Agricultural economics recognizes 2025 Outstanding Senior Award recipients
Tuesday, May 13, 2025
Recipients of the agricultural economics department's Outstanding Senior Awards, from left: Lauryn Karr, Adelaide Easter, Paige Vulgamore and Grace Walenta.
Four seniors in agricultural economics have been recognized for significant contributions during their time at K-State with the department's 2025 Outstanding Senior Award: Adelaide Easter, Lauryn Karr, Paige Vulgamore and Grace Walenta.
"Each year we recognize several of our most outstanding students," said Elizabeth Yeager, professor of agricultural economics and director of undergraduate programs. "It is always an honor to recognize their accomplishments within the department as well as the university. Each of these four have excelled during their time at K-State. We appreciate their contributions and wish them the best as they become alumni!"
Adelaide Easter, Salina, will graduate in May with a bachelor's degree in agricultural economics and global food systems leadership, with minors in leadership and international agriculture and a certificate in nonprofit leadership. She was named K-State's 39th Truman Scholar for her commitment to public service and addressing challenges in the global food system. She has held multiple leadership roles for the Blue Key Senior Honorary, has served as the basic needs director in the Student Governing Association, served as co-chair of the Cats' Cupboard Advisory Board and is the founder of the Student Basic Needs Coalition. She studied abroad in Italy and Kenya and completed internships with Kansas Grain Sorghum, National Sorghum Producers and U.S. Sen. Jerry Moran's office through the Flinchbaugh Food and Agriculture Policy Fellowship. This summer, she will intern with Spur Local in Washington, D.C., through the Truman Foundation Summer Institute. Easter plans to pursue a career in food and agricultural policy before attending graduate school.
"Studying agricultural economics at K-State has deepened my understanding of the global food system and economy and set me up for success in working in the community to make progress on issues like food security and poverty through policy and education," Easter said.
Lauryn Karr, Gardner, will graduate in May with a bachelor's degree in agribusiness and a minor in business. Karr developed her passion for agriculture through the influence of her grandfather. During her time at K-State, she served as president of the Ag Econ/Ag Business Club, where she enhanced her leadership abilities and built strong connections within the agricultural community. She is known for her enthusiastic approach to learning and her commitment to growth both personally and professionally. After graduation, she will begin her career as a customer experience specialist with Frontier Farm Credit, where she looks forward to making a positive impact in the agriculture industry.
"My time at K-State and in the agricultural economics department has been nothing short of transformative," Karr said. "Here, I found my passion, built a foundation for my future, grew into a leader and made friendships that will last a lifetime. Being recognized as an outstanding senior is a true honor and a beautiful reminder of the journey that has shaped who I am."
Paige Vulgamore, Scott City, will be graduating in May with a bachelor's degree in agricultural economics and global food systems leadership. At K-State, she has taken on leadership roles through the College of Agriculture and has been actively involved in the Student Governing Association, serving as student body president, and the Student Alumni Board. Vulgamore participated in agricultural study abroad programs that have strengthened her global perspective and leadership skills. She is passionate about agriculture policy and plans to continue her education at Texas A&M University, where she will pursue a master's degree in agricultural economics with a focus on policy.
"I feel so honored to be named an outstanding senior alongside several of my incredible peers," Vulgamore said. "This award is truly a reflection of the people who have poured into me here, both in the department of agricultural economics and the broader K-State community. The opportunities I have had to learn in the classroom, through campus involvement and by studying abroad, each encouraged by my mentors, have shaped who I am today. I'm so grateful to K-State for challenging me to grow, learn and lead.
Grace Walenta, Peoria, Illinois, will be receiving her bachelor's degree in agricultural economics and international agriculture this May. At K-State, she served as a College of Agriculture ambassador, a worship leader and ministry team member with Reformed University Fellowship and participated in two study abroad programs. Walenta was a fellow with the Risk Management Center. She was recognized as a Mid-America CropLife Association Young Leader Scholar and received the Gamma Sigma Delta Outstanding Performance Award, in addition to earning semester honors throughout her college career. Walenta completed a grain merchandising internship with The Andersons, served as an undergraduate teaching assistant, and participated in an English-teaching missions trip to Poland. After graduation, she plans to remain in Manhattan to stay involved with her church and campus ministries while pursuing future opportunities in agriculture.
"I am honored to be recognized as an agricultural economics outstanding senior," Walenta said. "My time as a student in agricultural economics at K-State has been rewarding, and I am grateful to all of the faculty and staff who influenced me. I look forward to new challenges and opportunities ahead and am excited to make an impact with what I've learned."