Presidential Ambassadors

Jack Adams is a commuter from Brownsburg, Indiana. He is majoring in History with minors in English, Global Studies, and Writing. When not at work or in class, Jack loves going to daily mass, spending time with friends in Alumni, and walking throughout campus. His favorite place on campus is Alumni Hall because of its versatility as a place to study, catch up with friends, hold meetings, or grab food on the go.

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.

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. At school he is a student researcher, assistant lab manager, and a sports photographer for the athletic office. 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 as a team manager and photographer. His favorite spot on campus is the research lab in Marian Hall because he gets to spend his time developing research skills. He is thankful for his multitude of family, friends, teammates, and mentors and works to be a blessing to everyone he encounters.

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, VP of Engagement for the Student Government Association, and Student Financial Analyst for the Office of Student Activities. 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. Upon graduation Lauren would like to work for an Investment Banking company.

Betija Dūšele is from Riga, Latvia. She is a double major in Analytics and Management with a minor in German for professions. In addition to being a Presidential Ambassador, Betija serves as an assistant in the Office of Undergraduate Admissions for international students, member of the Marian Ambassador team, as well as member of the Women’s Tennis team. In the free time she enjoys travel, photography and hanging out with friends. One of her favorite spots on campus is the Tea House Garden where she finds a peaceful spot from every-day life rush.

Sarah Getman grew up in Mitchell, Indiana and graduated from Bedford North Lawrence High School in 2021. She is studying history, theology, and global studies with hopes of working in both ministry and academia. Sarah is involved on campus as a member of the San Damiano Scholars, Sophia (Philosophy) Club, and Knights for Life. She also enjoys singing with Marian University’s Sacred Choir. In her free time, Sarah loves to read, write, travel, and have philosophical conversations with her friends. Sarah’s favorite place on campus is the fountain at the St. Francis Colonnade. Her love for Marian stems from many of the university’s characteristics, but her favorite part of the Marian experience is the sense of community present on campus. Sarah is honored and excited by the opportunity to represent Marian as a Presidential Ambassador, and she looks forward to the many connections and memories she will create with the program.

Khadijah Guisse is from Fishers, IN. She is pursuing a degree in Biology with a minor in Chemistry and plans to attend medical school after graduating. Khadijah is the president of Pre-Heath while also being a member of Union for Black Identity and Sigma Zeta. She also works as a Resident Assistant and student research assistant studying sphingolipids in relation to aging. Outside of school, she enjoys spending time with friends and family.

I am a student-athlete here at Marian and enjoy conversing with all. I am a Physiology of Exercise major and will be staying to complete a masters in Physiology of Exercise here at Marian University. From there I hope to go to Medical School and one day be an Emergency Room physician.

Isabel Hofmann is from Cincinnati, Ohio. She is currently pursuing degrees in English and Spanish, which motivate her to connect communities. Apart from being a Presidential Ambassador, Isabel involves herself in other ways around campus and in the neighboring community. She currently serves as president of the Spanish Honors Society (Sigma Delta Pi), part of Knights for Life, and a San Damiano Scholar. She also has been involved with Marian University’s Writing Center since her arrival at Marian, where she is a Tutor Coordinator as well as a member of the Student Leader Board. Outside of commitments to the University, Isabel enjoys fostering relationships with friends through enjoying the natural world both on campus and in the surrounding areas! Isabel is excited to take on the role of a Presidential Ambassador this year and share the joys of Marian University.

Baylee Hunt is from Crawfordsville, Indiana, and is a Senior at Marian University pursuing a double major in both Nursing and Public Health and a double minor in both Biology and Psychology. Baylee is currently serving on the Executive Board of Marian University's Student Nurses Association as Assistant Secretary and Senior Representative. She helps to facilitates informational 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 also 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 during campus visits. Baylee is also a member of Marian University’s Delta Mu chapter of Theta Phi Alpha. Baylee works as a Patient Care Tech at IU Health Methodist Hospital. Outside of academics, she enjoys spending time with friends and playing with her dogs!

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 Span-ish. He just returned from a semester abroad in France. He is heavily involved in campus clubs such as College Mentors for Kids, Student Government, and the Student Organization for Lati-nos. 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 Am-bassadors to showcase all of the opportunities Marian provides.

Brylee Koontz is from the small town of Gaston, Indiana. She is a junior at Marian University with a double major in Business Management and Marketing with a concentration in human resources. Brylee is the President of Campus Activities Board, the Executive Vice President for Student Government Association, a Student Coordinator for First-Year Experience, a member of the National Society of Leadership and Success, a First-Year Seminar Peer Mentor, and a Marian Knight Competitive Dancer. Over the summer, Brylee was an intern at the Indianapolis Motor Speedway, Marian University’s Office of Human Resources, and Marian University’s Office of Institutional Advancement. Brylee is striving to become an International Marketing Director and plans to earn her private pilot license and commercial pilot license. In her free time, Brylee enjoys traveling, hiking, and trying new restaurants in Indy with her dog, Pip.

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.

Caitlyn is from Crown Point, Indiana. She is pursuing a major in Biology with a minor in Chemistry. Caitlyn is looking to continue her education in medical school. She participates in research on campus with Dr. Collins and her research team looking at the effect of brassinosteroids on breast cancer cells. She is also the president of the Gamma Eta Chapter of Sigma Zeta National Science and Mathematics Honor Society where she fosters undergraduate STEM involvement and professional development opportunities. Caitlyn is also a player on the Marian University Softball Team. In her free time, she enjoys spending time with family and friends, working out, and shopping. She is excited to be a Presidential Ambassador for her senior year!

Matthew Riehle grew up in Sunman, Indiana where he attended Milan High School. He is majoring in Marketing (Sales) with the intentions of becoming a sales representative. Matthew played a variety of sports growing up: Basketball, Soccer, and Track, he now competes for the track and field team at Marian. Along his journey with the Knights so far, he has achieved All-American, All Conference, and Conference Champion Honors. While Matthew isn’t on the track, he enjoys hanging out with his friends, praying in the various chapels on campus, and taking part in other leadership opportunities. Matthew is also the VP of Finance on the Executive Board for the Student Government Association. Matthew 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. Matthew loves campus, and says he is blessed to have such a beautiful home. His favorite spots on campus include the St. Joseph’s Chapel, Alumni Hall, and the Library.

Megan Roell grew up in Harrison, Ohio, where she graduated from Mercy McAuley High School in 2021. Now, she is studying Elementary Education with minors in Special Education and Pastoral Leadership. She aspires to teach in a Catholic grade-school, helping young students build important skills so that they can reach their full potential. At Marian, Megan participates in the San Damiano Scholars Program, College Mentors for Kids, Just Earth Club, Ultimate Frisbee Club, University Ministry Council, and several other activities in which she brings her passions to life. Also at school, she works in the Personalized Learning Center, helping students receive learning accommodations. Back at home, she loves going to Cincinnati Reds games, helping on her family's farms, and taking on leadership and service opportunities at her church. When she isn't studying or working, she can be found playing a friendly game of cards, mixing up something delicious in the kitchen, or finding new ways to upcycle thrifted clothing. Her favorite places at Marian are Alumni Hall (definitely not because of the Starbucks) and the study rooms in the library.

Erik Schultz is from Valparaiso, Indiana. He is a Marketing major, with a minor in Communication, and concentration in Professional Selling. Erik is quite involved at Marian. In addition to Presidential Ambassadors, he works in the Campus Mailroom, is a member of the Ultimate Frisbee Club, and President of the Alpha Kappa chapter of Alpha Delta Gamma Fraternity. He recently studied abroad during the Summer, visiting England and France. In addition, this Eagle Scout enjoys spending time with friends, going fishing, and watching sports. Erik’s favorite place on campus is the Norman Center, as he finds it a fantastic place to collaborate on pro-jects and regularly interact with some of his professors.

Samantha Smith is currently a senior at Marian University double majoring in Biology and Public Health with a minor in Theology. She was raised in New Haven, Indiana, only half an hour away from Fort Wayne. Samantha loves reading, running, hiking, and learning new things! Her campus involvement includes being the Director of Outreach for the Young Americans for Freedom (YAF) chapter, secretary of Knights for Life, and a member of Sigma Zeta. She has also worked for the Campus Ministry office since she was a freshman, and the EcoLab for the past two summers. Samantha’s favorite place on campus is the Blessed Mother Mary Shrine and Rosary Walk. Outside of Marian, she is the Young Adult Outreach Coordinator for a Catholic non-profit called Corpus Christi for Unity and Peace and is a fellow with Students for Life of America. Lasty, Samantha is very passionate about promoting her Catholic faith and seeing Christ in all the people she encounters everyday.

Sam Stage is a Senior 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 Vice President of Finance of Alpha Delta Gamma, a business tutor, 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 travelling/hiking out west. Sam's favorite place on campus is Alumni Hall because it is a place of gathering for him and his friends.

Lynn Tan grew up in China and moved to New York when she was 7. She was the salutatorian at Pike High School and is currently a biology and chemistry major at Marian University. She is in-volved in Sigma Zeta National Science and Mathematics Honors Society, Marian Pre-Health club, and held vice-president position in Asian Student Association. Lynn can be found around campus when she gives tours as a Marian Ambassador, or in the lab researching salamander genomics. More often than not, she’s at her favourite spot next to Starbucks at Alumni Hall, lounging on a chair while studying or talking to friends. She enjoys traveling and went on a German Hospital internship study abroad program in summer 2022. Lynn is a full-tuition 21st Century Scholar and is grateful for all the opportunities she’s had. Her plans after graduation is to continue her passion for learning at graduate school so she can help under-represented communities in the medical field. In her free time, she loves playing video games, trying out new restaurants, and painting with her sister.

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. She currently works as a Senior Patient Care Tech at two Community Health Hospitals. 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.

Gavin Thompson is a senior biology major from Carmel, Indiana. Gavin has always had an interest in medicine and hopes to use his degree to attend medical school and eventually become a family physician. Gavin is very involved on campus and in addition to being a Presidential Ambassador he is also a Resident Assistant for the office of Residential and Commuter life, a member of Pre-health scholars, treasurer for Marian's Sigma Zeta Society, and President of Marian's College Mentors for Kids chapter which won national chapter of the year in 2022! In his free time, Gavin likes to hang out around campus with his friends, he loves to be outside and particularly likes to spend time hammocking in the dog walk and eco-lab. This will be his first year as a Presidential Ambassador and he is looking forward to working alongside his peers to share all that Marian has to offer.

Drew Thornton grew up in Carmel, Indiana where he was homeschooled and then attended Carmel High School. He is majoring in Marketing and 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.

Margaret VanSant is a senior from St. Louis Missouri and she is majoring in nursing. Outside of Presidential Ambassadors, Margaret has been heavily involved in Marians campus over the last 4 years including Student Coordinator for Orientation programs, President of the Student Nurse's Assocation, Women of Marian Society, Student Government representative, and Theta Phi Alpha. Margaret hopes to become a cardiac intensive care nurse after she graduates and she is excited to fill her final semester with all of the things that Marian has to offer! Outside of class time, Margaret enjoys reading books, watching movies, and hanging out in alumni hall with fellow students!

Abby Waning is from Cincinnati, Ohio. She is studying Communication with a minor in Business. Along with being a Presidential Ambassador, Abby is involved as a manager for the Marian University Football Team and is a member of the Women of Marian 1851 Student Society. A fun fact about Abby is that she has been around the Marian community since it was Marian College. She is the third generation of her family to attend Marian and has seen many changes on Marian's campus. Abby's favorite place on campus is the St. Francis Colonnade because of the beautiful landscaping that surrounds it. In her free time, Abby enjoys spending time with her family and friends and being outside.

Brock Worrell is a sophomore History and Global Studies Major with a minor in Peace and Justice Studies. He commutes to campus from Brownsburg and is involved in the Theatre Program, working on the technical side thus far, but hoping to go onto Marian’s stage at some point. He is also a member of Radiant Life Alliance, an off-campus Christ-centered community. In his free time he enjoys conversing with family and friends, reading, and acting with the Attic Theatre from time to time. He hopes to use analysis and wisdom of the past and present to help others imagine and craft a common future.

Emma grew up in Mt. Vernon, Indiana, a small town at the Southernmost tip of Indiana. She is currently a junior at Marian, 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 her the perfect opportunity to pursue those passions. She recently completed an internship at the Indiana Statehouse as a legislative intern for the Speaker of the House of Representatives. On campus, Emma is a San Damiano Scholar, member of Knights for Life, Young Americans for Freedom, and a chairperson for the Women of Marian Student Philanthropy group. She also served as the Class President her freshman and sophomore years. Emma loves to travel and is looking forward to studying abroad this summer in Europe. After gradu-ation, Emma plans to attend IU McKinney School of Law in Indianapolis and pursue a career in law right here in Indiana.