKate is the president of Into the Streets and a professional development executive of the Spears School of Business Student Council. RachelKate aspires to continue her philanthropic spirit through a career in international data analytics, where she can contribute to meaningful projects with widespread impact.
RachelKate Puckett is deeply passionate about Into the Streets, a student-led organization focused on planning a large-scale day of community service each semester. Her involvement with Into the Streets has inspired her to continue serving her community and encourage her peers to participate in similar philanthropic efforts. RachelKate is the president of Into the Streets and a professional development executive of the Spears School of Business Student Council. RachelKate aspires to continue her philanthropic spirit through a career in international data analytics, where she can contribute to meaningful projects with widespread impact.
Kayman Ross
Biology & Biochemistry
Choctaw, Oklahoma
Kayman Ross’ orange passion is mental health awareness. She is a Pete’s Pet Posse Ruff Rider, experiencing how therapy animals can help increase the mental well-being for students and faculty. Kayman serves as volunteer leadership intern at the National Inventor’s Hall of Fame and a member of the 2024 Homecoming Steering Committee. She is a researcher in an organic chemistry laboratory and a member of Phi Mu Sorority and Pre-Dental Club. After graduation, Kayman plans to attend dental school. She aspires to help people navigate the difficult process of receiving and affording dental implants so they can love their smile.
Kayman Ross’ orange passion is mental health awareness. She is a Pete’s Pet Posse Ruff Rider, experiencing how therapy animals can help increase the mental well-being for students and faculty. Kayman serves as volunteer leadership intern at the National Inventor’s Hall of Fame and a member of the 2024 Homecoming Steering Committee. She is a researcher in an organic chemistry laboratory and a member of Phi Mu Sorority and Pre-Dental Club. After graduation, Kayman plans to attend dental school. She aspires to help people navigate the difficult process of receiving and affording dental implants so they can love their smile.
Ara'Seli Salas
Sociology: Criminology/Criminal Science
Muskogee, Oklahoma
Ara’Seli Salas’ orange passion is higher education for first-generation minority students and low-income students. Ara’Seli is a McNair Scholar and conducts research on the underrepresentation of missing and murdered indigenous women. She serves as the Kappa Delta Chi chapter president and Forensic Club president. Ara’Seli created a scholarship and mentoring program called the Rosebud Program that supports first semester females’ transition to college. After graduation, Ara’Seli plans to pursue a master’s degree in forensic science with the goal of pursuing a career specializing in DNA analysis or crime scene investigation.
Ara’Seli Salas’ orange passion is higher education for first-generation minority students and low-income students. Ara’Seli is a McNair Scholar and conducts research on the underrepresentation of missing and murdered indigenous women. She serves as the Kappa Delta Chi chapter president and Forensic Club president. Ara’Seli created a scholarship and mentoring program called the Rosebud Program that supports first semester females’ transition to college. After graduation, Ara’Seli plans to pursue a master’s degree in forensic science with the goal of pursuing a career specializing in DNA analysis or crime scene investigation.
Kennedy Seals
Biochemistry & Molecular Biology
Richmond, Indiana
Kennedy Seals is passionate about advocating for agriculture, specifically the science within the industry that builds accessibility, integrity and sustainability. Kennedy is committed to agricultural education through Future Farmers of America and provides meals to farmers during harvest. Kennedy is a training course instructor for the McKnight Scholars Leadership Program at Stillwater Junior High School and serves as a Ferguson College of Agriculture career liaison to assist with career development. Following graduation, Kennedy plans to pursue a law degree to serve the crop science industry through advocacy or patent law.
Kennedy Seals is passionate about advocating for agriculture, specifically the science within the industry that builds accessibility, integrity and sustainability. Kennedy is committed to agricultural education through Future Farmers of America and provides meals to farmers during harvest. Kennedy is a training course instructor for the McKnight Scholars Leadership Program at Stillwater Junior High School and serves as a Ferguson College of Agriculture career liaison to assist with career development. Following graduation, Kennedy plans to pursue a law degree to serve the crop science industry through advocacy or patent law.
Lauren Seggerman
Veterinary Medicine
Cedar Park, Texas
Lauren Seggerman is committed to the care and well-being of animals. She serves on the medical care team for Tiny Paws Kitten Rescue and Operation Catnip Stillwater. She has been a volunteer at the Turning Point Therapeutic Riding Center, where she cared for horses used for therapy services. Lauren is the president of OSU College of Veterinary Medicine's American College of Veterinary Pathologists Club and a member of Student for One Health One Medicine. After graduation, Lauren plans to pursue a small animal rotating internship with the ultimate goal of becoming a board-certified veterinary dermatologist.
Lauren Seggerman is committed to the care and well-being of animals. She serves on the medical care team for Tiny Paws Kitten Rescue and Operation Catnip Stillwater. She has been a volunteer at the Turning Point Therapeutic Riding Center, where she cared for horses used for therapy services. Lauren is the president of OSU College of Veterinary Medicine's American College of Veterinary Pathologists Club and a member of Student for One Health One Medicine. After graduation, Lauren plans to pursue a small animal rotating internship with the ultimate goal of becoming a board-certified veterinary dermatologist.
Emily Sowah
Doctor of Osteopathic Medicine
Edmond, Oklahoma
A child of immigrants and raised in a low-income household in Oklahoma City rooted in traditional Ghanaian beliefs, Emily Sowah is inspired by her mother, who broke tradition and worked and raised two children. Despite Emily and her mother both battling sickle cell disease, they have forged forward with Emily’s mother encouraging her to take advantage of the opportunities in her new country. Emily is passionate about ensuring underrepresented populations globally and within her own communities have access to quality healthcare. She served in Tulsa with Black Men in White Coats, Uma Center of Tulsa’s health clinic, Operation Orange and with the OSU Global Health Organization in Peru, Mexico and Greece. After graduation, Emily plans to pursue a residency in emergency medicine.
A child of immigrants and raised in a low-income household in Oklahoma City rooted in traditional Ghanaian beliefs, Emily Sowah is inspired by her mother, who broke tradition and worked and raised two children. Despite Emily and her mother both battling sickle cell disease, they have forged forward with Emily’s mother encouraging her to take advantage of the opportunities in her new country. Emily is passionate about ensuring underrepresented populations globally and within her own communities have access to quality healthcare. She served in Tulsa with Black Men in White Coats, Uma Center of Tulsa’s health clinic, Operation Orange and with the OSU Global Health Organization in Peru, Mexico and Greece. After graduation, Emily plans to pursue a residency in emergency medicine.
Areli Villalobos
Doctor of Osteopathic Medicine
Ponca City, Oklahoma
Areli Villalobos' passion for helping others motivated her to apply to medical school. As a future physician, she aims to assist people in living healthier and longer lives. Areli has completed two summer rural externships, where she served the Stillwater community along with a global health trip to Veracruz, Mexico. Areli has held the position of Vice President of the OSU-CHS Latino Medical Student Association and served as treasurer for the OSU-COM Pediatrics Club. Areli volunteers with Filling the Void, Life Change Community Outreach and St. Francis Children’s Hospital. After graduation, Areli plans to practice pediatric medicine and establish her own practice.
Areli Villalobos' passion for helping others motivated her to apply to medical school. As a future physician, she aims to assist people in living healthier and longer lives. Areli has completed two summer rural externships, where she served the Stillwater community along with a global health trip to Veracruz, Mexico. Areli has held the position of Vice President of the OSU-CHS Latino Medical Student Association and served as treasurer for the OSU-COM Pediatrics Club. Areli volunteers with Filling the Void, Life Change Community Outreach and St. Francis Children’s Hospital. After graduation, Areli plans to practice pediatric medicine and establish her own practice.