Kansas State University

MANHATTAN — Jake Pritchard, a December 2014 bachelor's graduate in finance with a minor in economics and integrated investment management, Valley Center, is the Kansas State University College of Business Administration's Outstanding Senior in Business for fall 2014.

The award is presented each semester to a graduating senior who has made notable contributions to the college. Pritchard was the student speaker at the college's commencement ceremony on Dec. 13.

A consummate student leader, Pritchard has served as vice president of finance for both Mortar Board and Pi Sigma Epsilon honoraries, a member of the Student Foundation, university Sales Team and College of Business Administration's Executive Mentor program, and a volunteer for K-State Proud. He also has been an active member of his fraternity, Delta Sigma Phi, serving as president in 2012.

"Jake always illustrates a true passion and enthusiasm for personal improvement and learning," said Matthew Crocker, president of Steel & Pipe Supply Co. and Pritchard's executive mentor. "His genuine passion for the College of Business Administration has enabled him to become a highly influential ambassador for the college, and sets the bar high for his fellow students."

During his undergraduate career, Pritchard earned several scholarships and honors, including the College of Business Administration's dean's list from 2010-2014; Von Waaden Investment Scholar in 2014; Gassaway Family Scholar in 2013; Delta Sigma Phi McKee Scholar in 2011, 2012 and 2014; Finance Scholar in 2012; Mortar Board Outstanding Junior Scholar in 2012; and Leadership Scholar in 2010.

"The past four and one-half years have been the best of my life and the driving reason behind that is the people," Pritchard said. "K-State is a very special place, and everyone from the students, to the faculty and the Manhattan community as a whole are great people. I will always look back on my time at K-State and think of all the wonderful people I have met and the special relationships I've been privileged enough to make."

Pritchard has served in several internships, starting at Resource Real Estate Partners in Atlanta in summer 2011. He was a business development intern at Koch Industries in summer 2012, returning in summer 2013 as a commercial marketing intern. In summer 2014, he served as a strategy and operations consulting intern at Deloitte Consulting in Kansas City, where he has accepted a strategy consulting position.