Center awards 26 Legacy of Heroines scholarships • Carrie Chapman Catt Center for Women and Politics • Iowa State University

CATEGORIES: November 2018, Voices

The Legacy of Heroines program has been providing scholarships to hard-working and exceptional students who are interested in public service and politics since 1996. As a Legacy of Heroines scholar, students receive a one-year scholarship split between two semesters. Scholars have the opportunity to renew their scholarships provided they continue to fulfill the criteria and funds are available.

The 2018-19 Legacy of Heroines scholars are:

Ihssan Ait Boucherbil is a senior in chemistry with a minor in political science. Originally from Plainfield, Ill., she is the recipient of a Helen Jensen Howe Legacy of Heroines Scholarship for Women in Science, supported by Helen Jensen Howe of Muscatine, Iowa. Ait-Boucherbil holds a community advisor position with the Department of Residence and is an LAS senator and a chemistry peer mentor. She volunteers at book drives and literacy efforts through a national philanthropy and has been an LAS ambassador in the past. She has been the recipient of numerous scholarships, such as the George E. Felton Endowed Scholarship in Chemistry and the G. W. Catt Scholarship. Ait-Boucherbil had an internship with Cargill, where she worked to ensure product standards of starches and sweeteners. Her favorite Iowa State memory was storming the field at the ISU versus TCU game last year.

Mary Anton, a native of Cedar Falls, Iowa, is a senior studying mathematics with a minor in learning technologies. Anton is this year’s recipient of the Beth Bierbaum Legacy of Heroines Scholarship, supported by Beth Bierbaum of Wellesley, Massachusetts. Anton is involved in a church in Ames and its college ministry and enjoys going to Math Club for Future Teachers. She is a talented and avid musician, playing the French horn in the ISU Wind Ensemble and in a brass quintet. She volunteers at almost every ISU theater production. The past two summers, Anton has worked in the accounting department at John Deere and is currently part of an engineering-education research project analyzing problem-solving strategies among students, professors, and practicing engineers at ISU. One of her favorite memories at ISU was getting the opportunity to play with the ISU Symphony Orchestra.

Martha Broadnax has been awarded the Political Science Alumni Legacy of Heroines Scholarship, supported by Bill and Nancy Haigh of Fairmont, Minnesota; Dwight Ink and Dona Wolf of Leesburg, Virginia; Maureen Roach Tobin and Terrence Tobin of Clive, Iowa; and Sharon Haselhoff of Larchwood, Iowa. Broadnax is from Saint Paul, Minn., and is a junior majoring in political science. She has been involved on campus through the Model EU team, the Political Science Club and the National Residence Hall Honorary. She is an active member of the Ames community, where she volunteers for Habitat for Humanity, Overflow Thrift Store, Emergency Residence Project and the American Council for the Blind. Broadnax has also had several academic achievements, such as being in the top 2 percent of her class in 2017-18, being a George Washington Carver Scholar and being on Dean’s List every semester. She is currently interning abroad with Irish Parliament in Dublin, Ireland. Her favorite memory as a Cyclone has been her team winning first overall in the Midwest Model EU competition.

Vivian Cook has been awarded the James R. and Lauri K. Young Legacy of Heroines Scholarship, supported by Lauri and James Young of Cedar Falls, Iowa. Originally from Prescott, Ariz., Cook is a senior pursuing a degree in performing arts and French. Cook enjoys volunteering at the children’s theatre in Ames and is very involved in the theatre department at ISU. She has vast volunteer experience, working with Destination Iowa State, the Carrie Chapman Catt Center and much more both on and off campus. Cook has also had a great number of academic achievements; she was a presenter at the National Conference on Undergraduate Research and has received many scholarships in her time at Iowa State. She currently works as a communication consultant at the Writing and Media Center, and next spring she will be interning with Ten Thousand Things Theater Company in Minneapolis, Minn. Her favorite Iowa State memory has been working with the many team members who collaborated on ISU’s contribution to the international Climate Change Theatre Action initiative in the fall of 2017.

Lucy Dougherty from Winterset, Iowa, has been awarded an Elizabeth Hoffman and Brian R. Binger Legacy of Heroines Scholarship, supported by Elizabeth Hoffman and Brian Binger of Ames, Iowa. A junior studying economics and political science, Dougherty is involved in various different ways on campus. She is part of the Committee on Lectures, the Honors Philanthropy Committee and Economics Club, and is a peer mentor and an undergraduate teaching assistant. She has also made time for her academic career, as she has been in the top 2 percent of her undergraduate class for the past two years. This summer, she had the opportunity to work at the Iowa attorney general’s office in the consumer protection division. Her favorite Iowa State memory has been working with students as a peer mentor for the economics department.

Madison Durflinger, originally from Eldon, Iowa, is a recipient of the Claire B. Andreasen Legacy of Heroines Scholarship, which is supported by Claire Andreasen of Ames, Iowa. A senior studying biology, Durflinger has been working as a peer mentor in the biology program and has also been a teaching assistant, and she has been extensively involved in extracurricular activities. Durflinger is the NICU co-chair of the Iowa State Pre-Veterinary Club and volunteers at local vet clinics to gain valuable professional experience. Her favorite memory as a Cyclone has been meeting her friends here on campus.

Natalie Erichsen, a sophomore in chemistry, was awarded a Helen Jensen Howe Legacy of Heroines Scholarship for Women in Science, supported by Helen Jensen Howe of Muscatine, Iowa. An active member of Alpha Omicron Pi, Erichsen helps with the philanthropy events they hold yearly for the Arthritis Foundation. She participates in undergraduate chemistry research, as she believes that it is a great way to gain valuable hands-on experience before she graduates. Her favorite Iowa State memory has been Homecoming week in the Greek community.

Madeline Farringer has been awarded a Helen Jensen Howe Legacy of Heroines Scholarship for Women in Science, supported by Helen Jensen Howe of Muscatine, Iowa. Originally from Freeport, Ill., Farringer is a senior pursuing a degree in biochemistry with a minor in emerging global disease. She is the poster chair of the Stupka Symposium Planning Committee, Breakfast Club co-chair through the Biochemistry Club, and a peer mentor for the Biochemistry and Biophysics learning community. Farringer was in the highest 2 percent of the LAS freshman in the spring of 2018, and currently works in a research lab with the Department of Biomedical Sciences. Her favorite memory at Iowa State has been being a Destination Iowa State leader.

Katie Fleming, a native of Dubuque, Iowa, is a recipient of a Claire B. Andreasen Legacy of Heroines Scholarship, which is supported by Claire Andreasen of Ames, Iowa. Fleming is a senior in biology with a minor in animal science. She is the president of the Phi Sigma Pi National Honor Fraternity and the vice president of Students Helping Rescue Animals, and she also volunteers at the Wildlife Care Clinic. Her interest in working with animals has led to several internships, most recently at the Buttonwood Zoo this past summer. Fleming has experience as both a teaching assistant and research assistant, and is heavily involved with the University Honors program as an ambassador. Her favorite Iowa State memory is meeting her best friend when they were co-leaders for a class of first-year honors students.

Sarah Gardner, a native of Bakersfield, Calif., was awarded a Carrie Chapman Catt Legacy of Heroines Scholarship, supported by various donors to the Catt Center’s general scholarship fund. Gardner is a junior in hospitality management. An exceptional student, she is also very involved in the Panhellenic community. In Alpha Chi Omega, she is the historian and is on the philanthropy committee as well as being involved in Homecoming, Dance Marathon, and Greek week. A member of the Dean’s List, she regularly volunteers at the Octagon Center for the Arts. Her favorite Iowa State memory was getting painted for Yell Like Hell last year.

Luis González-Díaz, originally from Toa Alta, Puerto Rico, is the recipient of a Carrie Chapman Catt Legacy of Heroines Scholarship, supported by various donors to the Catt Center’s general scholarship fund. González-Díaz, a junior in political science with a minor in women’s and gender studies, is a student success leader for the BOLD learning community and is a part of both the McNair Program and the NCORE-ISCORE project. González-Díaz has also received the Dean’s High Impact Study Abroad Scholarship, and is currently researching the history of minority students at Iowa State with the University Archives. A favorite memory at ISU was arriving on campus and imagining all of the possibilities that the university could offer.

Jessica Holtkamp is the recipient of the Haselhoff Family Legacy of Heroines Scholarship, supported by Sharon Haselhoff of Larchwood, Iowa. Holtkamp is a senior pursuing a degree in political science. Originally from West Point, Iowa, Holtkamp is a member of the Cyclone Swing Society, as well as the Archives of Women’s Political Communication intern at the Catt Center. Along with that, she enjoys alternative spring breaks and being an undergrad program facilitator at Parenting: It’s a Life and being a fellow with the Campus Election Engagement Project. Her favorite memories as a Cyclone are living in the dorms with five of her best friends and hammocking on campus.

Nayely Hurtado is the recipient of a Rice-Neville Legacy of Heroines Scholarship, supported by Dianne and Keith Bystrom of Plattsmouth, Neb. A native of Osceola, Iowa, Hurtado is a senior studying political science and world languages and cultures. She is currently studying abroad in Spain. When she’s not traveling the world, she is involved in a variety of extracurricular activities such as Lambda Theta Nu sorority, the Womyn of Colour Network and the McNair Program. She also recently attended the Iowa State Conference on Race & Ethnicity (ISCORE). She gives back to the ISU community by volunteering for CyServe Day. Her favorite memory at Iowa State was spending a day in downtown Ames visiting local shops surrounded by good company.

Amber Klein is the recipient of the Katherine Bruntlett Annin Legacy of Heroines Scholarship, which was endowed by Annin’s estate. A senior in communication studies with a minor in general business and a certificate in leadership studies, Klein is a senior teaching assistant for the President’s Leadership Class with President Wintersteen. She also works as a STAR (Student Admissions Representative) and as a student assistant at the Academic Success Center. She volunteers at St. Thomas Aquinas church, particularly as a member of the Pastoral Council and a weekly small group leader. This summer Klein interned at CH Robinson in Kansas City as a global supply chain intern. She is currently training for a marathon, and her favorite ISU memory was signing the inside of the Beardshear dome.

Mica Magtoto, a senior in nutritional science and international agriculture with a minor in Spanish, has received a Phyllis Davis Legacy of Heroines Scholarship, which was endowed by multiple donors in memory of Davis. An Ames native, Magtoto has become a department ambassador, is involved in Greek life, and is an MVP peer mentor. She has done some work with AmeriCorps and has also held an internship in Brazil, and with the help of the Boren scholarship, she was able to travel and study there as well. Magtoto has worked with the World Food Prize. Her favorite memory at Iowa State has been her dinner nights with international students, and a close second is her first study abroad trip to Argentina.

Sarah Meisch, a junior studying political science and international studies, has been awarded a Carrie Chapman Catt Legacy of Heroines Scholarship, supported by various donors to the Catt Center’s general scholarship fund. Originally from Kansas City, Mo., Meisch is a research assistant, a peer advisor at the study abroad center, and an LAS ambassador, and is a member of Politics @ ISU. She is the recipient of the Cardinal Leadership Scholar award, the General Mills Foundation Post High School Scholarship Program and the Academic Recognition Award. This past spring, she studied abroad in Exeter, England. Her favorite Iowa State memory was meeting her core group of friends freshman year, giving her the Iowa State experience she always wanted.

Mckenzie Meradith is the recipient of the Meylor Family Legacy of Heroines Scholarship, supported by Sharon Haselhoff of Larchwood, Iowa. Originally from Omaha, Neb., Meradith is a junior pursuing a major in elementary education. She is a Student Admissions representative, part of CySquad, a member of Chi Omega fraternity and social media chair of the Mentoring and Volunteering Students Club. She regularly volunteers with Reggie’s Sleepout. One of her favorite Iowa State memories was going to the football games last year. “The Cyclones greatly improved,” Meradith said, “and the atmosphere of the games was so fun. It was exciting to see our team win and our players so excited about their accomplishments.”

Sarah Moody, a junior in political science and international studies from Collins, Iowa, is a recipient of a Carrie Chapman Catt Legacy of Heroines Scholarship, supported by various donors to the Catt Center’s general scholarship fund. Moody is a Student Government senator for the College of Liberal Arts and Sciences, is a Cardinal Leadership scholar and has volunteered with Ducks Unlimited. She has also made the Dean’s List for the past four semesters and is a member of the national political science honor society, Pi Sigma Alpha. In the past, she has worked as a Cyclone Aide, and this past summer Moody traveled to Dublin, Ireland, to intern at the non-partisan, non-profit organization Women for Election, which helps women gain the skills they need to run for public office. She now works as a student telecounselor in the Office of Admissions. One of her favorite memories at Iowa State has been working as a Cyclone Aide and getting to welcome incoming students.

Montserrat Ponce-Parra, a junior studying economics and mathematics, is a recipient of an Elizabeth Hoffman and Brian R. Binger Legacy of Heroines Scholarship, supported by Elizabeth Hoffman and Brian Binger of Ames, Iowa. Originally from Mexico City, Mexico, Ponce-Parra has been an active member of her academic community, working as a transcriber in the English department for two years. She has been involved with Habitat for Humanity as well. She is the recipient of the Daniells Memorial Math Scholarship and the LAS Excellence Scholarship. She is the first in her family to study abroad, and her favorite memory at Iowa State was receiving her math award.

Kaitlyn Sanchez is the recipient of the Joanne and Charles Kuster Legacy of Heroines Scholarship, supported by Joanne and Charles Kuster of Johnston, Iowa. Sanchez, a native of Belleville, Ill., is a junior in graphic design with a minor in leadership studies. She is involved in Kappa Alpha Theta and Student Government, where she helped author the author the Middle Eastern North African Resolution. She volunteers regularly at Fischer Theater and Overflow Thrift Store and does philanthropic events through her sorority. She is very involved on campus, but she has no shortage of academic honors. Sanchez has received the George Washington Carver Scholarship, Coles Jessie V. Scholarship and the President’s Leadership Class Scholarship. She is currently a community advisor for her second year. Her favorite Iowa State memory was meeting her “big sister” in her sorority.

Zoey Shipley is a senior studying political science. Originally from Dayton, Iowa, Shipley is this year’s recipient of Jane Greimann Legacy of Heroines Scholarship, endowed by the late Lowell Greimann of Ames, Iowa. She is involved in Student Government, the Andrew Goodman Foundation, Pi Sigma Alpha, Cardinal Key Honor Society, the League of Women Voters and Pre-Law Club. She has also participated in various conservation efforts and has volunteered for the Special Olympics. She was the head team advisor for the National Student Leadership Conference in Washington, D.C. Shipley has also received the Academic Recognition Award and has been on the Dean’s List. She is currently interning at the Catt Center as the Sharon and Alice Rodine Leadership and Advocacy intern. Her favorite Iowa State memory has been planning a fun and successful Student Government retreat.

Olivia Skwerski, from Arlington Heights, Ill., is the recipient of the Elverna Christian Legacy of Heroines Scholarship, supported by Darleane Hoffman of Oakland, California. Skwerski is a junior majoring in civil engineering with a minor in leadership studies. As a member of Alpha Phi Omega, she volunteers at least 20 hours each semester. She is a talented violinist in the ISU Symphony Orchestra and a member of the Program for Women in Science and Engineering. She received the Barbara Ann Highland Herum Scholarship in Environmental Engineering this year. This past summer, she worked to build her resume as a civil engineering intern for the village of Arlington Heights on street reconstruction and rehabilitation. Her favorite memory at ISU was fundraising for Alpha Phi Omega with her “brothers” at one of the football games.

Jazlyn Talley, a junior majoring in political science and public relations with a minor in environmental studies, is a recipient of a Phyllis Davis Legacy of Heroines Scholarship, which was endowed by multiple donors in memory of Davis. Hailing from West Des Moines, Iowa, Talley has made Iowa State her second home through her involvement in various clubs and her sorority. She has also been involved with the Special Olympics of Iowa and the Arthritis Foundation. This summer, she interned at the World Food Prize in Des Moines, where she helped create social media content and assisted with public outreach. This fall, she has been interning with a political consulting group, LS2group. She was also lucky enough to attend the National Conference on Race and Ethnicity (NCORE) and then present at ISCORE the following spring. Her favorite thing about Iowa State is when the weather starts to change from snowy to spring, and students emerge from hibernation and enjoy the new season.

Kathryn Walker is a recipient of a Carrie Chapman Catt Legacy of Heroines Scholarship, supported by supported by various donors to the Catt Center’s general scholarship fund. Walker is a senior pursuing a degree in political science and history from Colorado Springs, Colo. She is very involved politically on campus, as seen by her involvement in Student Government, Politics @ ISU and Model European Union. In addition, she has led multiple development projects with the Department of Political Science to renovate the political science library, develop a DC Pathways Program and develop a more structured alumni networking system. She has a great deal of volunteer experience as well, having volunteered with the Colorado Springs Pikes Peak Children’s Museum for ten years and consistently volunteering her time for Student Government initiatives. Her favorite ISU memory has been seeing the Model European Union team that she co-coached win best delegation at their annual conference in Bloomington, Ind.

Alli Weaver is the recipient of the Maxine M. Burch Legacy of Heroines Scholarship, which was endowed by the estate of the late Maxine Burch. Originally from Hudson, Iowa, Weaver is a junior majoring in political science and journalism and mass communication. She has worked for the Iowa State Daily, been a Student Government At-Large PR Committee member, been a part of the Conservation Club, and participated in Iowa State’s women’s choir. She has also been a part of volunteer efforts for Story County Conservation. She is recipient of a number of academic awards and scholarships, such as the Cardinal Leadership Scholar Award, the Helen Kuhlmann Scholarship, and the Liberal Arts and Sciences Excellence Scholarship. She is currently a communication specialist intern for College of Engineering. Her favorite Iowa State memory was a random act of kindness performed by a stranger who shared an umbrella. “It really resonated with me,” Weaver said, “and I think we should make an effort to spread that in the world despite any differences that we may have.”

Cody Woodruff of Carlisle, Iowa, has been awarded a Rice-Neville Legacy of Heroines Scholarship, supported by Dianne and Keith Bystrom of Plattsmouth, Neb. A junior pursuing a degree in political science, Woodruff has enjoyed being as involved with his community as he can. Along with serving as Speaker of the Senate in Student Government, he has also volunteered by doing community clean up and prairie restoration work. He is also an elected school board member in his hometown. His favorite Iowa state memory was storming the field after ISU’s win over TCU last year.

Published: November 19, 2018