Accolades
Academics
Campus
The honor recognizes students who demonstrate academic excellence, leadership, service, and a deep commitment to the university and broader community.
The university also recognized five Outstanding Graduate Student finalists.
A native of Asunción, Paraguay, Lourdes Alvarez earned a Master of Science in Technology with an emphasis in Graphic Design and Graphic Management with a 4.0 GPA while balancing advanced coursework with leadership, teaching, and meaningful service to the university and broader community.
Alvarez worked as a graphic designer for Rural Community Partners, where she designed and developed visual content for Rural Connect Magazine, strengthening communications that support rural communities.
She was a teaching assistant for the Department of Teaching and Leadership, providing instructional support and academic guidance, and for the Office of International Programs, where she assisted international students with their transition by designing presentations and resources.
Alvarez served as a senator in the Student Government Association and was active in the International Student Association and Phi Kappa Phi Honor Society. She served at The Big Event, volunteered at the Pittsburg Health and Rehabilitation Center, and supported the Hispanic Music Festival.
Her journey to Pitt State began in 2021 through an academic exchange scholarship program that had a lasting impact on her personal and professional goals. After completing her undergraduate degree in Paraguay, she chose to return to Pitt state for graduate study, where she has consistently demonstrated a commitment to excellence, leadership, and community involvement.
“My graduate experience has been defined by service, learning, and connection,” she said. “I am committed to continuing this path, using my skills, knowledge, and experiences to serve others, contribute to the community, and create positive impact wherever I go.”
Rylee Croft, of Wichita, earned a Master of Professional Accountancy with a 3.857 GPA while balancing a demanding schedule of coursework, leadership, and professional experience. Currently preparing for the CPA exam and interviewing with area employers, Croft plans to travel to Asia this summer as she looks ahead to the next chapter of her career.
Croft served as a graduate assistant in Kelce College of Business, where she supported four professors by assisting with grading, proctoring exams, and serving as a liaison between faculty and students.
She also worked as a clerical employee in the Registrar’s Office, assisting students and staff, resolving class scheduling issues, and processing transcript requests — roles that highlighted her commitment to student success.
Croft was active in the Kelce Graduate Student Association and the Graduate Student Advisory Council, along with several other student organizations, including Gamma Alpha Lambda.
Her extracurricular involvement — including participation in the Institute of Internal Auditors Student Chapter and serving as treasurer for her sorority — provided hands‑on experience to prepare her for her accounting career.
She was recognized with the Golden Gorilla Award in 2024 and as Kelce Outstanding Senior in 2025. She also demonstrated a commitment to service by volunteering at The Big Event, Commencement, and Lord’s Diner.
“Even though there is not an hour of free time Monday through Friday in my schedule, I would never change the opportunities I have been given,” she said. “Pittsburg State University has given me connections to last a lifetime and memories I will never forget. Being a Gorilla has truly been the most rewarding experience of my life.”
A native of Mexico City, Herrera is an award‑winning graduate student in the Master of Science in School Counseling Psychology program, where she earned a perfect 4.0 GPA while balancing rigorous academics, campus leadership, and family life.
Her academic excellence and commitment to service have distinguished her as a leader both in and beyond the classroom.
She served as a teaching assistant for Career Development, supporting student career readiness through workshops, mock interviews, and career fairs. She also gained hands‑on experience as a school counselor intern at Southeast High School and Pittsburg Community Middle School.
An active campus advocate, she held a leadership role as community outreach coordinator for the Hispanics of Today student organization and was involved as a member and event planner with Women@Work, Pittsburg Area Young Professionals, the International Student Association, and the Parent Council Group.
As a student and parent, she was one of the founding members of Parents at Pitt, helping a group of peers to create a welcoming network for those who balance academics and family responsibilities. With her husband, Isaac Hernandez, a faculty member in the Music Department, she co‑founded the Hispanic Music Festival, now entering its third year.
She served on the Presidential Search Committee that helped select President Thomas Newsom, contributed to International Student Orientation Week initiatives, and participated in PITT CARES.
“Pittsburg State University has given me the opportunity to collaborate and contribute to building a better campus for all,” she said. “This journey has changed my life, and I hope I have been able to positively impact the lives of others during my time here."
After graduation, she plans to work in higher education or at the high school level, where she hopes to support and motivate students from diverse backgrounds while remainingactively involved in the Pittsburg community.
A graduate student from Pittsburg in the Master’s in Chemistry program, Worsely served as a teaching assistant in the Chemistry Department, instructing undergraduate laboratory sections and mentoring students, while also conducting research that involved maintaining breast cancer and normal epithelial cell lines to generate controlled biological samples.
A graduate student from Pittsburg in the Master of Arts in English Literature program, Heatherly has had creative and scholarly work appear in publications including The Midwest Quarterly, presented research at multiple literature conferences, and served as both an adjunct lecturer and teaching assistant in the English Department, while earning writing awards and an international fellowship.
A graduate student from Overland Park in the Master of Business Administration program, Kahnk has worked as a payroll accounting analyst for Koch Industries Inc., supporting payroll operations for more than 1,600 employees across 11 countries while balancing her professional responsibilities with volunteer service through Kansas Big Brothers Big Sisters.
A graduate student from Easton in the Master of Business in Accounting program, Schmidt has worked as an audit and government consulting intern at Allen, Gibbs & Houlik, L.C., based in Overland Park, while also serving as a teaching assistant in the Kelce College of Business and remaining active in multiple student organizations and honor societies.
A graduate student from Turkistan in the Master of Arts in Communication program, Tazhikerim served as a teaching assistant for English composition and Research Writing courses, earned first place at the 2026 Capitol Graduate Research Summit, received a 2026 Gold ADDY Award for a strategic communication campaign for a local business, and volunteered with International Showcase and Global Fest.
