K-State College of Business Administration to recognize outstanding seniors
Friday, Dec. 8, 2023
MANHATTAN — Two graduating seniors will be recognized as outstanding students by Kansas State University's College of Business Administration at its fall commencement ceremony and Senior Sendoff event.
The college's Outstanding Senior Award will be presented to Caroline Barber, Wichita, and the inaugural Resilient Senior Award will be presented to Maria Ochoa, Council Grove.
Barber is the daughter of Glenn and Jennifer Barber, and she is a graduate of Eisenhower High School in Goddard. She is majoring in organizational management with a minor in leadership studies and a certificate in nonprofit leadership. Following graduation, Barber will work for the Leukemia and Lymphoma Society in Kansas City as a campaign development specialist.
According to the Outstanding Student Award committee, Barber has performed extraordinarily well both in and out of the classroom. During her time in the College of Business Administration, she has participated in the Women in Business initiative and the K-State Innovation Challenge. She worked at the front desk of the college's Student Success Center and was an active volunteer around the university and in the community, all while achieving a nearly perfect GPA of 3.964.
Ochoa is a native of Council Grove and a graduate of Council Grove Jr./Sr. High School. She is majoring in business administration with an emphasis in human resources and minors in entrepreneurship and leadership studies. She has been active in RiseUp, Entrepreneurship Club and the Society for Human Resource Management, and she was an advising assistant in the college's Student Success Center. She is exploring job opportunities.
Ochoa, a first-generation college student, came to K-State in the fall of 2018. In late 2019, she faced significant health challenges that led her to seek medical attention at four different hospitals across the country. She underwent several surgeries as part of her treatment. By the fall of 2020, she was able to take classes online, and she returned to campus one year later.
"It's truly commendable that Maria persevered and didn't give up while facing life's challenges," said Olivia Law-DelRosso, assistant dean for diversity, equity, inclusion and belonging in the College of Business Administration. "Her resilience and determination are inspiring. I have no doubt that she will continue to achieve remarkable things, moving mountains not just for herself but also for others. Her ability to provide encouragement and instill hope in others is a testament to her strength and compassion."
Barber and Ochoa will be recognized at the College of Business Administration's commencement ceremony Saturday, Dec. 9.
