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 28 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.
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:
As a Presidential Ambassador, your responsibilities will include:
Applications for 2023-24 academic year Marian University Presidential Ambassador program are open February 1 through March 3, 2023. After completing the online form, please email the following to Linny Rousseau ’21, lrousseau@marian.edu, by March 3.
We will be in contact with applicants in mid-March to schedule interviews. All applicants will be notified of decisions by April 14. We look forward to connecting with you!
Emma Bock is from the small town of Lapel, Indiana. She is a sophomore Nursing major with a Pastoral Leadership minor. Her goal is to graduate and start being an active nurse in her local area. She eventually wants to go back to school to become a nurse practitioner. Emma is a member of the Marian Track and Field team where she is a sprinter, jumper and multi event athlete. She is also a member of the Knights Game Day Cheer team. Apart from that, Emma is a San Damiano Scholar, member of the National Society of Leadership and Success, and Project Sunshine. Outside of Marian University, Emma likes to spend her time with family or pursuing her hobbies such as reading or spending time in nature. She loves to help out at her local parish through their youth ministries giving back her time to the programs that helped shape her. Emma is very excited to not only continue to help her community as a Presidential Ambassador, but also build more valuable and authentic connections.
Daysun Brown is a Sophomore from Zionsville Indiana. She is an Accounting major with a minor in Pastoral Leadership and hopes to work for a nonprofit group after graduation. Daysun is involved in the San Damiano Scholars Program, First Year Seminar Peer Mentor, and is the Co-President of the Knight Trashers on campus. She enjoys trying new things, playing board games with friends, travel, and playing the ukulele. Daysun is excited for her first year as a Presidential Ambassador! Go Knights!
Lucas Cummings hails from Kokomo, Indiana and graduated from Kokomo High School in 2022. At Marian University he aims to be as active as possible through his studies in the Klipsch Educators College and organizations such as San Damiano Scholars and Campus Ministry. Lucas aspires to become a high school world history teacher capable of sparking a flame of passion for learning in the students he encounters and to love as Christ does. In his spare time he enjoys socializing with friends, exploring campus and Indianapolis, reading, writing, researching, and playing video games. Earlier this summer, Lucas participated as an encounter team member for Marian’s Missionary Disciples Institute and attended the World Youth Day pilgrimage to Rome and Lisbon. He is honored to serve and share with others the treasures of Marian University.
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.
Emma Hendrix grew up in Rockport, Indiana, where she graduated from South Spencer High School in 2022. Now, she is a sophomore studying Marketing with a minor in Communications and a specialization in Digital Marketing. She aspires to be a social media/brand manager, and also has big dreams as a social media entrepreneur. Along with being a Presidential Ambassador, Emma is involved on campus as member of the Marian Knight Competitive Dance Team, the American Marketing Association, Secretary of Women in Business, and is the Publicity Chair for the National Society of Leadership and Success. Recently, Emma started an internship at Marian University's Office of Marketing and Communications. Over the summer, she interned for the Spencer County Visitors Bureau where she learned the basics of marketing, especially tourism marketing. In her free time, Emma enjoys hanging out with friends in Alumni Hall and taking walks in the EcoLab.
Macey Kenna is from Lebanon, Indiana. She is a senior management major with a minor in communication and a concentration in professional selling. On campus, Macey is a Marian University Cheerleader and served as a Student Coordinator for the First Year Office this past summer. She is the Digital Marketing Intern at The Corydon Group. She is currently striving to work in technology sales upon graduation. Her newest hobby is learning how to code HTML. Her favorite spot to be on campus is in Alumni Hall because she studies best when having socialization breaks.
Brylee Koontz is from the small town of Gaston, Indiana. She is a senior at Marian University, double majoring in Business Management and Marketing with a specialization in Human Resources. On campus, Brylee is the Student Body President for Student Government Association, President of Campus Activities Board, President of the Student Chapter of the Society for Human Resources, and the SNT Coordinator for the National Society of Leadership and Success. She also served as the Executive Vice President and Vice President of Engagement for Student Government Association, Homecoming Committee Chair for Campus Activities Board, an Orientation Leader, a First-Year Seminar Peer Mentor, and a Student-Coordinator for First-Year Experience. She was also on the Marian Knight Competitive Dance Team and Cheer Team. Brylee works in the Office of Student Activities. She was also an intern at the Indianapolis Motor Speedway, Marian University’s Office of Human Resources, and Marian University’s Office of Institutional Advancement. Upon graduation, she is planning to attend flight school in Florida to become a commercial pilot. In her free time, Brylee enjoys traveling, hiking, and trying new restaurants with her dog, Pip.
Melannie Madson is from West Lafayette, Indiana. She is pursuing a bachelor’s degree in elementary education with minors in Mathematics and Spanish. She aspires to teach in a public grade-school, helping to shape children into more compassionate and curious learners. Along with being a Presidential Ambassador, Melannie holds a variety of jobs and leadership roles across campus. She works as both a Marian and K-12 ambassador, a hall assistant, and a First Year Seminar peer mentor. She also enjoys her time spent as the treasurer in the Theta Phi Alpha Sorority, a member of College Mentors for Kids, and the membership chairman for the Kappa Delta Pi Educators’ Honors Society. On campus, Melannie loves to spend her time in the chapels or at the tea garden. In her free time, Melannie enjoys going on long walks with friends and finding new ways to get organized. She is greatly looking forward to her role as a Marian Presidential Ambassador.
Elias Martinez. born and raised in Lepaterique, Honduras. He moved to the United States at the end of 2020. His majors are Nursing and Spanish. He plans to one day become a pediatric nurse and be able to use his ability to be bilingual to help more people. Elias is a member of SOL "Student organization of Latinos" in which he helps the community and shares his culture with others. He is also a Latino mentor; he helps Latino Youth on their way to college. Elias volunteers at his home Parish, St. Monica Catholic Church where he helps as an altar server and helps with Sunday school, he also volunteers at Gleaners Food Pantry where he uses his interpreting skills to help people who speak Spanish only. He loves sharing about his culture and teaching Spanish, he loves going to concerts and spending time with his friends.
Kyle McCreary grew up in Greentown, Indiana and graduated from Eastern High School in 2021. He is studying Spanish and Biology on a pre-med track with hopes of becoming a bilingual physician and tending to those who are underserved in his community. Kyle is an involved student as he is a San Damiano Scholar, Student Ambassador, and a member of Knights for Life, Ultimate Club, Sigma Delta Pi, and Sigma Zeta. Kyle's favorite memory at Marian is when he and four of his close friends helped bring and lead over 30 Marian students on Pilgrimage to Rome and Portugal for World Youth Day 2023. In his free time, Kyle enjoys being surrounded by nature, spending quality time in community, exploring and traveling, and truly living in the moment. Kyle is blessed to have been given this opportunity to represent Marian as a Presidential Ambassador, and he looks forward to the many connections, friends, and memories he will make with those around him.
Grace Meehan is from Hamilton, Ohio. She is a major in Elementary Education with a minor in History. Along with being a Presidential Ambassador, Grace serves as the VP of Engagement for College Mentors for Kids, is a part of the Women of Marian 1851 Student Society and is an Intern for the Office of Institutional Advancement. Outside of her involvement on campus, Grace likes being with her friends and family or going on walks. Grace's favorite place on campus is Alumni Hall!
Jenna Minnix is an Indiana native from Plainfield, Indiana. She graduated from Plainfield High School in 2021. She is a junior nursing student with a minor in psychology interested in pursuing a career in oncology nursing. Jenna is passionate about healthcare accessibility for underserved populations and fulfilling ministry through healthcare. Through Presidential Ambassadors Jenna is excited to advocate for Marian and develop relationships within the University, diversifying her involvement and encouraging new opportunities. In her free time Jenna enjoys participating on the Marian University softball team, working out, and working at St. Vincent hospital.
Natalie Priser is a sophomore from Indianapolis, IN. She graduated from Bishop Chatard High School in 2022. She is double majoring in Business Management and Accounting, minoring in Pastoral Leadership and specializing in Business in Sports. In addition to being a Presidential Ambassador, Natalie is a San Damiano Scholar, Orientation Leader and First Year Seminar Peer Mentor for the First-Year Experience Office, member of the National Society of Leadership and Success, and a Student Financial Analyst within the Student Activities Office. In her free time, Natalie enjoys photography, specifically photographing sports and hanging out with friends. Her favorite place on campus is Alumni Hall, where she can socialize and sometimes even get some homework and assignments completed. Natalie is excited to embrace her new role as a Presidential Ambassador this year while continuing to uphold the values of the Marian community.
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.
Juanita Rodriguez is from Lowell, Indiana. She is pursuing a degree in Chemistry and Spanish with aspirations to attend medical school. Juanita is a tutor at the writing center, Resident Assistant, and a Spanish interpreter at a free clinic. Outside of school Juanita enjoys running, volunteering at her church, and spending time with loved ones.
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.
Lucy Schenk is a junior from Westfield, Indiana. She is triple-majoring in Communication, Public Health, and Sociology with a minor in Pastoral Leadership. In addition to being a Presidential Ambassador, Lucy is a student manager for the Marian University Football Team, a San Damiano Scholar, and a University Ministry Council Member. Her sophomore year she had the opportunity to be an Orientation Leader and her first two years on campus she also served as the Vice President of her graduating class. Lucy is an active member of the intramural sports offered, specifically volleyball. In her free time on campus, you will either find her in Alumni Hall studying or catching up with friends, in the St. Joseph Chapel spending some quiet time in prayer, or at the sand volleyball court between University Hall and Drew Hall playing a pickup game on a nice evening. Lucy feels so blessed to have had such a great experience at Marian University so far and is excited to continue growing her faith and friendships over the next two years.
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.
Abigail Smith is a commuter from Lebanon, IN double majoring in mechanical engineering and mathematics. On campus, Abigail is involved with peer tutoring for mathematics, The Association for Women in Mathematics, Knights for Life, and San Dam. Some of her favorite experiences include working as an Orientation Leader, being a counselor at a math camp for middle schoolers, and volunteering with kids at her church. In her free time, she enjoys reading, baking, playing piano, hiking, puzzles, spending time with her family, and concocting new smoothie recipes.
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.
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.
Taylor Young is from Columbus, Indiana but currently lives in Fort Wayne, Indiana. She is going into her sophomore year and is studying Nursing at Marian University. Taylor grew up taking ballet classes and eventually started trying out for cheerleading throughout secondary school. Taylor is a second-year member of the Marian University Cheerleading team. She also works for a cheerleading company called UCA where she travels to various high schools and middle schools to conduct cheer camps throughout the summer. At Marian, Taylor is the membership chair for the National Society of Leadership and Success. She is also a supplemental instructor for chemistry. After receiving her BSN, Taylor plans to return to Marian to complete the Nurse Anesthesia track. Taylor enjoys spending time with friends and family, relaxing outside, and reading books. Taylor’s favorite place on campus is the tea garden because she loves sitting there to relax and appreciate nature.
Katie Smith
Executive Director of University Engagement and Events
(317) 955-6214
krsmith@marian.edu
Drew Gaidosh
Advancement Communication Specialist, Office of Institutional Advancement
(317) 955-6205
dgaidosh@marian.edu
Linny Rousseau '21
Assistant Director of Alumni Engagement, Office of Institutional Advancement
(317) 955-6536
lrousseau@marian.edu
Marian University
3200 Cold Spring Road
Indianapolis, IN 46222-1997
(317) 955-6000
admissions@marian.edu
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