2025 Student Scholarship Recipients:
Ashley Boatright
Doctor of Veterinary Medicine
Sherman, Texas
Ashley Boatright’s orange passion is animal welfare, exemplified through her rescue organization, Jack’s Doghouse. Through this initiative, she has saved numerous dogs from euthanasia, facilitated community access to vaccinations and spay/neuter services, organized adoption events, and raised funds to support foster programs, vaccinations and health certificates. Ashley has worked as a Veterinary Assistant at Bryan County Animal Hospital, a Lab Animal Care Technician at Austin College and as an Animal Caretaker at Cohn Pet Care Facility. She received the George L. Landolt Memorial Fellowship for an Outstanding Student in Chemistry and the Yale University Research Fellowship in Biomedical Sciences and Engineering.
Ashley Boatright’s orange passion is animal welfare, exemplified through her rescue organization, Jack’s Doghouse. Through this initiative, she has saved numerous dogs from euthanasia, facilitated community access to vaccinations and spay/neuter services, organized adoption events, and raised funds to support foster programs, vaccinations and health certificates. Ashley has worked as a Veterinary Assistant at Bryan County Animal Hospital, a Lab Animal Care Technician at Austin College and as an Animal Caretaker at Cohn Pet Care Facility. She received the George L. Landolt Memorial Fellowship for an Outstanding Student in Chemistry and the Yale University Research Fellowship in Biomedical Sciences and Engineering.
Teagan Charmasson
Strategic Communications
Shattuck, Oklahoma
Teagan Charmasson leverages his passion for social media and philanthropy through his role at the Oklahoma State University Student Foundation. As the Vice President of the Communications committee, Teagan oversees all design, photography and social media initiatives for the Foundation. His dedication to community service is evident through his involvement with the Shattuck Education Foundation and Meals on Wheels.
Teagan Charmasson leverages his passion for social media and philanthropy through his role at the Oklahoma State University Student Foundation. As the Vice President of the Communications committee, Teagan oversees all design, photography and social media initiatives for the Foundation. His dedication to community service is evident through his involvement with the Shattuck Education Foundation and Meals on Wheels.
Callie Conyers
Human Nutrition: Pre-Medical Sciences
Gruver, Texas
Callie Conyers is dedicated to making a meaningful impact and serving her community during her time at OSU. She fulfills this mission as Vice President of Stewardship for the OSU Student Foundation and Food Insecurity Director, previously serving as Vice President of Chi Omega Women’s Fraternity. As a McKnight Scholar, Callie mentors fellow scholars and actively promotes community engagement. She is a Certified Peer Educator for the College of Education and Human Sciences and a member of the Mortar Board Honor Society. Callie volunteers with Our Daily Bread, Into the Streets, Make-A-Wish and the Stillwater Humane Society.
Callie Conyers is dedicated to making a meaningful impact and serving her community during her time at OSU. She fulfills this mission as Vice President of Stewardship for the OSU Student Foundation and Food Insecurity Director, previously serving as Vice President of Chi Omega Women’s Fraternity. As a McKnight Scholar, Callie mentors fellow scholars and actively promotes community engagement. She is a Certified Peer Educator for the College of Education and Human Sciences and a member of the Mortar Board Honor Society. Callie volunteers with Our Daily Bread, Into the Streets, Make-A-Wish and the Stillwater Humane Society.
Calen Cox
Nutritional Science: Allied Health
Crescent, Oklahoma
Driven by a passion for inspiring her peers, Calen Cox serves as a First-Year Seminar Ambassador for the College of Education and Human Sciences. In this role, she mentors freshman students, encouraging them to pursue their goals without limits. Calen’s impact extends through her leadership roles, including serving as the Accountability and Support Board Representative for Kappa Delta Nu Chapter Sorority and the Greek Relations Director for CowboyThon, OSU’s largest student-led philanthropic organization supporting the Children’s Health Foundation and OSU's neonatology program. She volunteers with Into the Streets, Hope’s Crossing Camp and Girl Scouts of America.
Driven by a passion for inspiring her peers, Calen Cox serves as a First-Year Seminar Ambassador for the College of Education and Human Sciences. In this role, she mentors freshman students, encouraging them to pursue their goals without limits. Calen’s impact extends through her leadership roles, including serving as the Accountability and Support Board Representative for Kappa Delta Nu Chapter Sorority and the Greek Relations Director for CowboyThon, OSU’s largest student-led philanthropic organization supporting the Children’s Health Foundation and OSU's neonatology program. She volunteers with Into the Streets, Hope’s Crossing Camp and Girl Scouts of America.
Danny Ellerd
Computer Information Systems
Oklahoma City, Oklahoma
Experiencing addiction and homelessness, Danny Ellerd’s challenges have shaped his passion for empowering individuals facing similar struggles. He shares his journey in Recovery is Possible, a book detailing his path through addiction, homelessness and recovery. As a Shelter Advocate for City Care, Danny supports individuals experiencing homelessness. He previously served as a Community Development Intern for Hope Strategies and volunteers with Hope Is Alive Ministries, sponsoring men in recovery. Danny is an active member of OSU-OKC’s President’s Leadership Class, the Things That Matter Club and Phi Theta Kappa. After graduation, he plans to pursue a bachelor’s degree in computer science.
Experiencing addiction and homelessness, Danny Ellerd’s challenges have shaped his passion for empowering individuals facing similar struggles. He shares his journey in Recovery is Possible, a book detailing his path through addiction, homelessness and recovery. As a Shelter Advocate for City Care, Danny supports individuals experiencing homelessness. He previously served as a Community Development Intern for Hope Strategies and volunteers with Hope Is Alive Ministries, sponsoring men in recovery. Danny is an active member of OSU-OKC’s President’s Leadership Class, the Things That Matter Club and Phi Theta Kappa. After graduation, he plans to pursue a bachelor’s degree in computer science.
Rani Gandhi
Aerospace Administration and Operations
Sallisaw, Oklahoma
Rani Gandhi attributes her growth and success to the guidance, support and encouragement of others. She is passionate about mentorship and demonstrates this through leadership roles such as Director of Finance for CowboyThon and Vice President of Programming and Enrichment for Alpha Omicron Pi. As a President’s Leadership Council facilitator, she mentors first-year students, helping them navigate their college journey. Rani volunteers as a Reading Buddy at Sangre Ridge Elementary, inspiring a love for reading in young students. She also volunteers with the National Arthritis Foundation and Stillwater’s Saville Center. Additionally, she is a member of the American Association of Airport Executives and Women in Aviation.
Rani Gandhi attributes her growth and success to the guidance, support and encouragement of others. She is passionate about mentorship and demonstrates this through leadership roles such as Director of Finance for CowboyThon and Vice President of Programming and Enrichment for Alpha Omicron Pi. As a President’s Leadership Council facilitator, she mentors first-year students, helping them navigate their college journey. Rani volunteers as a Reading Buddy at Sangre Ridge Elementary, inspiring a love for reading in young students. She also volunteers with the National Arthritis Foundation and Stillwater’s Saville Center. Additionally, she is a member of the American Association of Airport Executives and Women in Aviation.
Joanna George
Doctor of Osteopathic Medicine
Tulsa, Oklahoma
Committed to fostering intergenerational health and well-being, Joanna George has volunteered with the Active Aging for Longevity, Independence, Fitness, and Engagement (LIFE) grant to educate rural high school students on aging. Inspired by her grandmother’s passion for philanthropy, Joanna has supported organizations such as the Hospitality House of Tulsa, Life Senior Services and the Tulsa City-County Library. She was the first medical student to participate in the OSU Medical Humanities program, which supported the creation of a summer parenting program focused on breaking cycles of intergenerational trauma.
Committed to fostering intergenerational health and well-being, Joanna George has volunteered with the Active Aging for Longevity, Independence, Fitness, and Engagement (LIFE) grant to educate rural high school students on aging. Inspired by her grandmother’s passion for philanthropy, Joanna has supported organizations such as the Hospitality House of Tulsa, Life Senior Services and the Tulsa City-County Library. She was the first medical student to participate in the OSU Medical Humanities program, which supported the creation of a summer parenting program focused on breaking cycles of intergenerational trauma.
Parna Ghosh
Integrative Biology
Kolkata, West Bengal, India
As an international graduate student, Parna Ghosh’s educational journey has been shaped by philanthropy. Inspired by the generosity of those who have supported her, she is committed to giving back through community service. Parna serves on the Stewardship Committee for the OSU Student Foundation and has also served as a judge in the Oklahoma State Science and Engineering Fair. She volunteers with Our Daily Bread, Pete’s Pantry, Into the Streets and Blue Thumb. In 2024, she was awarded the Robberson Summer Dissertation Fellowship and received the Student Volunteer Center’s Gold Service Award for Creating Opportunities for Responsible Development.
As an international graduate student, Parna Ghosh’s educational journey has been shaped by philanthropy. Inspired by the generosity of those who have supported her, she is committed to giving back through community service. Parna serves on the Stewardship Committee for the OSU Student Foundation and has also served as a judge in the Oklahoma State Science and Engineering Fair. She volunteers with Our Daily Bread, Pete’s Pantry, Into the Streets and Blue Thumb. In 2024, she was awarded the Robberson Summer Dissertation Fellowship and received the Student Volunteer Center’s Gold Service Award for Creating Opportunities for Responsible Development.
Brooklyn Hawkins
Marketing & Management
Oklahoma City, Oklahoma
Diagnosed with cancer in high school, Brooklyn Hawkins turned her challenges into a mission to help others. Brooklyn founded In the Middle of a Miracle, a nonprofit to support teens battling cancer. She worked with K Club and participated as an honorary survivor during the Eddie Sutton Foundation's Cowboys vs. Cancer, advocating for kids fighting cancer and providing financial relief to their families. Partnering with Read Lead Achieve and the OU Children’s Hospital, she has helped provide educational resources to children in hospitals. Brooklyn received the NextGen Under 30 Award and the Eddie Sutton Foundation 6th Man Award.
Diagnosed with cancer in high school, Brooklyn Hawkins turned her challenges into a mission to help others. Brooklyn founded In the Middle of a Miracle, a nonprofit to support teens battling cancer. She worked with K Club and participated as an honorary survivor during the Eddie Sutton Foundation's Cowboys vs. Cancer, advocating for kids fighting cancer and providing financial relief to their families. Partnering with Read Lead Achieve and the OU Children’s Hospital, she has helped provide educational resources to children in hospitals. Brooklyn received the NextGen Under 30 Award and the Eddie Sutton Foundation 6th Man Award.
Amara Jackson
Agribusiness
Corunna, Michigan
Attending a National FFA Organization leadership conference ignited Amara Jackson’s passion for philanthropy and public service. As the National FFA President, she built meaningful connections with students and agricultural professionals while advocating for over one million students as Chair of the National FFA Board of Directors and a member of the Board of Trustees. In her role as an FFA Leadership Coach, Amara mentors high school FFA members, helping them develop public speaking skills and achieve personal growth. She volunteers with Payne County Foster Care, Hour of Mercy with St. John’s Catholic Church, and as an Oklahoma State University Ferguson College of Agriculture Ambassador.
Attending a National FFA Organization leadership conference ignited Amara Jackson’s passion for philanthropy and public service. As the National FFA President, she built meaningful connections with students and agricultural professionals while advocating for over one million students as Chair of the National FFA Board of Directors and a member of the Board of Trustees. In her role as an FFA Leadership Coach, Amara mentors high school FFA members, helping them develop public speaking skills and achieve personal growth. She volunteers with Payne County Foster Care, Hour of Mercy with St. John’s Catholic Church, and as an Oklahoma State University Ferguson College of Agriculture Ambassador.
Makalie Lackey
Doctor of Osteopathic Medicine and Master of Science in Medical Sciences
Cashion, Oklahoma
Raised in Cashion, Oklahoma, Makalie Lackey witnessed the challenges of physician shortages in rural areas, igniting her passion for rural medicine. As an Ambassador Coordinator at OSU College of Osteopathic Medicine and a member of the Youth Medical Mentorship Program, she encourages students, especially young women, to pursue careers in medicine. Makalie serves as the OSU American College of Osteopathic Surgeons-MSS National Liaison. A mission trip to India instilled her commitment to global health, inspiring her to help establish the OSU chapter of Médecins Sans Frontières (Doctors Without Borders). Makalie is a member of the Christian Medical Association, Wilderness Medicine Club and Medical Interdisciplinary Specialties Club.
Raised in Cashion, Oklahoma, Makalie Lackey witnessed the challenges of physician shortages in rural areas, igniting her passion for rural medicine. As an Ambassador Coordinator at OSU College of Osteopathic Medicine and a member of the Youth Medical Mentorship Program, she encourages students, especially young women, to pursue careers in medicine. Makalie serves as the OSU American College of Osteopathic Surgeons-MSS National Liaison. A mission trip to India instilled her commitment to global health, inspiring her to help establish the OSU chapter of Médecins Sans Frontières (Doctors Without Borders). Makalie is a member of the Christian Medical Association, Wilderness Medicine Club and Medical Interdisciplinary Specialties Club.
Jaime Lewandowski
Doctor of Philosophy in Educational Psychology
Chicago, Illinois
An unexpected autism diagnosis in her family led Jaime Lewandowski to her orange passion — supporting the well-being of caregivers of autistic children. She founded an in-person support group for parents of autistic children in the Stillwater community, providing a vital space for connection and support. Since 2023, Jaime has served as a Student Presenter for the Center for Family Resilience and a Feedback Provider for the OSU Undergraduate Research Symposium and Summer Research Expo. Alongside her golden retriever, Bob, she is a member of the Alliance of Therapy Dogs and Pete's Pet Posse Pet Therapy Program. Additionally, she serves as a Graduate Student Ambassador for the American Psychological Association.
An unexpected autism diagnosis in her family led Jaime Lewandowski to her orange passion — supporting the well-being of caregivers of autistic children. She founded an in-person support group for parents of autistic children in the Stillwater community, providing a vital space for connection and support. Since 2023, Jaime has served as a Student Presenter for the Center for Family Resilience and a Feedback Provider for the OSU Undergraduate Research Symposium and Summer Research Expo. Alongside her golden retriever, Bob, she is a member of the Alliance of Therapy Dogs and Pete's Pet Posse Pet Therapy Program. Additionally, she serves as a Graduate Student Ambassador for the American Psychological Association.
Madisyn Myers
Human Nutrition: Pre-Medical Sciences
Omega, Oklahoma
Madisyn Myers' parents instilled in her the importance of recognizing needs and taking action. The issue that stood out most — food insecurity — became her orange passion. Alongside her sisters, Madisyn co-founded Beef for the Bank, a nonprofit that donates beef to food banks, homeless shelters, senior centers and Meals on Wheels programs across Oklahoma. The organization aims to combat hunger and raise awareness about food insecurity. She also volunteers with Our Daily Bread, Kingfisher County Compassion Clinic and Wishes for Water. In 2024, Madisyn was recognized as an Oklahoma State Top Ten Freshman and the College of Education and Human Sciences Freshman Researcher of the Year.
Madisyn Myers' parents instilled in her the importance of recognizing needs and taking action. The issue that stood out most — food insecurity — became her orange passion. Alongside her sisters, Madisyn co-founded Beef for the Bank, a nonprofit that donates beef to food banks, homeless shelters, senior centers and Meals on Wheels programs across Oklahoma. The organization aims to combat hunger and raise awareness about food insecurity. She also volunteers with Our Daily Bread, Kingfisher County Compassion Clinic and Wishes for Water. In 2024, Madisyn was recognized as an Oklahoma State Top Ten Freshman and the College of Education and Human Sciences Freshman Researcher of the Year.
Gabriela Paredes
Entomology and Plant Pathology
Ambato, Ecuador
Gabriela Paredes’ orange passion is empowering and inspiring others through science, aiming to bridge the gap between women and STEM careers. As a member and workshop organizer for Women in Engineering, she led workshops encouraging female students to pursue STEM fields and mentored undergraduate students. Gabriela serves as the Principal Investigator for Carreras con Impacto and Open Philanthropy. She also serves as Vice President of OSU’s Latin American Student Association and as a Scientific Outreach Affiliate for Global Catastrophic Risks.
Gabriela Paredes’ orange passion is empowering and inspiring others through science, aiming to bridge the gap between women and STEM careers. As a member and workshop organizer for Women in Engineering, she led workshops encouraging female students to pursue STEM fields and mentored undergraduate students. Gabriela serves as the Principal Investigator for Carreras con Impacto and Open Philanthropy. She also serves as Vice President of OSU’s Latin American Student Association and as a Scientific Outreach Affiliate for Global Catastrophic Risks.
Maddie Parker
Nutritional Science: Allied Health
Stillwater, Oklahoma
Maddie Parker is passionate about giving back to her community, with a special focus on supporting children. As Vice President of Membership for CowboyThon, she helped raise vital funds for the Children's Health Foundation of Oklahoma. She is an active member of the SGA Mental Health Committee, Into the Streets Committee Board, Tau Beta Chapter of Chi Omega, OSU Campus Life Student Involvement Board and the Student Network Board. Additionally, she serves as a College of Education and Human Sciences Ambassador. Maddie volunteers with Stillwater Medical Center, Children's Miracle Network, Stillwater Makes A Change and Citizens Caring for Children.
Maddie Parker is passionate about giving back to her community, with a special focus on supporting children. As Vice President of Membership for CowboyThon, she helped raise vital funds for the Children's Health Foundation of Oklahoma. She is an active member of the SGA Mental Health Committee, Into the Streets Committee Board, Tau Beta Chapter of Chi Omega, OSU Campus Life Student Involvement Board and the Student Network Board. Additionally, she serves as a College of Education and Human Sciences Ambassador. Maddie volunteers with Stillwater Medical Center, Children's Miracle Network, Stillwater Makes A Change and Citizens Caring for Children.
Carolina Quijada
Doctor of Osteopathic Medicine
Elk City, Oklahoma
Carolina Quijada is an advocate for improving healthcare access for underserved women, particularly within the Hispanic/Latino community. She strives to create change through medicine, health literacy and mentorship. Carolina serves on the National Executive Board for the Latino Medical Student Association and previously served as the Regional Liaison for the Latino Medical Student Association at OSU-CHS. An active volunteer with The Uma Center of Tulsa since 2023, she also worked as their Community Health Leader Coordinator. As an Albert Schweitzer National Fellow, Carolina created and led a health literacy service project to support Tulsa’s Spanish-speaking community.
Carolina Quijada is an advocate for improving healthcare access for underserved women, particularly within the Hispanic/Latino community. She strives to create change through medicine, health literacy and mentorship. Carolina serves on the National Executive Board for the Latino Medical Student Association and previously served as the Regional Liaison for the Latino Medical Student Association at OSU-CHS. An active volunteer with The Uma Center of Tulsa since 2023, she also worked as their Community Health Leader Coordinator. As an Albert Schweitzer National Fellow, Carolina created and led a health literacy service project to support Tulsa’s Spanish-speaking community.
Lily Stuckey
Psychology
Tulsa, Oklahoma
Lily Stuckey’s orange passion is serving her OSU community by strengthening her leadership skills and helping others do the same. She previously served as Secretary of the OSU Student Foundation and now holds the role of Vice President of New Membership. She is an ambassador for the Honors College, the Hargis Leadership Institute and Give Orange. As a LEAP Lab Research Assistant, Lily collaborates with professors and peers to research cognitive development and anxiety. She serves as the Programs and Presidents Partners Director for the Student Network Board and is a member of Mortar Board Honor Society, Order of Omega, and Psi Chi.
Lily Stuckey’s orange passion is serving her OSU community by strengthening her leadership skills and helping others do the same. She previously served as Secretary of the OSU Student Foundation and now holds the role of Vice President of New Membership. She is an ambassador for the Honors College, the Hargis Leadership Institute and Give Orange. As a LEAP Lab Research Assistant, Lily collaborates with professors and peers to research cognitive development and anxiety. She serves as the Programs and Presidents Partners Director for the Student Network Board and is a member of Mortar Board Honor Society, Order of Omega, and Psi Chi.
Anya Thompson
Human Nutrition: Pre-Medical Sciences
Edmond, Oklahoma
Anya Thompson’s first volunteer experience at a nursing home sparked her orange passion — expanding geriatric care and reshaping society's views on aging. She co-founded OSU’s chapter of Purple Pals, a nonprofit supporting individuals affected by Alzheimer’s and their caregivers, and now serves as its President. Anya is a Facilitator for the President’s Leadership Council and previously served as Director of Scholarship for Kappa Delta Sorority’s Nu Chapter and interim Director of It’s On Us. She volunteers with Stillwater Medical Center and Walk to End Alzheimer’s. In 2024, she was recognized as an Oklahoma State Top 10 Freshman and the College of Education and Human Sciences Freshman of the Year.
Anya Thompson’s first volunteer experience at a nursing home sparked her orange passion — expanding geriatric care and reshaping society's views on aging. She co-founded OSU’s chapter of Purple Pals, a nonprofit supporting individuals affected by Alzheimer’s and their caregivers, and now serves as its President. Anya is a Facilitator for the President’s Leadership Council and previously served as Director of Scholarship for Kappa Delta Sorority’s Nu Chapter and interim Director of It’s On Us. She volunteers with Stillwater Medical Center and Walk to End Alzheimer’s. In 2024, she was recognized as an Oklahoma State Top 10 Freshman and the College of Education and Human Sciences Freshman of the Year.