Andrew Le

Sophomore in Political Science

Wichita, Kansas

Favorite Quote: 

• “Keep your eyes on the stars, and your feet on the ground.” – Theodore Roosevelt

Interests: 

• Volunteering in the community

• Going on hikes and enjoying nature

• Spending time with those I love most

• All things K-State!

One thing I hold close to my heart is my family's background and cultural identity. As the son of Vietnamese refugees, I come from a lineage of resilience and strength. My parents lived through the Vietnam War, and their experiences shaped my upbringing. Vietnamese was my first language, and I deeply admire the courage and perseverance that defines my family's journey.

1. Why is K-State important to you?

K-State was built on the mission of providing education to all. K-State has a history of welcoming students from all backgrounds, and was a place where I felt welcome and found a place of belonging. The K-State Family, leadership opportunities, and commitment to students has empowered me to grow personally and professionally. The K-State community has provided so much for me and it’s time for me to pay it back for future Wildcats.

2. Why did you decide to run for Ambassador?

I didn’t come from a background of Wildcats, but K-State became my home after my first tour with my middle school AVID program. Since then, my passion for our K-State community has only grown. From serving in Student Government to playing in the marching band, I’ve been fully immersed in the K-State spirit, traditions and community. I want to continue sharing my story, connecting with future Wildcats, and advocating for the university that shaped me.

3. What is your greatest challenge to overcome in projecting a positive image about K-State? 

As a first generation, Asian-American student, the greatest challenge in projecting a positive image is overcoming the misconceptions on diversity and inclusion. While being here, I’ve experienced a strong sense of community and support from the university. K-State creates spaces for students, like me, to find a place of belonging from all backgrounds. My goal would be to highlight our inclusive history, environment and opportunities that K-State provides for students to grow, lead and succeed.

4. What qualities do you have that will allow you to succeed in the role of an Ambassador?

I am a communicator, an empath, a student leader, adaptable and passionate about Kansas State University. My involvement in groups such as Student Government, Food Security Scholars and the K-State Marching Band have allowed me to grow these skills. I excel at connecting with people from diverse backgrounds, fostering relationships and representing the university with pride. I am committed in helping future, present and past Wildcats find their sense of belonging at K-State.

Jack O'Malley

Junior in Organizational Management

Wichita, Kansas

Favorite Quotes:

“In the end, it’s not the years in your life that count. It’s the life in your years.” – Abraham Lincoln

“I would rather die of passion than of boredom.” – Vincent van Gogh

Interests:

1. Playing basketball at the Rec

2. Reading a good book

3. Meeting new people

4. Watching K-State Sports!!

I am a third-generation Wildcat who grew up coming to football games at the Bill! Even as a kid, I could tell there was something different about the atmosphere around K-State. I also always wanted to be Willie the Wildcat someday! Who knows, I still have time left!

1. Why is K-State important to you?

K-State has offered me, and so many other students, the opportunity to grow both as a person and as a leader. The community K-State provides during this pivotal time in a person’s life is truly second to none. Sure, the academic experience I have received has been nothing short of exceptional. However, it is the opportunities to learn outside the classroom that really set K-State apart.

2. Why did you decide to run for Ambassador?

Throughout my time at K-State, I have been committed to communicating the good work that K-State is doing to as many people as possible! K-State has a significant positive impact on the lives of students but also on the lives of all Kansans. I am running for Ambassador because I want the opportunity to spread this message, not just to students, but to people across the state!

3. What is your greatest challenge to overcome in projecting a positive image about K-State? 

It can be hard to get a true picture of everything K-State has to offer until you step foot on campus. I envision the biggest challenge will be to effectively communicate the K-State experience to people who have never physically been to Manhattan. My job when talking with prospective students is to interest them enough to take a visit. After that, the campus sells itself!

4. What qualities do you have that will allow you to succeed in the role of an Ambassador? 

Throughout different roles on campus, I have developed the ability to communicate effectively with diverse groups of people. I also have a deep passion for communicating my love for K-State to others. I can think of few other experiences that would excite me more than traveling across Kansas to bring purple pride to everyone I meet. It would be a great privilege to continue showing others the K-State family as a Student Ambassador.

Dalton Simmer

Junior in Accounting

Hiawatha, Kansas

Favorite Quote:

“We have two lives, and the second begins when we realize we only have one.” - Confucius

Interests:

My interests include traveling, exploring new places to eat (my hometown had around three options), spending time with family and friends, and convincing rivals that K-State offers one of the best student experiences around.

K-State has been a part of my life since a very young age. In fact, my parents’ first date was on campus at a basketball game in Ahearn Fieldhouse. K-State has provided me with so much, and my goal is to expand our university family so that others can experience it too.

1. Why is K-State important to you?

My most cherished memories in life are deeply rooted in K-State’s impact. As a first-generation student from a small town, I arrived at K-State uncertain about the college experience. However, I quickly realized that the same sense of “caring for your neighbor” from my hometown was alive here at K-State. It’s the individuals at K-State who have provided constant support for my growth and well-being that have built my confidence and gave me a voice in life so far.

 2. Why did you decide to run for Ambassador? 

The role of Student Ambassador has the unique opportunity to contribute significantly to the ongoing success and well-being of a place that has been a vital part of my life. I believe that student representatives play a key role in showing alumni and future students that the core values of K-State remain vibrant on campus and that the K-State family is as strong as ever.

3. What is your greatest challenge to overcome in projecting a positive image about K-State?

A college education is a significant financial investment for students. However, I believe K-State offers one of the highest returns on that investment. When you combine the student experience, supportive community, and connections built here with the relatively low cost of living and strong alumni scholarship support, the value is undeniable. As Student Ambassador, my priority will be to share essential resources with prospective students to make K-State a viable and accessible option for their future.

4. What qualities do you have that will allow you to succeed in the role of an Ambassador? 

Currently, I serve as a Campus Ambassador with the Office of Recruitment and Admissions at K-State. I work daily with prospective students, showing them that K-State is an excellent option for their future. Along the way, I’ve gained extensive knowledge of the university — ranging from campus fun facts to essential deadlines and program options. This experience of engaging with others about K-State will enhance my ability to connect with alumni, current students and future Wildcats as Ambassador.

Emily Jones

Junior in Integrative Human Sciences

Washington, Kansas

Favorite Quote:

“When you focus on the good, the good gets better.”

Interests: Spending time with my family and friends, going on walks, reading.

Over spring break, I had the opportunity to travel to Guatemala for a mission trip. While caring for children in a local orphanage, I was able to submerge myself in a completely new culture and learn how to connect with people without speaking the same language.

1. Why is K-State important to you? 

Kansas 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.

2. Why did you decide to run for Ambassador?

When considering running for Student Ambassador, I felt excited to see an opportunity for my passions for Kansas State and building relationships with people to combine. I seek 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 look forward to doing this on a larger scale if selected.

3. What is your greatest challenge to overcome in projecting a positive image about K-State?

One of the greatest challenges for me to overcome when projecting a positive image of K-State is that because I am from such a small, rural area, many prospective students fear that when transitioning to a large university, they will become just a number. By increasing engagement and building relationships with students from rural areas, I would love to emphasize the unique experience that every Kansas State student has the opportunity to take part in.

4. What qualities do you have that will allow you to succeed in the role of an Ambassador?

My abilities to connect with others and be intentional in conversation will allow me to succeed as an Ambassador. I am passionate about becoming a mental health clinician and serving patients in a hospital setting, and so taking courses centered around interpersonal skills and conflict resolution have allowed me to hone in on these skills. I am also very organized and strong in time management, allowing myself to give my all to this role.

Lakota Persing

Junior in Communications Sciences and Disorders

Hugoton, Kansas

Favorite Quote:

Interests:

1. Why is K-State important to you?

2. Why did you decide to run for Ambassador?

3. What is your greatest challenge to overcome in projecting a positive image about K-State?

4. What qualities do you have that will allow you to succeed in the role of an Ambassador?

Megan Ward

Junior in Integrative Human Sciences, Pre-Nursing

Shawnee, Kansas

Favorite Quotes: 

"Treat others the way you want to be treated." - The Golden Rule

"Don't cry because it's over, smile because it happened." - Dr. Seuss

Interests: Bowling, evening walks, Diet Coke and traveling.

I studied abroad in Orvieto, Italy, this past summer where I learned to speak slight Italian, traveled to many different cities, and ate large amounts of pizza and pasta. It truly was an unforgettable experience and time to grow my relationships with other K-State students while indulging in a new foreign culture.

1. Why is K-State important to you?

2. Why did you decide to run for Ambassador?

3. What is your greatest challenge to overcome in projecting a positive image about K-State?

4. What qualities do you have that will allow you to succeed in the role of an Ambassador?