October 2, 2020
Ritz selected as 2020 K-State Global Campus Extraordinary Student
Crystal Ritz has been selected as the recipient of the 2020 K-State Global Campus Extraordinary Student award.
The extraordinary student award recognizes an online education student who has overcome an obstacle in the path of their education and who demonstrates academic excellence, focus and career ambition in their studies at K-State.
Ritz completed a 20-year career as a medic in the U.S. Army in August 2020. To prepare for civilian life, she knew that completing a bachelor's degree would be beneficial, and she started toward that goal while still on active duty. In addition to the challenges of working full time and taking two to three courses at a time, in spring 2020 Ritz underwent major surgery with extended recuperation time. Also in spring 2020, COVID-19 presented additional challenges in her career field. Ritz stayed focused on her health, the health of those she served as a medic and continued to maintain progress toward her degree at a high level.
In the materials submitted for Ritz's nomination, it was noted that, "Crystal is a compassionate and focused individual. She is very interested in continuing her career in the health care profession in civilian life with an emphasis on the business and management of health care and on what data analytics can bring to bear on health care management and health care strategies. Crystal's passion for business combined with health care will serve her well, as well as serving the general public with her expertise."
"Online students are so incredible, often facing multiple personal challenges and still persevering toward their degree," said Karen Pedersen, dean of K-State Global Campus. "I am so pleased to honor Crystal for her accomplishments and am excited to learn about her future successes."
Ritz is a student in business and data analytics with a minor in management and plans to graduate in December 2021.