OCTOBER 2023
As the weather turns, NSLS members continue to turn in major headlines. See the top stories our members made using their leadership skills in October.
Our mission is to Build Leaders Who Make a Better World. Our members participate in volunteer events and take part in a wide range of community service initiatives. Upon graduation, they apply the interpersonal skills they've acquired to start businesses, pursue promotions, and more.
Political Science Major Named HBCU Scholar
Carys Carr of Howard University was included among those chosen for the ninth cohort of the HBCU Scholars program by the White House Initiative on advancing educational equity, excellence, and economic opportunity through Historically Black Colleges and Universities.
These scholars will represent their school, the U.S. Department of Education, and the White House Initiative on HBCUs during the 2023-24 academic year, working to uplift their communities and bring people together around student success.
A junior at Howard University, Carr is pursuing a bachelor’s in political science with a minor in maternal and child health. She is a member of several organizations, including the university’s bowling team, the Black Women in Pre-Law Society, and Sisters in Public Health. Carr hopes to be a beacon of hope for those among her community who don’t think they can accomplish their goals.
Read More from The Dig >>
Massachusetts Scholar Elected as Board of Trustees Student Representative
Marissa Vaillancourt, a North Shore Community College (NSCC) student, has been elected by her fellow students to be their representative on the NSCC Board of Trustees.
Motivated by community involvement, Vaillancourt hopes to have a positive impact by inspiring other students and helping them gain the chance to succeed that she herself has received from her teachers.
Currently enrolled in the funeral service and mortuary science program, Vaillancourt intends to transfer to a four-year state college to earn a bachelor’s and master’s in education. Alongside her schoolwork, she works part-time as a funeral assistant at Jackman’s Funeral Home in Whitinsville, Massachusetts and works full-time as an instructional assistant for middle school students.
Read More from The Millbury-Sutton Chronicle >>
Public Policy Doctorate Student Named Commissioner of Customs and Border Control
Lilian Nyawanda, a doctoral student in public policy and administration at Walden University, has been named Commissioner of Customs and Border Control by the Kenya Revenue Authority (KRA). In this position she will oversee the department’s trade facilitation, border control, and revenue mobilization.
Nyawanda most recently served with the National Treasury and Economic Planning. She will bring both public-sector and private-sector experience in customs and international trade matters, particularly in the East Africa region and Africa in general.
She also brings a robust educational background, including an MBA from United States International University, a bachelor's degree in finance from the University of Nairobi, and a certificate in customs and tax administration from the Kenya School of Revenue Administration.
Read More from People Daily >>
Mechanical Engineer and Football Alum Inducted into University’s Athletic Hall of Fame
Alumnus Evan Wyse has been honored by Trine University with induction into its Athletics Hall of Fame, which celebrates student athletes who have set a high standard for Trine intercollegiate men’s and women’s sports in the National Association of Intercollegiate Athletics (NAIA) and National Collegiate Athletics Association (NCAA). Wyse was one of four inductees this year.
Wyse graduated from Trine in 2018 with a bachelor’s in mechanical engineering and a minor in aerospace engineering. He was a member of the football team for four years, winning several awards for his on-field achievements, passing program records, and earning a top-ten place in several categories, including passing touchdowns, passing yards, and touchdowns scored.
Wyse now works for Wieland Chase in Montpelier, Ohio as a mechanical engineer. He participates in numerous volunteer activities and serves as assistant football coach for Archbold High School.
Read More from Trine University >>
Aspiring Probation Officer Receives Scholarship for Criminal Justice Students
Bemidji State University student Jesse Bloom has earned a scholarship from the Golden Valley Crime Prevention Fund, started in 2022 to help students studying criminal justice, law enforcement, and/or community crime prevention at a state college, university, or vocational or technical institute.
Described as kind and encouraging of others by Bridget Larson-Lindner, assistant professor of social work, and a key member of the NSLS at Bemidji State University by NSLS CEO Neil Khaund, Bloom hopes to work as a probation officer and to create programs at schools or summer programs to help kids learn to have a strong partnership with officers and build trust.
Read More at the Sun Post >>
Other NSLS Members Receiving Recognition in October:
Jordan Grider, University of Louisiana at Lafayette, has been elected to the university’s homecoming court. A senior majoring in biology, Grider is the Student Government Association’s president and was one of two students to share the 2023 Outstanding Junior of the Year award. Full Story >>
Abby Hudson and Katie Cooper, Glenville State University, have been nominated for homecoming royalty. Sophomore Abby Hudson, an English major, is a Hidden Promise Scholar and plans to become an editor. Junior Katie Cooper, an early and elementary education major, is a resident assistant and member of the Pioneer Shooting Club, and she plans to teach pre-K or kindergarten. Full Story >>
Sarah Cagna, Lee University, was chosen as a member of the Parade of Favorites, an annual student talent showcase that features members of campus organizations, with a particular focus on service. A senior elementary education major, Cagna is a member of several campus organizations, a student broadcast, and the women’s lacrosse team. Full Story >>
Laura Straub, University of Colorado Colorado Springs, was honored with an alumni feature in the UCCS Communique for her campus service and achievements. Straub graduated with her bachelor’s degree in finance and economics in 2015 and her MBA in 2022 and was a member and employee of several campus organizations. Straub currently works as community educator lead at Ent Credit Union, teaching community members about financial topics. Full Story >>
Judith Wilson, Cambridge College, has announced her candidacy for school committee. Wilson gained a bachelor’s in social work and a master’s of education with a focus on mental health. With her experience and skills working as a substitute teacher, family engagement supervisor, and mental health clinician, Wilson plans to work for children to have all the necessary tools they need for healthy growth. Full Story >>
