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K-State Today

October 18, 2012

Love of learning: Alumna receives award to continue education

Submitted by Communications and Marketing

Kelley Nelson-Strouts, a May 2012 Kansas State University bachelor's graduate in public health nutrition, Manhattan, is receiving a 2012 Phi Kappa Phi Love of Learning Award.

The $500 Love of Learning Awards help fund postbaccalaureate studies or career development for active Phi Kappa Phi academic honor society members. The society's mission is to recognize and promote academic excellence in all fields of higher education and to engage the community of scholars in service to others. Annually, the honor society presents Love of Learning Awards to 140 students nationwide.

"Kelley was both a campus leader and an outstanding student academically while she was at K-State," said Jim Hohenbary, assistant dean for nationally competitive scholarships. "I know she was committed to preparing for optometry school throughout her undergraduate career here, so I appreciate the fact that Phi Kappa Phi has recognized that continued commitment through the Love of Learning Award."

Nelson-Strouts is a member of the university's chapter of Phi Kappa Phi, which was established in 1915. She will use the award to attend optometry school at University of Missouri-St. Louis in fall 2013.

Nelson-Strouts has received other awards and scholarships, including a Johnson Cancer Research Center Grant, Gamma Sigma Delta First-Year Award, Gamma Sigma Delta Outstanding Junior Award, a Putnam Scholarship and the Caralee Stock Stanard Scholarship.

Her campus involvement included serving as secretary of the College of Human Ecology Council from 2010-2011, director of membership and scholarship of Blue Key Senior Honor Society from 2011-2012, vice president of Wildcats Forever from 2010-2011, and a member of the Student Alumni Board from 2009-2012. She also was a volunteer at Flint Hills Community Clinic and a member of Alpha Delta Pi sorority.

A 2008 graduate of Manhattan High School, Nelson-Strouts is the daughter of Kristin and Richard Nelson, Manhattan.