Presidential Ambassadors

Presidential Ambassadors have been a tradition at Marian University since 2015, when we launched the program with an inaugural group of 14 students. Today, the program has grown to include 32 students who are among Marian's best and brightest.

Students selected for this honor represent the university at prestigious campus and community events. They meet and network with alumni, community leaders, business executives, and other friends of the university at these functions, promoting Marian University's mission, vision, values, and traditions.

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Benefits
Here are just a few of the benefits of being a Presidential Ambassador:
- You have the opportunity to network with faculty, staff, alumni, community leaders, and friends of the university at high-profile, on- and off-campus events throughout the year.
- Build social skills, practice business etiquette, take advantage of leadership opportunities, and serve as an official university representative.
- Develop lifelong relationships with university staff, faculty, and administrators who will serve as employment references for internships and job interviews.
- Students who exceed performance expectations may receive a letter of recommendation from Marian University President Daniel J. Elsener.
Eligibility
To serve as a Presidential Ambassador at Marian, you must have completed at least one full year of study. If this describes you, then you should:
- Submit a completed application.
- Provide contact information for two (2) personal or professional references.
- Participate in an interview with the advisor and selection committee.
- Be a student in good academic and social standing with a minimum GPA that exceeds 3.0.
Requirements and responsibilities
As a Presidential Ambassador, your responsibilities will include:
- Attend an orientation session for all ambassadors before the start of each academic year.
- Participate in monthly organizational meetings.
- Volunteer for at least two (2) university events each semester, where you'll serve as a host, guide, greeter, or usher. You may also complete other duties as assigned.
- Participate in a fall or spring day of service.
- Maintain a 3.0 minimum GPA and be a student in good academic and social standing
Application timeline

Applications for 2022-23 Marian University Presidential Ambassador program are open February 1 through March 4, 2022. After completing the form, please email your resume, plus the name and email address of two references to krsmith@marian.edu by March 4. We will be in contact with applicants in mid-March to begin the interview process. All applicants will be notified of decisions by April 4. We look forward to connecting with you!
Click here to fill out your application!

2021-22 Presidential Ambassadors

Jack Adams '23
History Major
Bio
Lore Akinola-Afolabi '24
Biology Major
Bio
Nicholas Beedie '22
Psychology and Social Work Major
Bio
Caleb Beimfohr '23
Biology and Chemistry Major
Bio
Will Boyer '22
Finance and Management Major
Bio
Chole Bretzlaff '22
Biology Major
Bio
Lauren Bruns '24
Finance and Spanish Major
Bio
Jada Burton '22
Public Health and Sociology Major
Bio
Grace Garbsch '22
Sociology and Political science Major
Bio
Grace Harmon '22
Biology and Public Health Major
Bio
Baylee Hunt '23
Nursing and Public Health Major
Bio
Nicolas Jones '23
Finance Major
Bio
Sophia Kalscheur '22
History Major
Bio
Nate Marks '22
Biology Pre-Med Major
Bio
Grace McIntyre '22
Biology Major
Bio
Erin Oleksak
Biology and Psychology Major
Bio
Teodora Simion '22
Biology Major
Bio
Samantha Smith '23
Biology Major
Bio
Anavrin Reeve-Woods
Nursing Major
Bio
Samuel Stage '23
Business Marketing and Finance Major
Bio
Delaney Taylor '24
Nursing Major
Bio
Drew Thornton '23
Exercise Science Major
Bio
Gabe Trevino '22
Secondary Education Major
Bio
Lucy Wahnsiedler '22
Communication major
Bio
Margaret VanSant '22
Nursing Major
Bio
Makayla Walke '22
Marketing Major
Bio
Makenzie Walke '22
Communications Major
Bio
Emma Yarber '24
Political Science Major
Bio

Bami Adeniyi

Bami Adeniyi is from Indianapolis, Indiana, and is a senior at Marian University pursuing a degree in Nursing. Bami is currently the President of Marian University's Student Nurses Association, where she promotes their slogan of the year's "Legacy of Leadership.". She facilitates success sessions for nursing students to help students achieve success in their nursing school classes as well as bring in alumni and nursing leaders to harbor a community of strong nursing leaders. Bami aspires to become a Ph.D. Certified Nurse Anesthetist who will have a global impact on health care. On-campus she works as a peer tutor where she supports students in pre-nursing and nursing courses. Bami is also an orientation leader where she welcomes new students to campus and shares her knowledge and love for Marian University. On-campus she has served two terms as the Executive Vice President of the Student Government Association and as class president her Freshman and Sophomore year. She is a Center for Leadership Development Scholar as well as a member of the Marian University Health Professions’ Diversity and Inclusion Task Force. Bami is a member of Marian University’s chapter of the National Society for Leadership and Success as well as the Honors Academy. She is also a trained patient care assistant through IU Health University Hospital. Outside of academics, she enjoys encouraging and uplifting others and being a big sister to her two younger siblings.

Timmy Annee

Timothy (Timmy) Annee was born and raised in Indianapolis, Indiana. Timmy has been part of the Marian University community since before his enrollment in the fall of 2017. Olivia (’17) and Amanda Annee (’19), Timmy’s two older sisters, both attended and played soccer at Marian. Timmy is currently in his fourth year at Marian, with hopes of attaining a degree consisting of a double major in accounting and finance. He is a member of the Marian University Men’s Soccer team, as well as a member of the Dean’s Advisory Council for the Byrum School of Business. Upon graduation, Timmy plans to study for, and pass, the IN CPA exam, while simultaneously working in the accounting field. Given that Timmy is an athlete, fitness and health are of great interest to him. In fact, two of his favorite places on campus are the EcoLab and the weight room in the P.E. Center. Some of Timmy’s hobbies include running, hammocking and crafting. He also enjoys cooking, lifting weights, and antiquing in his free time. When Timothy is not on campus, he is usually off hiking at a state park, visiting his family, shopping, or hanging out with his puppy, Calvin.

Nicholas Beedie

Nicholas Beedie currently lives in Evansville, Indiana but was born here in Indianapolis. He is studying Social Work with a minor in Communication. He plans on get his M.S.W after completion of his undergraduate in 2022. Along with being a Presidential Ambassador, Nicholas is a part of Marian's Bowling team, he is a 21st Century Scholar Mentor, a member of CAB, and he is a student worker in the library. When he is not studying, Nicholas can be found at work, practice, hanging with friends, or sleeping. He even says that he is training himself to sleep on command. His favorite spot on campus is ironically in the library where he works. It is a great spot to focus on school work and to relax.

Caleb Beimfohr

Caleb Beimfohr was raised in Lafayette Indiana and attends school at Marian University in Indianapolis Indiana. He is currently double majoring in Biology and Chemistry with concentrations in Health Sciences and Bio-Organics as well as pursuing a minor in Photography. At school he is a Marian Ambassador and a sports photographer for the athletic office. At home, Caleb works as a Certified Nurse Assistant at a local nursing home in Lafayette. In his free time, he runs his small photography business, Caleb Beimfohr Photography, which specializes in senior and family photos. He uses this platform as an opportunity to volunteer his talents for fundraisers at the local high schools. He is a part of the Cross Country and Track teams at Marian University with his specialty being the 800-meter run. His favorite spot on campus is the photography studio in the Evan’s center because it is an amazing space to work on personal photography projects. He is thankful for his multitude of family, friends, teammates, and mentors and works to be a blessing to everyone he encounters.

Will Boyer

Will Boyer is from Elkhart, Indiana. At Marian, Will is a double major in Finance and Business Management, with a minor in Law Studies. On campus Will is also a Marian Ambassador with the Office of Undergraduate Admissions. His favorite spots on campus include Alumni Hall and the Norman Center. Following his time at Marian, Will plans to attend law school. Will's favorite thing about Marian is the communal feeling of campus, and the innovative, hands-on curriculum of the Byrum School of Business.

Chole Bretzlaff

Chloe Bretzlaff grew up in Rushville, Indiana and attended Rushville Consolidated High School before graduating in 2018. Chloe is the oldest child of Matt Bretzlaff and Barre and Tonya Wainwright. She is currently entering her junior year at Marian studying biology with a concentration in health sciences with aspirations of attending a physician assistant program after undergrad. On campus Chloe is a part of Sigma Zeta, NSLS and is a member of Be the Match. Chloe’s favorite spot on campus is either the library (3rd floor of course!) or the Nina Mason Pulliam Eco Lab. Some of her most memorable moments at Marian have happened in the Eco Lab – be it getting lost on the trails for a few hours or enjoying the scenery. Outside of Marian, Chloe works at Community Hospital North as a Laboratory Technician and credits her family’s unwavering support for her accomplishments thus far. This will be her first year as a Presidential Ambassador and Chloe is looking forward to all the opportunities that this will provide for her and her peers.

Mary Crumlin

Mary Crumlin was born and raised in New Palestine, Indiana. She attends Marian University, where she studies accounting and marketing. Mary is a part of Marian University’s softball team. Because of Mary’s involvement on Marian University’s softball team, her favorite place on campus is the new weight room. It is a place where she can clear her mind of anything going on. Upon graduating, she plans to work as a full-time accountant while studying to take her CPA exam. While at Marian, she has also worked as a peer tutor for other accounting students. Mary loves hanging out with friends and family. She also loves dogs and her family has two of their own, Dude and Elvis. Mary got a cat this year with her roommates, Fancy.

Grace Garbsch

Grace Garbsch is a junior double major in Sociology and Political Science. Her future aspirations are to either go onto law school or work at a non-profit. Grace works as a Marian tour guide and she is also involved in College Mentors for Kids, the treasurer for the Sophomore Class, secretary for the Honors Academy, and the philanthropy chair for Theta Phi Alpha. Grace was born and raised in Cincinnati, Ohio alongside her two older sisters and younger brother. During her free time, Grace loves to hang out with her friends and family, hike, read, and explore Indianapolis. Grace loves Marian because of the small classes and the community-like atmosphere. Her favorite place on campus is Alumni Hall because she feels it is great place for the Marian community to come together and relax.

Grace Harmon

Grace Harmon is a junior from Jasper, IN. She is graduating in 2022 with a B.S. in Biology and a B.S. in Public Health with the goal of becoming a pediatrician. She has 3 younger siblings, two dogs, and a pet ball python. She loves to read Stephen King novels, hammock around campus, and study with her friends. Grace is very involved on campus as she is a Resident Assistant, a San Damiano scholar, a leader in College Mentors for Kids, and part of Be the Match on Campus. She loves the atmosphere of both living and learning at Marian University and the closeness she feels with her peers and professors.

Max Ismoilov

Max Ismoilov moved to the United States almost 4 years ago. He decided to transfer to Marian University in the Fall semester of 2017. Nowadays, Max is a Vice President of Alpha Kappa chapter of Alpha Delta Gamma National Fraternity. Additionally, he is a lead accounting peer tutor, food court cashier, athletic game day worker and student health center student-supervisor. Grateful for an amazing support he receives from Marian community Max thrives to do his best to give back to the community.

Sophia Kalscheur

Sophia Kalscheur grew up in Indianapolis and has close ties to Marian University. She became a student at the university as a dual credit student when she was 15 and fell in love with the campus, the faculty, and the community. She is studying History and Theatre with a minor in Pastoral Leadership at Marian. Although Sophia is a commuter student, she is still very involved on campus. She is active in the Marian University Theatre Program and sits on the theatre council; she also serves as the Worship Chair for Campus Ministry Council, is a San Damiano Scholar, and sings in the Sacred Choir. Sophia enjoys dancing, reading, and going on long walks, especially in the Eco Lab. She has a black belt in Taekwondo (a marital art form) and is crazy about golf and anything to with research.

Rachel Kassing

Rachel Kassing is from a small town in Illinois, 30 minutes from downtown St. Louis, MO. She has attended Catholic schools all her life and is planning to major in both accounting and finance. When she isn’t studying, Rachel can be found hanging out with friends, watching Downton Abbey, or eating ice cream at Graeter’s. She can also be found on-campus giving tours as a Marian Ambassador, meeting with the Honors Academy, attending Mass, or at any event that gives away free t-shirts. Her favorite spot on campus is the bench beside the Rosary Walk because of the calming effect it has on her after a long day or week. Accustomed to a small class size with a high school graduating class of 25, Marian is a great fit for Rachel and becomes more like home every day.

Nate Marks

Nate Marks is from Indianapolis, Indiana and is working towards a major in biology with a focus in pre-med as well as a minor in chemistry and Spanish. He has an older brother who just graduated from Marian, and a younger sister who is a senior in high school. At Marian, Nate is involved in the Pre-Student Osteopathic Medicine Association (Pre-SOMA), Custodians of Beauty, Knights for Life, STARR service, and currently serves as the treasurer for the Psychology Club. In his spare time, Nate loves listening to music, going out/spending time with friends, watching tv shows, working out at the fitness center, and running/walking in the Ecolab which is his favorite place on campus. He enjoys the Ecolab because it’s a wonderful place to spend time with nature while also getting fresh air and some time away from the everyday stress of homework, projects and tests. One aspect of Marian University that Nate loves most is how welcoming and tightly-knit the campus community is which allows him to get involved, grow in faith, and make strong relationships all while studying hard to build a brighter future as a doctor of osteopathy.

Grace McIntyre

Grace McIntyre is from Brownsburg, Indiana. She is pursuing a double major in Biology and Public Health with a minor in Chemistry. On campus she enjoys working as a research assistant in a lab focused on healthy aging. Grace aspires to continue her passion for research by attending graduate school for biochemistry and molecular biology. On campus she is grateful for the opportunity to pole vault for the Marian University Track and Field Team. She also serves as the Co-President of the Gamma Eta chapter of the Sigma Zeta National Science and Mathematics Honors Society where she encourages others to attend professional development opportunities and obtain research grants. She also loves sharing her passion for Marian University as a Marian Ambassador and an Orientation Leader and a member of the Honors Academy. In her free time, Grace enjoys spending time with her family and friends and exploring the outdoors.

Joe Miles

Joe Miles is from Grand Rapids, Michigan and graduated from GR Catholic Central High School. He is pursuing a degree in Biology with a concentration in Environmental Science along with a Business minor. Joe is on the Cycling Team where he competes in both the mountain bike and road disciplines. When he isn’t in class or on the bike, he loves being in the outdoors, traveling, hanging with friends, and photography. He is also involved in the Sophia Club, Knights for Life, and FCA (Fellowship of Christian Athletes) here on campus. His favorite spots on campus are the Ecolab, the Oldenburg Chapel, and the floating steps outside the Evans Center as they are all beautiful places to destress and relax from the business of our lives.

Andrea Nunez

Andrea Nunez is originally from Honduras, Tegucigalpa. She moved to Indianapolis, Indiana in 2017, and is currently pursuing a bachelor’s degree in biology and a minor in chemistry and psychology. She has one sister, who is 21 years old. Her parents and sister are still back home, but she is able to visit them when she can. Andrea volunteered with a Pediatrician at Eskenazi Health this summer, where she gained a lot of experience. After she gets her bachelor’s degree, she wants to go to graduate school to be a Physician Assistant. Andrea is involved in the Marian community, including STARR (Students Taking Active Reflective Roles) core team, which is a program that engages students in reflective service throughout the Indianapolis community. Another role she has at Marian is being an Associate Director for the Koinonia retreat, which focuses on “discovering yourself, God and others”. Sigma Zeta, which is a national math and science society, is another organization she is involved in. When she travels to Honduras, she always volunteers for Sociedad Amigos de los Niños, an organization that provides housing, health, and education for the most vulnerable children in Honduras. Her favorite spot in campus is the tree by alumni hall. She can just bring a blanket and sit under that tree with her friends for hours. She loves that place because she can see how pretty Marian’s campus is. She enjoys traveling, spending time with her friends and family, and watching movies. She also loves spending time outdoors and getting coffee or ice cream with her friends.

Hannah Robinson

Hannah Robinson grew up in Westfield, Indiana and attended Westfield High School. She is currently in her last year of undergrad at Marian University and studies marketing and psychology with a finance minor. Outside of being a presidential ambassador, Hannah is a digital marketing intern at the Marketing and Communications department at Marian University. In addition, Hannah is a business leader scholar, and a student ambassador leader for the Byrum School of Business. Her favorite place on campus is the Paul J. Norman Center. Hannah spends a majority of her day at the Norman Center because of her major. Whenever a day gets too long, she always stops by Subway to get something to eat and hang out in one of the study rooms to do homework.

Colleen Schena

From South Bend, Indiana, Colleen Schena is grateful to have one more year studying theology, biology, and French at Marian University. On campus, Colleen is a San Damiano Scholar, where she manages the senior capstone, Common Threads (a project dealing with clothing insecurity and fast fashion) and is the serving Student Director of the fall Marian Koinonia retreat. She also produces content for the Nina Mason Pulliam EcoLab social media pages. Her favorite spots on campus are all outside, whether in the creek-side trails of the EcoLab or on a swench somewhere on campus. Colleen has truly appreciated all the opportunities Marian has given her, from a strong, connected community to an academic foundation that will truly take her anywhere. She is excited to begin her second year as a Presidential Ambassador

Danni Schweitzer

Danielle Schweitzer grew up in Shelbyville, Indiana and graduated from Triton Central High School in 2017. She is the eldest of five kids, which assisted in finding her passion to work with kids and pursue a career as an elementary education major. In her search for an interactive and community-based school, she found Marian University and currently attends as a junior. At Marian, Danni stays busy as a Campus Activities Board member, Co-chairman for Homecoming and Knight Daze, and in clubs such as Sisters in Christ and FCA. Being thankful for the opportunities she has, Danni works giving back to others and has participated in doing this through Alternate Breaks where she has served in Puerto Rico, as well as a volunteer volleyball coach and summer camp counselor. During her summers and free time, Danni enjoys spending time outdoors by traveling (especially to the mountains), camping, and hiking with her family and friends.

Teodora Simion

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Samantha Smith

Samantha Smith is currently a sophomore at Marian University majoring in Biology with a minor in Public Health. She was raised in New Haven, Indiana, only half an hour away from the city of Fort Wayne. Her hobbies include reading, hiking, running, and spending time with family and friends. Samantha’s ultimate goal is to graduate and attend Marian’s College of Osteopathic Medicine. Her hobbies include reading, hiking, kayaking, running, and spending time with family and friends. Her campus involvement includes being part of the STARR Core team, Chair of Academic Excellence for Theta Phi Alpha, SGA Representative for Be the Match, and a member of the Young Americans for Freedom Chapter, Knights for Life, Sigma Zeta, Ultimate Frisbee Club, and the Fiat Women’s Discernment Community. She is also a Campus Ministry student worker and truly enjoys working with and learning from the Campus Ministry staff. Samantha’s favorite place on campus is either the third floor of the library where she can focus on her studies or the St. Francis Chapel in Oldenburg Hall where she can pray and reflect on her day. Lastly, Samantha is very passionate about the importance of a compassionate environment in the healthcare system and learning/appreciating other cultures different from hers.

Drew Sullivan

Drew Sullivan is a junior Biology Major and Pastoral Leadership minor at Marian University originally from Kokomo, Indiana. He is a San Damiano Scholar and serves on the Directors Council for the scholarship program. He also serves as the Executive VP of Finance for the Student Body, the Vice President of the Junior Class, Presidential Ambassadors, and as an executive officer for Knights for Life. Drew is in the process of applying for Pharmacy school and plans to begin schooling in Fall 2021. His favorite place to hang out on campus is Alumni Hall!

Raegene Thomas

Raegene Thomas was raised in Merrillville, Indiana to a family of steel workers. She currently attends Marian University where she is a double major in political science and sociology, with a minor in history and a concentration in legal studies. At Marian, Raegene is a member of the Women's Track and Field team. She competes in the throwing events, and maintains the university's record in the shot put. Aside from her sport, Raegene is the Co-President of the Marian Maniacs, the athletic booster club for Marian athletics. Raegene enjoys spending her free time hanging with her friends, attending sporting events, studying social justice reform and volunteering with different programs that support local, underprivileged children. One of her favorite places on campus is the Ecology Lab. Raegene spends a great amount of time there practicing her throwing events, and has grown a fond appreciation of this hidden gem. After graduating Marian, Raegene plans on attending law school, and hopes to one day run for office.

Drew Thornton

Drew Thornton grew up in Carmel, Indiana where he was homeschooled and then attended Carmel High School. He is majoring in Exercise Science with the intentions of becoming a physical therapist. Drew played a variety of sports growing up but found his greatest passion in running and now competes for the track and field team at Marian. In his first year with the Knights, he was awarded three All-Conference honors, named Crossroads League Track Athlete of the Week, and competed at Nationals earning All-American honors. When Drew isn’t studying or training, he spends his time assisting clients as a health coach for a weight loss program. He has a passion for nutrition and helping others achieve their goals of developing a healthier lifestyle. He also enjoys spending time with family and friends and exploring the outdoors. In search of an opportunity to branch out as a leader to the Marian community, Drew decided to join the Presidential Board of Ambassadors to get more involved on campus and see all the great aspects of the university from a different perspective. His favorite places on campus are the P.E. Center and Alumni Hall where he spends time hanging out with track teammates and friends.

Gabe Trevino

Gabriel Trevino is a junior studying Secondary Education and History at Marian University. He will be graduating in spring of 2022. Gabriel is from South Bend, Indiana and has moved to Indianapolis for school. Gabriel is the oldest sibling of five. He loves serving as a role model for his younger siblings. Gabriel is also involved in Unity for Black Identity, Students Organization of Latinos, and is a 21st century scholar and mentor. Gabriel also works for the sports information department, and he also owns his own photography business. He loves traveling, and has most recently visited the Rocky Mountains this past summer. When Gabriel is not in the classroom, or at a club meeting you can find him in the Unity Center. He loves the Unity Center because it’s a place where everyone can come to unite and get along.

Inga VanMeter

Inga Van Meter is from Brookville, Indiana and is a senior at Marian University. She is pursuing a degree in Chemistry with a minor in Psychology, with plans to go to graduate school after undergrad to pursue a PhD in Analytical Chemistry. She is a member of Sigma Zeta, a national math and science society, and serves as their Student Government Association representative. Inga is also a student employee working in the Organic Chemistry labs, preparing them each week for the Organic students. When she is not at school, participating in Sigma Zeta, or working in the Organic lab, she enjoys spending time with her German Shepherd,Cass, taking him on long walks or playing with other dogs.

Lucy Wahnsiedler

Lucy Wahnsiedler is a sophomore Communication major, minoring in Pastoral Leadership. As a commuter student, she lives in Indianapolis with her parents and younger sister. Lucy is a San Damiano Scholar and currently serves on the Campus Ministry Council as the Commuter Representative. Her favorite place on campus is the choir loft in Bishop Chartrand Memorial Chapel because it is an inspiring and quiet place of reflection at the end of a long day. When she is not on campus, Lucy is involved at her parish as an American Sign Language interpreter for Children’s Faith Formation and a volunteer with Indiana 4-H and with the Indianapolis Zoo. She enjoys photography, calligraphy, event planning, and anything involving canine companions. Lucy hopes to work with medical alert/service companion animals and their owners, continue ministry involvement, and be engaged with non-profit and philanthropic entities after graduation in 2022.

Makayla Walke

Makayla Walke grew up in a Waynetown, Indiana and graduated from North Montgomery High School. She is currently a junior pursuing a degree in marketing with a concentration in integrated marketing and communications with a minor in communication. Besides being a Presidential Ambassador Makayla is heavily involved on campus. She is a 21st Century Scholar, an executive board member for the Campus Activities Board, a student manager in the library on campus, and an Orientation Leader. It was no surprise that Makayla found a second home at Marian just like her older brother and father who graduated from the university. When she is not in class or working, she can be found hanging out with friends, exploring Indianapolis, or watching Netflix. Makayla can almost always be found with a cup of coffee in her hand at her favorite place on campus is the library because it is the perfect place to study and hangout with friends.

Makenzie Walke

Makenzie Walke is from Waynetown, Indiana and graduated from North Montgomery High School in 2018. She is currently a senior pursuing a degree in Communication with minors in Business and Public Health. Besides being a Presidential Ambassador, Makenzie is involved in 21st Century Scholars, holds an executive board chairman role for the Campus Activities Board, a student manager in the library on campus, and was an intern in the Marketing and Communication department. Because Marian Alumni run in the family, the decision to attend Marian University was a one proud to make. In her free time, Makenzie enjoys being with friends, staying active, and listening to music. She can be found anywhere outside on campus during the day soaking up her last year at Marian!

Emma Yarber

Emma grew up in Mt. Vernon, a small town at the southernmost tip of Indiana, and graduated from Mt. Vernon Senior High School in 2020. She currently attends Marian University and is majoring in political science with a double minor in global studies and pastoral leadership. Emma has a passion for leadership and serving the community, and Marian University has provided the perfect place for her to pursue those passions and grow as an individual. On campus, Emma is a member of the competition cheer team, a San Damiano Scholar, an A-Team business consultant, and a member of Young Americans for Freedom, College Mentors for Kids, and Knights for Life. She also served as the Freshman Class President from 2020-21. Emma loves to travel (so far she has been to six different countries!) and she looks forward to studying abroad while at Marian and hopes to one day work overseas to deal with foreign policy and international relations. After graduation, Emma plans to attend law school and go on to pursue a career in both state and national politics by one day running for elected office.

Margaret VanSant

Margaret VanSant is from St. Louis, Missouri and is a senior at Marian University pursuing a degree in Nursing. Margaret is currently the President of the Marian University Student Nurses Association, where she works to connect current students with the greater Indianapolis nursing community and provide leadership opportunities for all Marian University nursing students. Margaret has a current goal of working in an Intensive Care Unit and eventually becoming a nursing instructor to continue educating the next generation of nurses. Margaret also serves as an Orientation Leader throughout the summer, helping welcome new students to Marian and make it feel like home!

Delaney Taylor

Delaney Taylor was born and raised in Columbia City, Indiana. She attended Warsaw Community High School. Delaney is pursuing a degree in Nursing. She aspires to continue her nursing studies after achieving her BSN towards becoming a nurse practitioner. Delaney worked as a CNA at a nursing home in Warsaw, Indiana called Miller Merry Manor where she became interested in geriatrics. As a young kid, Delaney found her passion playing soccer. Her love for the game continued and now she plays soccer for the Marian University Women’s Soccer Team. Delaney is a part of Indy Athletes in Action which is a Christian based collegiate athlete organization that focuses on giving back to the community and service projects. In her free time, she likes to read, do cross fit, go on walks, and spend time with her family and friends. Delaney’s favorite place on campus is St. Vincent Field because she has made some of her best memories at Marian there, and she has found it to be the best place on campus to reduce stress.

Samuel Stage

Sam Stage is a Junior Marketing and Finance major with a concentration in sales. Sam grew up in Carmel, IN where he attended Carmel High School. He is part of several organizations on campus in addition to Presidential Ambassadors. He is the Vice President of Campus Activities Board, the President of Alpha Delta Gamma, and a member of the Cross Country and Track team. When Sam is not working, running, and at school, you can find him golfing or being in the outdoors. Sam's favorite place on campus is Alumni Hall because it is a place of gathering for him and his friends.

Anavrin Reeve-Woods

Anavrin Reeves-Woods hails from the near east side of Indianapolis, Indiana, graduating from Crispus Attucks High School. She is pursuing a degree in Nursing with a minor in Pastoral Leadership. She hopes to receive her Bachelors of Science in Nursing and become a Registered Nurse. After doing so, Anavrin plans to utilize her education and personal experiences while working in the inner-city area, aspiring to make an impact on the community she grew up in. She loves the student-focused aspect of Marian University, and can almost always be found in the Evans Center studying, which is her favorite spot on campus because of the welcoming and calming atmosphere. Regarding campus life, Anavrin is a 21st Century Scholar, San Damiano Scholar, a Student Assistant in the Undergraduate Office of Admissions, and a Presidential Ambassador. Outside of school, Anavrin is a parts sales associate at AutoZone, a lifelong member of St. Rita’s Catholic Church, and the third youngest of six siblings. Following graduation, Anavrin plans on continuing her education and plans to become a Nurse Practitioner.

Erin Oleksak

Erin Oleksak is pursuing degrees in both biology and psychology with a concentration in medicine, as well as a minor in Spanish. She is originally from Royal Oak, Michigan, but currently lives in Palatine, IL. Her goal upon graduating is to attend medical school and hopefully in the future, run her own practice. Erin is a very dedicated athlete here at Marian. In the fall, she serves as a captain for the women’s soccer team, while in the spring, she trains with the track team to compete as a hurdler and a high jumper. So far as a Knight, she has earned 11 All-American honors. Outside of athletics, Erin is a member of Sigma Zeta Honors Society, Psi Chi Honors Society, the National Alliance on Mental Illness, and the Red Cross Club. She also works as a peer tutor and a student research assistant studying sphingolipids in relation to Alzheimer’s Disease. Back home, Erin enjoys spending time with her 3 siblings and 2 dogs. They often go hiking in the local forest preserves or go for runs together. Erin is excited to take on her new role as a Presidential Ambassador this year and continue to represent the Marian community.

Nicholas Jones

Nicolas (Nick) Jones grew up in Clayton,Indiana where he attended the Blue Ribbon awarded Cascade High School. He was awarded the Eli Lilly Endowment Scholarship and was grateful to attend Marian University. Nick is majoring in Finance with minors in both French and Spanish. He is spending his second semester studying abroad in France. He is heavily involved in campus clubs such as College Mentors for Kids, Student Government, and the Student Organization for Latinos. One of his favorite spots on campus is the Oriental Gardens, where he can meditate and reflect. Outside of school, Nick has a passion for travelling and exploring new cultures. He is always looking for adventure and loves being outdoors. He plans on attending law school after graduation and hopes to do international work with global businesses. He is grateful for all the connections he has made at Marian and looks forward to working with other Presidential Ambassadors to showcase all of the opportunities Marian provides.

Baylee Hunt

Baylee Hunt is from Crawfordsville, Indiana, and is a Junior at Marian University pursuing a double major in Nursing and Public Health and a double minor in Biology and Psychology. Baylee is currently serving on the Executive Board of Marian University's Student Nurses Association, where she acts as a Junior Representative and Blood Drive Coordinator. She helps to facilitates success sessions for nursing students at the start of the semester to help students achieve success in their nursing school classes. Baylee aspires to become a nurse who will have an impact both in and out of the hospital. Baylee is a member of the Marian Ambassador team where she welcomes prospective new students and families to campus and shares her knowledge and love for Marian University with them and a member of Marian University’s Delta Mu chapter of Theta Phi Alpha. She is also a trained patient care assistant through IU Health Methodist Hospital. Outside of academics, she enjoys encouraging others and playing with her dogs!

Jada Burton

Jada Burton was born and raised in Pennsylvania’s Capital, Harrisburg. She currently attends Marian University where she is a double major in public health and sociology, with a minor in business administration. Jada played many sports but found a passion in competing on the track and field team with her favorite competitor, her twin sister. At Marian, Jada is a captain on the women’s track and field team. During her time with the team she received many honors including Crossroads League Track Athlete of the Week, several All-Conference Honors, as well as All-American honors at the National level. She also holds a few of Marian University’s all-time track and field records. She is also involved with a club on campus known as Unity for Black Identity. Jada enjoys traveling and learning about other cultures. Her favorite spot on campus is the athletic training room, She believes that recovery and healing are important pieces of success. Upon graduation Jada aspires to continue her passion for healthcare and equity by attending graduate school for healthcare administration.

Lauren Bruns

Lauren Bruns is from Zionsville, Indiana. She is a double major in Finance and Spanish, with a minor in Pastoral Leadership. Along with being a presidential ambassador, Lauren serves as the VP of Engagement for College Mentors for Kids, member of Knights for Life, San Damiano Scholar, and an orientation leader. Outside of her involvement on campus Lauren loves to go hiking, being with her friends and family, and traveling. Lauren’s favorite place on campus is Alumni Hall.

Jack Adams

Jack is from Brownsburg, IN, about 25 minutes from campus. He is studying History and Global Studies with a minor in Writing. Jack is a Presidential Ambassador, as well as the inaugural Historian for Marian’s History Honors Society, Phi Alpha Theta. When he isn’t at work or in class, Jack enjoys going to mass, spending time with friends in Alumni, and reading historical graphic novels. His favorite place on campus is Alumni Hall because of its versatility as a place to study, conduct meetings, grab food on the go, or enjoy leisure time.

Lore Akinola-Afolabi

Lore Akinola-Afolabi is from Indianapolis, Indiana. She is currently pursuing a degree in Biology with a minor in Health Education Teaching. She hopes to earn her Bachelor of Science in Biology to take it further into medical school, in hopes of becoming a General Surgeon. She aspires to become a General Surgeon because she has a passion for advocating for those that are underserved in her community. Lore is very involved on campus as she is a Resident Assistant, a member of the Union of Black Identity, a football videographer for Marian football, as well as a leader in the Pre-Health club on campus. Her favorite spot on campus is the terrace in the library because she gets to admire nature from a distinct spot. She is very thankful for her family, friends, loved ones, and mentors and hopes to be a light that impacts everyone positively wherever she goes..

Featured Students

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Presidential Ambassadors

Benefits

Eligibility

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2021-22 Presidential Ambassadors

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