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K-State Today

November 3, 2014

Laudan and VanDever the 2015 K-State Student Ambassadors

Submitted by Andrew Zender

2015 K-State Student Ambassadors Katie VanDever, Augusta, Kansas, and Nathan Laudan, Osawatomie, Kansas

Two students have been chosen to represent Kansas State University as the 2015 Student Ambassadors.

Nathan Laudan, senior in food science and agricultural communications, Osawatomie, and Katie VanDever, sophomore in communication studies, Augusta, were announced as the ambassadors Oct. 25 at halftime of K-State's homecoming football game against Texas.

Established by the K-State Alumni Association in 1977, the Student Ambassador program elects one male and one female student each year to represent the student body at alumni association events throughout the state and at university activities.

Laudan and VanDever will visit with prospective students and alumni; attend Student Alumni Board meetings and activities; assist with programming on campus such as the Alumni Fellows program, All-University Homecoming Committee and other special events; and assist the president's office as needed.

From a group of six semifinalists, Laudan and VanDever were elected by a student vote during Homecoming Week. The ambassadors serve a one-year term, and each receives a $1,500 scholarship, clothing from Manhattan clothing store Borck Bros. and an official K-State ring from the K-State Alumni Association.

"To have a chance to serve the university and the students as an ambassador is a huge honor and privilege," Laudan said. "Everyone who has been to K-State has a story, and I am excited to learn more about each of those. It's going to be an incredible adventure this next year."

VanDever said, "I feel so blessed and truly humbled to have been chosen as an ambassador. I am most looking forward to learning from and connecting with prospective students and alumni from all different walks of life. My role as ambassador will only help me continue to discover what it really means to be a K-Stater."

Typically, ambassador candidates excel academically and are extensively involved in volunteer and philanthropic activities. Laudan and VanDever are no exception.

Laudan is a member of Blue Key Senior Honorary, senator for the College of Agriculture in the Student Governing Association and a member of Alpha Gamma Rho fraternity. A 2011 graduate of Paola High School, Laudan is the son of Doug and Rexanne Laudan.

VanDever is a member of Student Alumni Board, Gamma Phi Beta sorority and Christian Challenge. A 2013 graduate of Augusta High School, VanDever is the daughter of Jamie and Heather VanDever.

"Nathan and Katie will be great additions to the alumni association's Student Ambassador program," said Gavin Hargrave, associate director of alumni programs and adviser to the ambassadors. "I believe they will be outstanding representatives of the K-State student body in the upcoming year."

More information on the Student Ambassador program is available online.