More than a degree

There is the degree, and then there is everything else: the late nights, the small victories that fuel you through the big hurdles, the mentors who encouraged you to reach beyond your limits and the community of lifelong friendships you didn't expect to find.

Each year, Kansas State University's Graduate School recognizes graduate students who have distinguished themselves not only through scholarly achievements but also through their presence on campus and in their communities.

The Graduate Dean's Award for Excellence, Engagement, and Leadership honors those who exemplify what it truly means to flourish in graduate education. This spring, that honor belongs to two extraordinary scholars: Ernestina Wiafe, doctoral student in curriculum and instruction, and Jack Sytsma, doctoral student in biology.

"Both Ernestina and Jack exemplify the highest levels of excellence in graduate education at Kansas State University," said Phillip Payne, interim dean of the Graduate School. "Their service, research and leadership set the standard for other graduate students and elevate the visibility of our programs both nationally and internationally."

Ernestina Wiafe: A sense of belonging

For Wiafe, receiving the award represents more than academic success. Balancing the demands of doctoral study as a first-generation immigrant, first-generation graduate student, non-traditional student and parent raising three children, she described the recognition as something deeply affirming.

"The award is both humbling and extremely meaningful to me," Wiafe said. "It affirms that the time, energy and care I've invested in my academic work, service to the profession and in the K-State community have made a positive impact. It serves as a reminder that those efforts, both inside and outside the classroom, truly matter!"

Over seven and a half years, from her master's through her doctoral defense, Wiafe built a body of work her major professor described as unmatched among any advisee she has seen. Her accomplishments include countless presentations at conferences around the world, nine publications with a total of 43 citations since 2021, recognition from ResearchGate as the second-most-read research item with 6,557 total reads in the Department of Curriculum and Instruction, guest editing a special issue of "Educational Considerations" that has more than 2,400 downloads, and roughly $26,000 in competitive funding secured.

When reflecting on what surprised her most about graduate school, Wiafe spoke not of academic rigor, but of transformation. She came to K-State expecting to focus on coursework and research. Instead, she found a community that shaped her in ways she hadn’t anticipated. That sense of belonging, she says, is what she will carry forward.

Wiafe's mentors — Kay Ann Taylor, Todd Goodson and Eileen Wertzberger — stand out as especially formative. Each of these faculty members consistently pushed her to think more critically, lead with purpose and stay anchored in her values. Wiafe credits the culture of the Department of Curriculum and Instruction and the warmth of the broader Manhattan community for making her feel genuinely welcome and able to grow both personally and professionally.

Looking ahead, Wiafe sees her time at K-State as a foundation. She plans to continue making meaningful contributions in her field, not only by applying the knowledge and skills she has developed, but also by helping shape the narrative of her discipline, mentoring others and contributing to work that carries lasting value.

Jack Sytsma: Engaged educator, supportive mentor

Sytsma’s graduate journey at K-State took him further than he ever expected, not just scientifically, but also in who he became along the way.

"What surprised me most was how much my growth extended beyond academics," Sytsma said. "I came in expecting to develop technical skills and deepen my knowledge in my field, but I didn't anticipate how much I would grow in confidence and resilience and build a network of support here at K-State."

At the center of that growth is the community he found through his lab and the support of his faculty mentor, Loretta Johnson. Her support during moments of struggle and failure taught him that setbacks are not barriers to success, but essential parts of growth.

He carries deep gratitude for his best friend and fellow doctoral student, Shivaprasad Prakash, whose steadfast support through every high and low of graduate school has been a source of strength he expects will last well beyond this chapter.

Johnson described Sytsma as among the top 1% of graduate students in her 25-year career. His accomplishments reflect that: multiple peer-reviewed publications, a book chapter, tens of thousands of dollars in competitive grants, sixteen poster presentations in a single year, and exceptional teaching efforts recognized with the universitywide award for undergraduate teaching, awarded by President Linton.

Looking forward, Sytsma sees success as building a career that is both meaningful and impactful, one where he's contributing to his field and helping others grow along the way.

"For me, success looks like being an engaged educator, a supportive mentor and someone who continues to learn and evolve," Sytsma said.

Sytsma has already taken meaningful steps toward that vision, having accepted a position as teaching professor of biology at K-State, allowing him to continue growing within the community that shaped him.

Wiafe and Sytsma each embody what this award was created to honor: scholars who have pursued knowledge with rigor, served their communities with generosity and made K-State better for their time here.