College of Business Administration seniors recognized for excellence, resilience

By Ruthie Gergeni

College of Business Administration

Two graduating seniors in Kansas State University's College of Business Administration have earned accolades for outstanding commitment and connection in the college and for overcoming adversity with unwavering determination.

Julia Pfaff, Overland Park, is the recipient of the college's Outstanding Graduating Senior Award, and Salma Bravo-Ruiz, Overland Park, is the recipient of the Resilient Senior Award. Pfaff and Bravo-Ruiz will receive special recognition at the college's spring 2025 commencement ceremony and Senior Sendoff event.

Julia Pfaff

Julia Pfaff.

Pfaff has demonstrated exceptional academic achievements by maintaining a 3.9 GPA while pursuing her major in organizational management on the pre-law track. She has also earned a certificate in international business and nonprofit leadership and minors in leadership and Spanish. Her commitment to global learning is evident through her study abroad experiences in London, Brussels and Madrid.

A highly involved student, Pfaff has demonstrated her commitment to the college through her roles as the president of Business Ambassadors, a member of the Menard Scholars Program and a member of the runner-up team at the 2023 Tenaska Business Case Competition. Outside the college, she served as class leader for the LEAD212 course, director of events for the Pre-Law Ambassadors, Merit Chair for Alpha Xi Delta Sorority and volunteer coach for the local chapter of Girls on the Run, highlighting her dedication to service and leadership. She is a graduate of St. Thomas Aquinas High School, and her parents are Cristina and Jeff Pfaff.

According to the student-led award committee, "Julia's ability to connect with students, share her experiences and create a sense of belonging will leave a lasting legacy on the College of Business Administration and the university."

Pfaff plans to apply to law schools.

Salma Bravo-Ruiz

Salma Bravo-Ruiz.

The Resilient Senior Award honors a business student who has overcome significant challenges with unwavering determination. Bravo-Ruiz embodies the spirit of resilience like few others.

She completed her bachelor's degree in management information systems in just three years, earning an exceptional 3.96 GPA. She interned with ConocoPhillips Information Technology and will soon return as a full-time Information Technology Rotational Analyst. She also plans to pursue a master's degree in data analytics online.

Beyond the classroom, Bravo-Ruiz has served as a leader and mentor across campus. As a Rise Up mentor, she supported incoming business students, ensuring they had the resources and accountability to succeed. She also served as vice president of the Multicultural Business Student Association and was a member of the Society of Hispanic Professional Engineers, the Koch Scholars and the Rise Up Scholars. A graduate of Olathe South High School, Bravo-Ruiz is the daughter of Jose Bravo and Mayra Ruiz.

What truly sets Bravo-Ruiz apart, however, is the journey behind her success. As a first-generation college student and a survivor of brain surgery — all while pursuing a demanding degree — her story is a powerful testament to courage, resilience and hope.

She will share her inspiring story as the featured speaker at the Senior Sendoff Breakfast before commencement.

"Salma's story is extraordinary," said Olivia Law-DelRosso, assistant dean for student success and employer engagement. "Her journey is a reminder that determination can overcome even the greatest obstacles. I'm thrilled we will celebrate her at the Senior Sendoff breakfast."

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