The Legacy of Heroines program has been providing scholarships to outstanding students interested in public service and politics since 1996. Legacy of Heroines scholars receive a one-year scholarship split between the fall and spring semesters. Scholars have the opportunity to renew their scholarships, provided they continue to fulfill the criteria and funds are available.
The 2022-2023 Legacy of Heroines scholars are:
Jaden AhlrichsJaden Ahlrichs, a senior from Pocahontas, Iowa, majoring in global resource systems and horticulture, is the recipient of the Meylor Family Legacy of Heroines Scholarship. Ahlrichs is Student Government vice president, volunteers at SHOP (the food pantry on campus) and participates in undergraduate research. After graduation, he plans to pursue an advanced degree in horticulture.
“One of my favorite things about ISU is the ability to travel the world through study abroad programs and connections through professors,” Ahlrichs said. “Since starting at ISU, I have gone to the Netherlands, Uganda, France and Australia – all possible because of ISU.”
Molly Blanco Photo credit: J. Rice PhotographyMolly Blanco, a senior from Burlington, Iowa, majoring in journalism & mass communication and Spanish with a minor in sociology, is the recipient of the James R. and Lauri K. Young Choral Music Legacy of Heroines Scholarship. Blanco is a writer for the Iowa State Daily and a member of the Greenlee School Curriculum Committee.
Of her future plans, Blanco said, “I am interested in investigative journalism or crime and courts reporting.”
Kathryn BurnsKathryn Burns, a senior from Dubuque, Iowa, majoring in political science and Spanish with a minor in women’s and gender studies, is a recipient of the Kedrowski and Fitzgerald Family Legacy of Heroines Scholarship. A participant in the Catt Center’s undergraduate research initiative, Burns also is involved in the Kappa Delta sorority, Student Alumni Leadership Council and College Democrats. She plans to pursue an advanced degree in political science.
“I love all things Iowa State!” Burns said. “Some of my favorite memories include being a part of Homecoming Central and planning different homecoming events and traditions and studying abroad in Spain! I also enjoy any time I get to sit outside and look around campus.”
Garrity CornsGarrity Corns, a senior from Barcelona, Spain, majoring in political science with a minor in women’s and gender studies, is the recipient of the Political Science Alumni Legacy of Heroines Scholarship. Corns is a member of the Pre-Law Club, Student Government, Honors Program and Save The Children Action Network.
When asked about her favorite things about Iowa State, Corns said, “The Leadership Studies Program!” She will finish an Honors research project based on women in leadership next spring. Her post-graduation plan is to attend law school.
Nyamal Diew, a senior from South Sioux City, Nebraska, majoring in biology with a minor in psychology, is a recipient of the Helen Jensen Howe Legacy of Heroines Scholarship for Women in Science.
Peyton HamelPeyton Hamel, a senior from Littleton, Colorado, majoring in English, genetics and kinesiology, is a recipient of the Elizabeth Hoffman and Brian R. Binger Legacy of Heroines Scholarship. Hamel is involved with genetics research with Dr. Donald Sakaguchi and is a member of the Pre-Med Club, the Ballroom Dancing Club, and the Gaming and eSports Club.
One of Hamel’s favorite things about Iowa State is the enthusiasm staff has for their teaching and research. “Without the enthusiastic staff, there would be no doubt in my mind that students would not be motivated to learn and pursue their various interests,” she said. “It’s honestly contagious how happy the professors are to share their research and various areas of interests with others, no matter how inexperienced their audience is.”
After her undergraduate career, Hamel plans on pursuing an MD-Ph.D. researching stem cell activity.
Sarah HannonSarah Hannon, a senior in finance with a minor in political science from Farmington, Minnesota, is a recipient of the Elizabeth Hoffman and Brian R. Binger Legacy of Heroines Scholarship. Hannon is a member of Kappa Delta sorority and participates in the Honors Program. She says that one of her favorite things about Iowa State is studying in the Gerdin Business Cafe.
Arwa HassanArwa Hassan, a senior in public relations with a minor in entrepreneurship from Iowa City, Iowa, is a recipient of the Katherine Bruntlett Annin Legacy of Heroines Scholarship. Hassan, who is also a Greenlee Ambassador, hopes to pursue a career in global public relations. She says that one of her favorite places on campus is the Memorial Union.
Caitlin HenriksenCaitlin Henriksen, a junior from Des Moines, Iowa, majoring in animal science (pre-vet) with a minor in animal ecology, is a recipient of the Claire B. Andreasen Legacy of Heroines Scholarship. She is a member of Gamma Phi Beta sorority, the Student Admissions Representatives (STARS) student organization, volunteers with the Iowa State Blood Drive, and serves as a peer mentor for the Department of Animal Science. Her goal after graduation is to attend Iowa State’s College of Veterinary Medicine.
Henriksen said, “My favorite thing about Iowa State is late-night studying at Parks Library with my friends!”
Abigail Iversen, a sophomore from Sioux Fall, South Dakota, majoring in animal science, is a recipient of the Claire B. Andreasen Legacy of Heroines Scholarship. Iverson plans to go to veterinary school and become a small animal veterinarian.
“One of my favorite things about Iowa State is that there is always something to do,” Iverson said. “There are interesting speakers that come to the MU, Late Night, sporting events, and so much more! There is always so much going on, and you don’t get bored!”
Rachel JunckRachel Junck, a graduate student in business administration from Ames, Iowa, who also earned a bachelor’s degree in chemical engineering with minors in political science and Spanish from Iowa State, is a recipient of the Rice-Neville Legacy of Heroines Scholarship. Junck is involved with Engineers’ Week and CyBIZ Lab, and also serves on the Ames City Council.
When asked what she loves about Iowa State, Junck said, “I am currently taking a glassblowing course at the Student Innovation Center! I love that Iowa State has a number of creative classes available to learn new skills.”
Shay KentShay Kent, a junior from Urbandale, Iowa, majoring in global resource systems and environmental studies with minors in food & society and global health, is a recipient of the Phyllis Davis Legacy of Heroines Scholarship. Kent is a member of Kappa Delta, a GLOBE ambassador, treasurer of the Global Health and Aids Coalition, and works in the Student Financial Aid Office. She plans to pursue a master’s degree in international development or food systems.
“One of my favorite things about Iowa State is how it provides different opportunities,” Kent said. “For example, I had the opportunity to go to Uganda last year and am planning to return next summer through the Iowa State-Uganda Program, which is a life changing experience. Back on campus, I loved participating in Greek Week with my sorority this past year.”
Linsey KittLinsey Kitt, a senior from Jefferson, Iowa, majoring in computer science with a minor physics, is a recipient of the Helen Jensen Howe Legacy of Heroines Scholarship for Women in Science. Kitt is president of the Undergraduate Diversity and Inclusion in Physics student organization, vice president of Girls Who Compete club, and a member of IEEE-HKN, the international honor society of the Institute of Electrical and Electronics Engineers.
“I’m going to stay an extra year at Iowa State to complete a concurrent master’s program in computer science, which will include a research project,” Kitt said of her future plans.
Julia LiteckyJulia Litecky, a junior from Minneapolis, Minn., majoring in political science and journalism & mass communication with a criminal justice minor, is a recipient of the Haselhoff Family Legacy of Heroines Scholarship. She is vice president of the Honors Student Board and a member of the Pre-Law Club, Political Science Club and Diving Club. Litecky also serves as secretary of the DubH Hip Hop Club and is involved in many dances.
“My favorite memory at Iowa State is performing stand-up comedy after taking the comedy college seminar,” she said. “It was super fun, and after performing my final bit, I was asked to open for a national comedian, which was a really exciting opportunity and an amazing experience.”
After she graduates, Litecky intends to go to law school and pursue a career in the legal field.
Tamara McConnell Photo credit: Mindi Bernice PhotographyTamara McConnell, a senior from Kansas City, Kansas, majoring in geology with a minor in African American studies, is a recipient of the Helen Jensen Howe Legacy of Heroines Scholarship for Women in Science. She is president of the BRICS (Building Relationships in Christ Soteria) campus ministry and the treasurer of the Geology Club.
McConnell says that Destination Iowa State is one of her favorite campus memories. After graduation, she plans to work in the consulting industry for a year or so before earning a master’s degree in hydrology or environmental justice.
Yen Nguyen, a junior from Sioux City, Iowa, majoring in biology, is a recipient of the Jane Greimann Legacy of Heroines Scholarship. Her favorite thing about Iowa State is the chemistry lab, where she is a teaching assistant. Nguyen also works with the Supplemental Instruction team at the Student Success Center. After graduation, she plans to continue her education in an MD-Ph.D. program.
Anna Olson, a senior from Boone, Iowa, majoring in journalism & mass communication and political science with a minor in women’s and gender studies, is a recipient of the Kedrowski and Fitzgerald Family Legacy of Heroines Scholarship.
Skylar PromerSkylar Promer, a junior from Huntington Beach, California, majoring in animal science (pre-vet) with a minor in entomology, is a recipient of the Claire B. Andreasen Legacy of Heroines Scholarship. Promer is involved in several student organizations, including Veterinarians Without Borders, Pre-Veterinary Club and Pay It Forward. Her post-graduation goal is to either be accepted into veterinary school or the animal science master’s program at Iowa State.
“My favorite things about Iowa State would have to be any and all entomology classes,” Promer said. “They’ve all been so interesting and fun to explore and learn about. But my favorite would have to be the bee biology, keeping, and management class. Being able to open up beehives and harvest honey was such a great experience!”
Natalia Ríos MartínezNatalia Ríos Martínez, a senior from San Juan, Puerto Rico, majoring in political science, international studies and public relations, is a recipient of the Kedrowski and Fitzgerald Family Legacy of Heroines Scholarship.
Rios Martinez is vice president of the Political Science Club, a member of the Wesley Center campus ministry, and participates in undergraduate research. Rios says that one of her favorite things about Iowa State is picnicking on the central campus lawn.
Emma SarverEmma Sarver, a senior from McCallsburg, Iowa, majoring in management, is a recipient of the Phyllis Davis Legacy of Heroines Scholarship. She is a member of SHRM, the Society for Human Resource Management and says that taking English 302: Business Communication, was one of her favorite experiences at Iowa State.
“I’d like to get a job working directly with veterans as they come home and get them trained and develop their military experience to fit civilian jobs,” Sarver said of her post-graduation goals.
Nicole SchmittNicole Schmitt, a senior from Holy Cross, Iowa, majoring in psychology and political science with a minor in English, is a recipient of the Rice-Neville Political Activism Legacy of Heroines Scholarship. Her post-graduation goal is to eventually start a career on Capitol Hill in the world of politics.
“My favorite thing about Iowa State has been meeting my best friends,” Schmitt said. “The memories we have created will last a lifetime.”
Emma StautEmma Staut, a senior from Buffalo, Minnesota, majoring in mathematics with a data science minor, is the recipient of the Beth Bierbaum Legacy of Heroines Scholarship. Staut is a member of the Symphony Orchestra, Sigma Alpha Iota and St. Thomas Aquinas. She hopes to work as a data analyst after she graduates this December.
“I love the mix of people on campus,” Staut said. “I’ve met so many interesting new people and learned about a variety of perspectives at ISU.”
Hope UngHope Ung, a junior from Johnston, Iowa, majoring in biology and environmental science, is a recipient of the Helen Jensen Howe Legacy of Heroines Scholarship for Women in Science. Ung is a student-athlete on the Iowa State Cheer team, on the Executive Council of Gamma Phi Beta sorority, and a member of the Collegiate Panhellenic Community. After graduation, she plans to attend dental school.
Ung said, “My favorite thing about Iowa State is hearing the Campanile at the top of the hour every day.”
Estelle VenableEstelle Venable, a junior from Fort Collins, Colo., majoring in agronomy and Spanish, is a recipient of the Elizabeth Hoffman and Brian R. Binger Legacy of Heroines Scholarship. Venable is a member of the MANNRs (Minorities in Ag, Natural Resources & Related Sciences) student organization and the Women in Agronomy program. She is a peer mentor and undergraduate researcher in Professor Marshall McDaniel’s lab.
“I love being a part of the agronomy program!” Venable said. “Not only are all the faculty extremely welcoming, I’m also able to take advantage of great career-building activities (like working in Dr. McDaniel’s lab!).”
Ulrich Wolfe Photo credit: Mackenzie Nady (Hunziker Companies)Ulrich Wolfe, a junior from Nevada, Iowa, majoring in finance, is the recipient of the Maxine M. Burch Legacy of Heroines Scholarship. He continues to work in real estate development at Hunziker Development in Ames, with the goal of being involved in finance and the home-building industry after graduation.
Wolfe said, “My favorite memory so far at Iowa State has been the opportunity to be enrolled in ECON 496: Economics International Travel Course, which will travel to Dubai within the UAE this Thanksgiving break.”
