Sources: Darchelle Martin, 785-532-5081, dmartin@k-state.com;
Stephanie Larson, stelar11@k-state.edu; and Ryan Wilkerson, ryanw11@k-state.edu
Photo available. Contact media@k-state.edu or 785-532-6415
News release prepared by: Katie Mayes, 785-532-6415, kmayes@k-state.edu

Friday, Oct. 30, 2009

STEPHANIE LARSON AND RYAN WILKERSON NAMED K-STATE'S 2010 STUDENT AMBASSADORS

MANHATTAN -- As Kansas State University's 2010 student ambassadors, Stephanie Larson and Ryan Wilkerson hope to share what it means to be part of the K-State family.

The K-State Student Ambassador Program was established by the K-State Alumni Association in 1977. K-State students elect a male and female student each year to represent the student body at association events throughout the state and at university activities.

"K-State is a special place to me," said Larson, a sophomore in elementary education, Shawnee. "K-State has allowed me to grow as a scholar and as a young woman, and the opportunity to share K-State's advantages with prospective students is a privilege."

"K-State students, faculty and alumni are genuine people who go out of their way to lend a helping hand," said Wilkerson, junior in accounting and finance, Columbia, Mo. "Their pride, paired with their passion for K-State, has helped to make my years in college truly special. I hope to share that same pride and passion with others."

Student ambassadors visit with prospective students and alumni at events across the state, attend Student Alumni Board meetings and activities, assist with campus events like class reunions, homecoming and other activities, as well as assist the president's office as needed.

Larson is the academic development chair for Delta Delta Delta sorority, recruitment and mentoring chair for the American Humanics Student Association and is a K-State student senator, representing the College of Education. She has participated in Big Brothers Big Sisters and was an orientation and enrollment leader for K-State's new student services.

Wilkerson currently serves as the vice president of student relations for the K-State Student Foundation, alumni relations chair for Delta Upsilon fraternity and is an ambassador for the leadership studies program. Wilkerson also is a campus tour guide for new student services and has participated in Boy Scouts and the Cats 4 Cans campaign.

"We are extremely excited to welcome Stephanie and Ryan as the 2010 K-State student ambassadors," said Darchelle Martin, associate director of alumni programs at the K-State Alumni Association and adviser to the ambassadors. "They are both very impressive students and we know they will do an excellent job representing the K-State student body."

Larson and Wilkerson were selected by students in voting during K-State's recent homecoming week. The ambassadors serve a one-year term, and each receives a $1,500 scholarship and official K-State ring from the K-State Alumni Association.