Catching up with the 2025 K-State Student Ambassadors
Before they were elected, Emily Jones and Dalton Simmer were asked why they decided
to campaign for the role of K-State Student Ambassador. And a word that came up in
both of their responses was “opportunity.”
Jones said she was excited for an opportunity to combine her passion for K-State and building relationships, promoting
a strong sense of belonging on campus. Simmer said he saw a unique opportunity to
give back and support the ongoing success of a place that had played such an important
role in his life.
Jones and Simmer were both gifted this special opportunity when they were elected
as the 2025 K-State Student Ambassadors during K-State’s Homecoming week last fall.
Established by the K-State Alumni Association in 1977, the Student Ambassador program helps spread purple pride as the Ambassadors represent K-State and the Alumni Association
at events throughout the state and at university activities, and show prospective
students what K-State spirit is all about.
The K-State Alumni Association has sponsored nearly 80 Student Ambassadors since the beginning of the program, and every Ambassador’s journey is unique. That’s
why we’re giving Jones and Simmer an opportunity to interview each other and describe
— in their own words — what they’ve gained from their opportunity so far.
Get to know Emily Jones
Simmer: Why did you decide to run for Student Ambassador, and what was your experience
of being awarded the role at Bill Snyder Family Stadium?
Jones: K-State has provided me with a unique educational experience that has led to
unbelievable growth. Over the last two years, I have had the opportunity to be involved
in impactful organizations that have taught me communication and time management skills,
as well as the ability to be intentional and present in everything. The community
I have found here is unlike any other, and are people I will cherish for the rest
of my life.
When considering running for Student Ambassador, I felt excited to see an opportunity
for my passions for K-State and building relationships with people to combine. I wanted
to represent our exceptional student body by advocating for inclusivity and creating
a strong sense of belonging. Through student organizations, I have had the opportunity
to interact with both alumni and prospective students, and I have enjoyed doing this
on a larger scale as an Ambassador.
Standing on the field before the Homecoming football game, hearing my name announced
as one of the 2025 Student Ambassadors was completely surreal. I was overwhelmed with
gratitude and excitement for the upcoming year with Dalton, and it will always be
one of my favorite K-State memories. The opportunity to represent such an incredible
community is an honor, and I’m looking forward to the experiences and relationships
that the upcoming year will bring.
How has being an Ambassador impacted your overall K-State experience?
Coming from a small, rural town, I initially expected to feel like "just another number"
when I arrived at K-State, as is often the case at large universities. I couldn’t
have been more wrong. From the moment I stepped onto campus, I quickly realized how
wrong that expectation was. I immediately began forming meaningful relationships with
professors and discovered organizations and extracurriculars that ignited my passion.
As I fell deeper in love with K-State, I found more and more ways to get involved.
This growing connection to the university ultimately led me to making the decision
to stay and graduate in four years, rather than graduate early as I had originally
planned. I wanted to fully invest in a place that was starting to feel like home —
taking on roles like running for Ambassador, where I could make a real impact.
Serving as an Ambassador has also provided me with a unique perspective on how our
alumni continue to give back to the university and support current students. Attending
alumni events across the state with Dalton, it’s clear how deep the passion runs for
K-State. My favorite part of being an Ambassador is meeting K-State alumni from all
walks of life and hearing their stories. Listening to them reminisce about their time
here reinforces how meaningful this place is to so many, and reminds me that the friendships
and experiences I am building will shape my future and resonate throughout my life.
What do you hope to accomplish here at K-State before graduating next year?
One of the key aspects that makes K-State truly exceptional is our incredible student
body. Whether it’s being greeted with a friendly smile as I walk to class or coming
together to cheer as loudly as possible for our favorite team, K-State students consistently
live up to their ranking as the No. 1 school for friendliest students in the Princeton Review. This welcoming, spirited environment has been a huge part of my college experience,
and I know I would not be the person I am today without the support, encouragement
and friendship of my peers.
As I reflect on my time here, I feel a deep desire to give back and pour into the
next generation of K-State students during my senior year. That is one of the main
reasons I decided to apply for Blue Key Senior Honorary, and I’m incredibly honored
to have been selected as a member.
My primary motivation for applying to Blue Key was the opportunity to serve and support
fellow students, especially through its scholarship and mentorship programs, and by
fostering leadership and service opportunities. One program that has had a particularly
profound impact on me is Quest Freshman Honorary, which Blue Key leads. I had the
privilege of participating in Quest during my first year at K-State, and it became
a pivotal experience that helped shape my journey here. Quest not only offered valuable
resources, but it also gave me the confidence to push beyond my limits and strive
for the goals I had set for myself. Without Quest, I wouldn’t be in the position I
am today — serving as an Ambassador — and I’m eager to help future Quest members succeed
in the same way. As a Blue Key member, I am excited to pay forward the guidance and
opportunities that were so instrumental to my own success. Supporting the future Quest
class and helping them navigate their K-State journey would be an incredibly meaningful
way to give back to this community that has shaped me so profoundly.
What are some of the hidden gems or must-do things at K-State?
Growing up just an hour from Manhattan, I was familiar with the area and thought I
knew everything about the community when I came to K-State. Other than the campus
classics such as ice cream at Call Hall or Bill Snyder Family Stadium on game day,
Manhattan has so many fun local spots that make me love the community even more. One
of my favorites is hiking the Konza Prairie and really having the opportunity to appreciate
the landscape that makes Manhattan so unique. It is such a great way to get outside
and have intentional time with friends and family.
Another spot that’s become a go-to for me is Bluestem Bistro. Whether I’m grabbing
coffee with friends or spending time on my own, Bluestem offers the perfect cozy,
laid-back atmosphere to relax and recharge. The warmth of the place makes it the ideal
setting for meaningful conversations and quiet moments alike.
While these local treasures are deeply special to me, what truly makes Manhattan unforgettable
are the people I’ve shared them with. It’s the conversations, the laughter and the
memories created in these places that have truly shaped my experience here. It’s not
just the locations that will stay with me, but the connections I’ve made along the
way that will forever make these spots meaningful.
Get to know Dalton Simmer
Jones: What is something you have gained from your Ambassador role that you didn’t
expect?
Simmer: I didn't anticipate the significant personal growth that would stem from the
connections I've made as Student Ambassador. While I expected to network, I was surprised
by how deeply I've connected with other K-Staters who are so enthusiastic about the
university. Being surrounded by their passion has been incredibly motivating, and
I've learned so much from their diverse experiences and perspectives. This unexpected
sense of community has fostered a stronger sense of belonging and has pushed me to
grow both personally and professionally in ways I hadn't imagined. The genuine support
and shared love for K-State have been a truly unexpected and invaluable part of this
role.
What is one of your greatest K-State accomplishments other than being selected as
Ambassador?
Beyond being selected as a Student Ambassador, one of my greatest K-State accomplishments
has been my work as a student employee in the Office of Recruitment and Admissions.
It's been more than just a job; it's been a chance to share my genuine love for K-State
with others. I've had the incredible opportunity to connect with prospective students
and their families, and honestly, there's nothing quite like seeing their eyes light
up when they start to picture themselves here.
Whether I'm leading a campus tour and sharing my favorite spots, chatting with an
anxious future Wildcat at a recruitment event, or just answering questions one-on-one,
I feel like I'm making a real connection and showing them the heart of the K-State
family. I've met so many amazing people — students from all over, and even the dedicated
faculty and staff who clearly care so much about this place. It's been truly fulfilling
to witness that spark of excitement when someone realizes K-State could be their home.
Being a small part of their journey in choosing where to invest their future has been
a real privilege. This role has not only deepened my own appreciation for everything
K-State offers but has also allowed me to contribute in a really personal way to bringing
new Wildcats into our amazing community. Sharing my passion for K-State and helping
others see their potential here has been incredibly rewarding.
What aspects of K-State do you most enjoy sharing with potential students and families?
One of the aspects I enjoy sharing the most with potential students and families is
the tremendous value that comes with a K-State education. It’s not just about the
quality of the academics, it’s the overall return on investment. When you look at
the combination of K-State’s academic programs, personalized support and vibrant student
life, you realize that students are receiving more than just an education; they are
gaining experiences, networks and skills that will benefit them long after graduation.
The relatively low cost of student living in Manhattan plays a big role in this value.
With affordable housing and everyday expenses, students are able to focus on their
academics and personal growth without the burden of overwhelming financial stress.
On top of that, K-State’s strong alumni network and scholarship support ensure that
students not only have financial assistance during their time at the university but
also have a strong community of professionals who are willing to give back and open
doors for future generations.
As a Student Ambassador, I take it upon myself to ensure that prospective students
are aware of the resources available to them that can help make K-State an accessible
and viable option for their future. Whether it’s through financial aid resources or
specialized advising, I want to show prospective students how K-State offers the support
needed to thrive both during college and beyond. By sharing these insights, I hope
to help families feel confident that their investment in a K-State education will
provide lasting value for their student’s future.
What makes you excited about K-State’s future?
What makes K-State so special, and what I believe will continue to define its future
success, is the deep-rooted sense of belonging that permeates campus and the Manhattan
community. The K-State family isn't just a saying; it's something you feel every day,
whether you're at a sporting event, in a classroom or interacting with faculty and
staff. This strong foundation of tradition and community provides a supportive and
nurturing environment for students to learn and grow. What excites me even more is
K-State's ability to maintain this close-knit atmosphere while also embracing new
ideas, technologies and ways of engaging with the world. This balance of honoring
our heritage and looking forward ensures a vibrant and relevant future for the university.
Learn more about the Student Ambassadors program
As part of their year of service, K-State Student Ambassadors receive the Kirk Family
Student Ambassador Scholarship; clothing from Borck Bros.; and the official K-State ring from the Alumni Association.
More news and updates about the Student Ambassadors: