2027 Student Ambassador Candidates
The 2027 K-State Student Ambassadors will be announced at the Oct. 17 Homecoming Football
Game. Check back after that date for the newly elected Student Ambassadors' profiles.
For more than 40 years, the Kansas State University student body has elected two Student Ambassadors during All-University Homecoming to represent their peers and the K-State Alumni Association.

Brooklyn Countryman
Sophomore in educational studies, minor in leadership
Quinter, Kansas
I am currently a member of Pi Beta Phi, Student Alumni Board and Kansas State Student
Foundation. I love being involved on campus and making others feel welcomed here at
K-State! Go 'Cats!
Favorite quote:
“Nothing changes if nothing changes.”
Favorite place to eat in Manhattan and your order?
Taco Lucha — Raspberry bean dip with a Jap Razz taco.
Why is K-State important to you?
K-State is important to me because it has provided me with so many incredible opportunities,
such as being involved in a variety of organizations, being able to study abroad,
and meeting people who are now lifelong friends. Being a student at Kansas State has
allowed me to grow personally and professionally. The campus and the people truly
make K-State feel like my home away from home.
Why did you decide to run for Ambassador?
I chose to run for Ambassador because I want to give back to the university that has
given me so much. I have a passion for making connections with others, and I knew
as Ambassador I would not only get the opportunity to meet with alumni, current and
prospective students, but I would get to connect with them over the university that
has shaped me into who I am today.
Who has made the biggest impact on you so far during your time at K-State?
The most impactful people here at K-State have been my professors. The first class
I took in the College of Education was taught by James Alberto and Angie Messer. It
was their teaching that inspired me to want to become a professor myself. While studying
abroad, I had the most incredible professors from K-State that allowed me to not only
connect with them, but also their families, which was so special to experience.
What do you look forward to most if you’re selected to represent the student body
as Ambassador?
If selected as Ambassador, I am looking forward to sharing my love of the university
with others across campus and the state. I love meeting new people and building new
connections, so as Ambassador I would be thrilled to represent the university in a
positive manner. Being an Ambassador would provide amazing leadership experiences
while also building lifelong relationships.

Matthew Hendricks
Junior in agricultural economics, pre-law
Bird City, Kansas
I’m from Bird City, Kansas, where my family has farmed for five generations. I’m a
fourth-generation K-Stater serving as SGA Deputy Attorney General, an Ag Econ Ambassador,
and a FarmHouse member. Someday, I plan to return home to practice agricultural law.
Favorite quote:
"Everybody can be great, because anybody can serve." — Martin Luther King Jr.
Favorite place to eat in Manhattan and your order?
Taco Lucha: Buffalo Chicken and Jap Razz Tacos with Raspberry Bean Dip
Why is K-State important to you?
K-State gave me a community to belong to and challenges to strive for. As a fourth-generation
K-Stater, K-State is my family and my family is K-State. I grew up doing K-State traditions,
then got to live them as a student. This place has given me opportunities I never
expected, and the least I can do is give back by serving it every day.
Why did you decide to run for Ambassador?
It started with my passion for service and my love for K-State. As FarmHouse Alumni
Relations Chair, I brought back over 170 alumni. In SGA, I work with current students
on real campus issues. As an Ag Econ Ambassador, I share my K-State story with future
students. Ambassador rolls all three into one, and I’d love to represent K-State to
past, present and future Wildcats.
Who has made the biggest impact on you so far during your time at K-State?
My fraternity brother, Sam Burton, has made the biggest impact on me at K-State. I
came from a town of 500, and K-State could have swallowed me whole. Sam made sure
it didn’t. He constantly invested in me and has been one of my biggest encouragers
throughout college. Because of him, I’ve learned how much it matters when someone
chooses to believe in you, and I try to do the same for others.
What do you look forward to most if you’re selected to represent the student body
as Ambassador?
I look forward most to hearing alumni stories. Every Wildcat has a K-State story,
and I love being genuinely curious about theirs. I’m excited to connect those stories
to the K-State of today, showing alumni that our values haven’t changed even as we
grow. Being that bridge between generations of Wildcats would be an honor, and a chance
to give back to the place that invested in me.

Lucy Roy
Junior in elementary education
Shawnee, Kansas
Working with children has been my lifelong passion, and I hope to one day become an
elementary school principal. As a multi-generational Wildcat, I’m proud to share my
love for K-State and the experiences that make it feel like home.
Favorite quote:
"Always be true to yourself, what you believe, and where you come from...you’ll need
those roots sooner or later.”— Dolly Parton
“We can do no great things, only small things with great love.” — Mother Teresa
Favorite place to eat in Manhattan and your order?
Tacho Lucha! A raspberry bean dip with two buffalo chicken tacos and a side of ranch!!!
1. Why is K-State important to you?
K-State is important to me because of the people, experiences and opportunities that
have shaped who I am today. It has given me a forever family, a home away from home,
and memories that will always bring me back. From the traditions that bring us together
at the Bill to the relationships built in classes and student organizations, K-State
has created a community that I am proud to be part of.
Why did you decide to run for Ambassador?
I decided to run for Student Ambassador because I want to share what makes K-State
so special with others. Through my experiences and involvement, K-State has given
me more than I could ever give back, and I would be honored to represent this university
while connecting with future Wildcats and past K-Staters. I believe K-State is the
best four years of a lifelong commitment, and I want others to experience that same
sense of belonging and pride.
Who has made the biggest impact on you so far during your time at K-State?
It feels nearly impossible to name one person who has made the biggest impact on me
because each relationship I’ve built here has taught me something different and valuable.
Whether it’s chapter leaders I serve alongside, education professors who greet me
by name, or organization advisors who value growth and share their wisdom, each has
shaped my K-State experience. Being Proud of the House We Built reminds me that K-State
is truly defined by its people.
What do you look forward to most if you’re selected to represent the student body
as Ambassador?
If selected to represent the student body, I would look forward to serving as a connector
between generations of Wildcats. I’d love the opportunity to meet alumni, current
students and prospective Wildcats and hear what K-State means to each of them. What
excites me most is bringing Wildcats together through our shared love for this place
and celebrating the different stories that make Purple Pride so special.

Riley Schalk
Junior in news and sports media
Dexter, Kansas
I am a proud Alpha Xi Delta member and chapter president, and an ESPN+ sideline reporter
for K-State Athletics. I am passionate about leadership, storytelling, connecting
with others, and creating meaningful experiences through sports and community.
Favorite quote:
What is meant for me will never pass me by.
Favorite place to eat in Manhattan and your order?
Bluestem Bistro Brunch Tacos
Why is K-State important to you?
K-State is important to me because it has given me a place to grow, dream and reach
my fullest potential. From finding my passion in sports media to serving as a chapter
leader, K-State has surrounded me with people who challenge and support me. It has
truly become a place I call home and a community that has given me more than I ever
thought was possible.
Why did you decide to run for Ambassador?
I decided to run for Student Ambassador because K-State has given me so many opportunities
to grow and discover my passions. I want to share that experience with prospective
students and families and show them that K-State is more than a university. It is
a place where you can find your people, reach your full potential, and be presented
with opportunities you didn’t even know were possible.
Who has made the biggest impact on you so far during your time at K-State?
For me, it isn’t just one person. So many people have supported me through every new
journey I have taken at K-State. From my bosses, who help me create a schedule that
allows me to take on more, to professors who make it possible to learn and get involved,
and my friends and family who show up for me every day, I am grateful for the community
that believes in me.

Mason Springer
Junior in agricultural economics / animal science
Neodesha, Kansas
Before K-State, I served as the 2024–2025 Kansas FFA State Reporter. At K-State, I’ve
continued serving through Alpha Gamma Rho fraternity as recruitment and philanthropy
chair, College of Ag Council, Ag Ambassadors, and the Interfraternity Council as Vice
President of Health and Safety.
Favorite quote:
“And in the end, it’s not the years in your life, it’s the life in your years.” —
Unknown
Favorite place to eat in Manhattan and your order?
So Long Saloon — Order a peanut butter burger with sweet potato fries and a raspberry
chipotle bean dip for the whole group!
Why is K-State important to you?
K-State has been my home away from home for the past three years. This university
has pushed me to be my best in the classroom, among my peers, and throughout the community.
The relationships I’ve built, the challenges I’ve faced, and the opportunities I’ve
been given have shaped me into the person I am today.
Why did you decide to run for Ambassador?
I decided to run for Student Ambassador because I want to help other students find
their place here at K-State while also helping alumni stay connected to a university
that has meant so much to them. As a proud Wildcat, I want to represent K-State to
the best of my ability and serve the past, present and future generations of Wildcats.
Who has made the biggest impact on you so far during your time at K-State?
It wouldn’t be fair to not include the two that always support and push me every day,
in and outside of the classroom, Lindsey Baum and Abby Roth, the recruiting coordinators
for the College of Agriculture. During my time as a College of Ag Ambassador, Lindsey
and Abby have been the most welcoming people every time I walk into their office,
always pushing me to achieve more and help me be passionate about being a Wildcat.
What do you look forward to most if you’re selected to represent the student body
as Ambassador?
If chosen as an Ambassador, I look forward to the opportunity to connect with Wildcats
here on campus, future students and alumni who still have a passion for K-State purple.
Moreover, I’m excited about the privilege of being one of the spokespersons for the
student body at different events across the state to help share the story and progress
that our university works toward achieving every day.

Drew Torgerson
Junior in kinesiology and integrative physiology
Andover, Kansas
I enjoy building intentional, meaningful relationships and staying physically active.
I hope to pursue a career in physical therapy, helping individuals live a healthier
life and perform at their highest level.
Favorite quote:
“The work works on you more than you work on the work.”
Favorite place to eat in Manhattan and your order?
Tallgrass Taphouse – Salmon Sandwich with Sweet Potato Fries
Why is K-State important to you?
Some of my most cherished memories and meaningful experiences have taken place at
K-State. The people and community have pushed me outside of my comfort zone, challenged
me to grow personally and professionally, and helped shape who I am today. K-State
has given me opportunities to serve, discover my purpose, pursue my passions, and
become the individual I want to be.
Why did you decide to run for Ambassador?
I decided to run for Ambassador because I want to serve our staff and students as
they have served me and represent K-State in a way that reflects the people and values
that make this place feel like home. Most importantly, I want to help others experience
what makes K-State a hidden gem, exemplify what it means to be a Wildcat, and share
the sincerity of our purpose.
Who has made the biggest impact on you so far during your time at K-State?
Jacob Lippe has made one of the biggest impacts on me so far during my time at K-State.
He was one of the first individuals to mentor me and invest so much time in helping
me grow. I look up to him as a leader and admire his demeanor, character and the way
he carries himself. I also strive to be a well-rounded individual like Jacob.
What do you look forward to most if you’re selected to represent the student body
as Ambassador?
If selected to represent the student body as Ambassador, I look forward to serving
the university and building intentional relationships with prospective students, families
and alumni. I am excited to connect with new communities, help diversify and expand
our recruitment pipeline, and contribute to the continued success of a university
that has given me so many opportunities and shaped who I am today.