The newest cohort of Rudd Scholars includes 17 Kansas high school seniors who have chosen to attend Wichita State University. 

• Amiyah Beard — Newton Senior High School 
• Gracin Bergmeier — Inman Junior-Senior High School 
• Jayden Boggess— Washington High School (Kansas City) 
• Ashley Caligiuri— Junction City Senior High School 
• Adison Henderson — Central Junior-Senior High School (Burden) 
• Gabriel Heredia — Pratt Senior High School 
• Kinley Jones — Ellis High School  
• Danielle MacKinney — South Barber High School 
• Sumaita Masum — Wichita Northeast Magnet High School 
• Madison McCaskill — Wichita South High School 
• Sutton O’Crowley — Douglass High School
• Avery Powell — Andover High School 
• Kenton Powless — Paola High School 
• Vanessa Rayo Real — Dodge City High School 
• Julissa Romero-Lopez — Wichita West High School 
• N’Aliecia Taylor — Central Junior-Senior High School (Burden)  
• Abraham Vasquez — Sumner Academy of Arts and Science 

Each Rudd Scholar will receive a full-ride scholarship, which includes tuition, fees, on-campus housing, and considerable networking and coaching support along the way.

“As we mark nine years of partnership with the Rudd Foundation, we’re inspired by what Shocker Rudd Scholars represent for Wichita State and for Kansas,” said Bobby Gandu, WSU associate vice provost for strategic enrollment initiatives. “These scholars lead student organizations and student government, earn university awards and secure robust applied learning experiences. They set a powerful example for what’s possible when talent meets opportunity.”  

In addition to living on campus and carrying a full load of classes toward their college degrees, scholars will receive mentoring and success coaching to help them graduate in four years. They will also participate in many developmental activities outside the classroom, network with leaders in their future professions, build strong relationships and serve to help the next generation of scholars through an active and connected alumni association after graduation. 

"The Rudd Foundation is truly changing my life and helping me chase my dreams by allowing me to attend college debt-free,” said Sutton O’Crowley of Douglass High School. “I am very excited to attend Wichita State University in the fall to pursue a degree in nursing." 

All Rudd Scholars are from Kansas. Along with those attending Wichita State, Rudd Scholars also opt to attend Emporia State, Fort Hays State or Kansas State. 

Including this year's cohort, 142 Rudd scholars have chosen to study at Wichita State since the scholarship's inception in 2018. The Rudd Foundation’s scholarship program has awarded 313 Kansas students the Rudd Scholarship. This reflects an overall investment of about $12.5 million into Kansas students and universities. 

“This success is made possible by the Rudd Foundation’s wrap-around approach, grounded in financial support, mentorship and community-building,” Gandu said. “We couldn't be more grateful to the Rudd Foundation for its visionary leadership and enduring commitment to students pursuing higher education in Kansas.” 

The Rudd Scholarship, sponsored by the Rudd Foundation, aims to remove financial barriers to a college education. Chosen scholars are expected to achieve a high level of excellence on campus in preparing themselves to be leaders in their profession and in their communities after graduation. 

"Wichita State University holds special meaning for the Rudd Foundation as Mr. Leslie Rudd’s alma mater and a powerful partner in carrying forward his vision for Kansas students,” said Corri Roberts, vice president of the Rudd Foundation. “Through the Innovation Campus and the many organizations available on campus, Wichita State creates an environment where our scholars can grow, lead and make a lasting impact.” 

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Wichita State University is Kansas' only urban public research university, enrolling more than 25,000 students between its main campus and the WSU Campus of Applied Sciences and Technology (WSU Tech), including students from every state in the U.S. and more than 100 countries. Wichita State and WSU Tech are recognized for being student-centered and innovation-driven.

Located in the largest city in the state with one of the highest concentrations in the United States of jobs involving science, technology, engineering and math (STEM), Wichita State University provides uniquely distinctive and innovative pathways of applied learning, applied research and career opportunities for all of our students. The National Science Foundation ranked WSU No. 1 in the nation for aerospace engineering R&D, No. 2 for industry- and defense-funded engineering R&D and No. 9 overall for engineering R&D.

The Innovation Campus, which is a physical extension of the Wichita State University main campus, is one of the nation’s largest and fastest-growing research/innovation parks, encompassing over 120 acres and is home to a number of global companies and organizations.

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