Kansas State University

MANHATTAN -- Twenty-three Kansas State University students form the inaugural group of K-State Libraries ambassadors.

Representing a wide diversity of majors from both undergraduate and graduate programs, these students will serve two-year terms as advocates and representatives for K-State Libraries at social, cultural and fundraising activities. Ambassadors also provide valuable feedback on the libraries' initiatives and services, as well as advocate for the perspectives of the larger university student body.

The ambassadors were chosen following an application period and finalist interviews with K-State Libraries' advisers Adriana Gonzalez, faculty and graduate services department head; Darchelle Martin, events and programs coordinator; and Sara Kearns, undergraduate and community services department head.

"We are excited to launch the K-State Libraries ambassador program with this diverse group of outstanding students," Gonzalez said. "The ambassadors will serve in a role of advocacy, guidance and idea-sharing to further enhance the libraries' mission to elevate academic success. Their direct connection to our K-State student body will provide the K-State Libraries with insight from the student perspective in meeting their needs."

K-State Libraries ambassadors for 2013-2015 include:

Katie Harrison, sophomore in secondary education-English, Altamont; Sarah Watkins, sophomore in elementary education, Derby; Eric Long, junior in psychology and pre-law, Lawrence.

From Manhattan: Allison Kuehne, master's student in English; Bethany Rust, senior in English; and Victor Ryu, junior in food science.

Wesley Moore, junior in landscape architecture, Newton; Hannah Abell, sophomore in elementary education, Oakley; Shaun Finn, freshman in chemical engineering, Olathe; Som Kandlur, sophomore in marketing and public relations, Overland Park; Caleb Garten, master's student in mechanical engineering, and Hillary Williams, freshman in secondary education, both from Salina; Lindsey Truesdell, sophomore in nutrition and health, Tonganoxie.

From Wichita: Nicholas Heter, sophomore in biology and premedicine; Shannon Miskell, sophomore in food science and industry; and Kaitlyn Rodee, senior in social work and family studies and human services.

From out of state:

Alexis Tucker, junior in biology, Fort Campbell, Ky.; Jason Jirele, freshman in architecture, Blooming Prairie, Minn.; Jordan Green, sophomore in animal sciences and industry, Liberty, Mo.; and Abby Kopp, sophomore in English, Bismarck, N.D.

From out of country:

Aparna Lohiya, master's student in business, and Virashree Patel, junior in electrical engineering, both from India; and Abdulrahman Alkhiary, sophomore in finance and political science, Saudi Arabia.

The ambassador program provides students with leadership skills, professional connections and the opportunity to make a positive impact at Kansas State University. For more information about the program, visit http://www.lib.k-state.edu/ambassadors.