Kimberly Dierks' Scholarship for Tutors of Distinction

Spring 2025 Kim Dierks' Scholarship Winner Luke Faunce

Kim Dierks, previous Managing Director of Tutoring Services who retired in 2017, was an integral part of the Academic Achievement Center for over 14 years. She created a service where all students are welcome and developed fantastic teams of student leaders. She provided students with opportunities for leadership, growth, and achievement.

Kim continues to demonstrate her strong commitment to valuing student success and honoring the work of student tutors through the generous gift made to fund the Kimberly Dierks' Scholarship for Tutors of Distinction.

To be eligible for consideration, you must:

  • have sophomore, junior, or senior standing (Freshmen and Graduate students are not eligible)
  • be employed as a tutor with the Academic Achievement Center
  • have academic merit

Award Recipients:

Luke Faunce - Spring 2025

Luke Faunce, a sophomore in Psychology and Philosophy, started as a peer tutor for the Academic Achievement Center in Spring 2025. Since then, Luke has tutored many K-State students in Physics and Math courses as both a drop-in and appointment tutor.

When asked about tutoring, Luke responded by saying, "My favorite part of being a tutor is getting to see that "aha" moment when someone's eyes light up and suddenly everything makes sense. It's always extremely rewarding to see a student's hard work pay off.”

Kailee Irvin - Fall 2024

Sophmore in Animal Sciences and Industry. Tutor for Animal Science, Physics, Chemistry, and Study Skills.

Sabrina Veith - Spring 2024

Senior in Biology. Tutor for Biology.

Alex Disberger - Fall 2023

Junior in Finance. Tutor for Accounting, Economics, Math, and Statistics.

Ryann Patterson - Spring 2023

Sophomore in Biology. Tutor for Biology.

Jonah Douglass - Fall 2022

Junior in Statistics and Data Science. Tutor for Statistics.

Den Jackson - Spring 2022

Sophomore in Statistics and Data Scienc. Tutor for Statistics.

Carson Gido - Fall 2021

Junior in Biochemistry. Tutor for Biology, Biochemistry, and Chemistry.

Olivia Persigehl - Spring 2021

Senior in Human Health Biology. Tutor for Biology.

Madelyn Turner - Fall 2020

Junior in Secondary Education. Tutor for Chemistry.