Sullivan Scholar Community

Jaisen (JJ) Abner

Year: 2027

Hometown: Seattle, Washington

High School: O'Dea High School

Major and Minor: Communication & Media - Journalism Major

JJ Abner  (he/him/his)  identifies  as a  Black  Baptist  man. JJ earned excellent  grades in a solid curriculum inside of O'Dea's rigorous Catholic curriculum. He is an outstanding baseball player;  prior to his application to the Sullivan  Leadership Award, JJ  had committed to play collegiate baseball for the Redhawks. His decision to pursue the Sullivan in addition to his excellence on the diamond speaks to the well roundedness of this young man. He is also a Seattle U Legacy. His mother Shana, was a member of one of the first Sullivan cohorts. We believe that JJ maybe the first  ever Sullivan Legacy. A team captain of the O'Dea baseball team, leader of the Black Student Union, member of National Honor Society, and a student ambassador-JJ has distinguished himself in seemingly every niche within the O'Dea community. His goal after college are yet to be determined, but he is one of the most directed candidates we have ever had for this award.

Sahil Bathija

Year: 2023

Hometown: Juneau, Alaska

High School: Juneau-Douglas High School

In high school, Sahil served as All Student Body Vice-President, National Honor Society President, and Captain of his school’s track & field and tennis teams. He also was a part of Sources of Strength, cross country running, winter musicals, and the robotics team. He is an avid volunteer who strives to make a positive difference in his community.

Kyleigh Benson

Year: 2023

Hometown: Austin, Texas

High School: Regents School of Austin

Kyleigh was a varsity basketball player and also served as Team Manager. She participated in numerous service activities through her school and also worked a part-time job to support her family. She had been on the academic honor roll during her time at her school and had volunteered at a local hospital in Austin.

Ruby Berliner

Year: 2023

Hometown: Boise, Idaho

High School: Boise High School

Ruby served as All Student Body President at Boise High School. In her senior year, she presented at South by SouthWest on the impacts of experiential service and its impact on communities. She also sat on the board of a student-led nonprofit based around student leadership and service in her community.

Dylan Berman

Year: 2027

Hometown: Arcata, California

High School: Arcata High School

Major and Minor: Communication & Media - Journalism Major

Dylan Berman (he/him) identifies as a White Agnostic man. Dylan has put together a nearly spotless academic record inside of a solid college preparatory curriculum. He is an outstanding writer and public speaker. In the midst of the Sullivan competition, he earned nearly perfect scores on both his Leaders' Day essay and his finalist speech from the three panelists who rated him on each component. His choice of major, and passion for advocacy through the telling of others stories are a clear alignment of aspirations with gifts. Dylan is the co-editor in chief of his school's newspaper, a member of the debate club, a member of a selective arts program at his high school focused on music, a member of the National Honor Society, and has won multiple awards for filmmaking and his journalistic writing. It is worth noting that Dylan takes tremendous pride in his rural roots and his opportunity to do well for his very rural community. Dylan indicates that his post-college goal is to become a writer and/or journalist.

Elijah Beverley

Year: 2025

Hometown: Sacramento, California

High School: Jesuit High School

Elijah Beverley attends Jesuit High School in Sacramento, CA and plans to major in Computer Science. He has distinguished himself at his high school as a scholar-athlete committed to service and justice work. In addition to being an impressive soccer player who received the Varsity All American Student Athlete award, Elijah is a member of the Black Student Union, a member of the NAACP Youth Council and many different service organizations. On top of his many achievements, he also writes poetry. He reflects on his leadership in the Black Student Union by stating that “I have learned my voice has power and it has inspired others to be vulnerable in sharing their stories as well”.

Amelia (Alex) Bohls

Year: 2027

Hometown: Lake Oswego, Oregon

High School: Lakeridge High School

Major and Minor: Nursing Major

Amelia, chosen name Alex, Bohls (they/them/theirs), identifies as a white agnostic nonbinary person. They boast a 4.00 GPA at a very good public high school. Alex will have completed five AP courses upon graduation from Lakeridge. Alex is a remarkable candidate for our nursing program. They have already completed their certified nursing assistant (CNA) license; Alex is the youngest CNA at a healthcare facility where they work a 24 hour/week job as a nurse's assistant. Their essay centered on coming into a better sense of identity and empowerment through their realization that they did not identify with the gender they were assigned at birth. Alex is also the captain of the Lakeridge bowling, pickleball, and tennis teams. They wrote oneof the most clear and persuasive nursing interest essays and have set a very clear intention on a career in nursing.

Morgan Burdick

Year: 2016

Email: burdickm@seattleu.edu

Hometown: Mercer Island, Washington

High School: Forest Ridge School of the Sacred Heart

Major and Minor: Humanities and Social Work

Morgan Burdick graduated from Forest Ridge School of the Sacred Heart in Bellevue, WA. In high school, she was active in student government and Junior Statesmen of America. Morgan also spent her junior year living and studying in Lima, Peru. Morgan worked extensively with Agros, an NGO that provides micro-loans for migrant farmers in Central America. She led service trips and helped with fundraising. She was also active with PATH, a global health NGO, she helped with fundraising and visited PATH projects in several countries. Morgan was also a K-12 Girl Scout and helped lead younger troops in English and Spanish.

SU Experience

Morgan’s favorite on campus experience has been peer advising with Matteo Ricci College. Off campus, Morgan has been working as a case manager in SeaTac with primarily immigrant populations. She also helped enroll immigrants, primarily Spanish-speakers, in the Affordable Care Act. She is also a sexual health educator with Lifelong AIDS Alliance, which focuses on queer youth, and helps them provide resources to Seattle’s queer homeless youth. Morgan is an avid traveler of the global south, especially South Asia. Morgan studied Urdu in Lucknow, India and then spent the following six months practicing Urdu and learning Hindi while working with an NGO focused on Muslim women’s health. She then spent three months in very remote, Himalayan Nepal teaching English at a girls’ boarding school. Morgan is also an aspiring yogi and certified yoga teacher.

Charlie Burr

Year: 2023

Hometown: Ashland, Oregon

High School: Ashland High School

Charlie was the Co-Editor-in-Chief of his school Yearbook and served as Photography Editor for two years before that. Charlie was also a two-term Co-Editor-in-Chief of the Rogue News and in that position instructed and taught design skills to students. He also served as leader of his school's Queer Straight Alliance, and through that, he started a campaign to reform the sex education curriculum at his high school to be more inclusive. He was also involved in his school’s anti-drug coalition, varsity tennis, Young Democrats, and philosophy club.

Emma Byrne

Year: 2021

Hometown: Chicago, Illinois

High School: St. Ignatius College

Emma Byrne – St. Ignatius College Prep, Chicago, IL

Emma is an Executive Board Member for the Voices of Women group at her school and she has run cross country and track for four years.  She has been a member and Co-President of her school’s Ethical Treatment of Animals club for three years.  Emma is a member of the National Honor Society.

Jacob Caddali

Year: 2026

Hometown: Colorado Springs, Colorado

High School: Pine Creek High School

Jacob Caddali is a political science major from Colorado Springs, CO where he attends Pine Creek High School, a public school. He has a 4.51 weighted GPA and is involved in Speech and Debate, Forensics, and Student Council. He strives to uplift the sense of community and belonging in his high school, and his letter of recommendation notes that he has the heart of a servant leader. He is also currently admitted into our honors program.

McCalee Cain

Year: 2022

Hometown: Hope, Idaho

High School: Sandpoint High School

McCalee Cain - Sandpoint High School in Sandpoint, ID

McCalee is the Editor-in-chief of the award-winning, student run newspaper of her high school. She founded Sandpoint High’s annual feminine product drive benefitting the local food bank, and serves as president of the Gender Equality Mission Club.

Tess Cannon

Year: 2010

Email: cannont@seattleu.edu

Hometown: Juneau, Alaska

High School: Juneau-Douglas High School

Major and Minor: International Studies, Minor in Global Politics and International Economic Development

Tess Cannon is hailing from Juneau Douglas High School in Juneau, Alaska. She participated in Student Government for four years, and was Senior Class President. She was also on Executive board of her Interact Club following her eleven month Rotary exchange in Bremen, Germany. Tess has been a Scottish dancer for 10 years and has been involved in music and theater for as long as she can remember.

College Activities

• Children’s Literacy Project Volunteer
• Treehouse Tutoring Core
• New Student Retreat Leader
• Campus Ministry, SEARCH
• German Club
• World Affairs Council Intern
• International Development Internship Program

On Global Awareness …

Although I had spent a year of high school in Bremen, Germany before I left for college, I was first provided a framework for my experience when I arrived at Seattle University and began studying international politics and economics. As much as I enjoyed the classes I was taking here and the discussion among my fellow students, many of whom had experiences like my own, I soon realized that much of what we were learning was theoretically and needed a practical application. I began with six weeks in Europe following my freshman year. During my time abroad, I not only participated in SU’s Theology and Philosophy program in Italy, but also went back to Germany, to Bremen and to Berlin. Through the entire experience, I was struck by how much I had learned in the past three years since I had lived in Bremen.

I began to see studying abroad as less of an exciting personal experience (which is still is), and more of a deep transformation into a global citizen. I found myself thinking from a more global perspective, voting for people who didn’t have the opportunity yet would be affected by the outcome, and taking on more responsibility for those born less fortunate than myself.

The next year, I wanted to change my environment from the American-European standard of living I was used to, and spent a week building houses in Tijuana, Mexico. This experience broadened my perspective to not only the people in the countries on our borders, but also those inside of them; those unrepresented, even undocumented populations whose lives are affected by the decisions I make.

Being in Mexico specifically reinforced my belief in the global citizen. It doesn’t mean you have to understand multiple different cultures or even have visited many. It is a perspective change; an understanding that the decisions, I make as a constituent of a powerful, free country, whether they be political, environmental, economic, or cultural, affect a population larger than my small community and that I, therefore, have the responsibility and the privilege to invite those voices into the conversation.

Seattle University gave me the framework, theory, and the opportunity to further my interest in other cultures and languages, and through it, taught me how to be a global citizen.

 

Raymond Carr

Year: 2025

Hometown: Fernley, Nevada

High School: Midland School

Raymond Carr is from a rural town outside of Reno, Nevada, and attends Midland School in Los Olivos, California.  Raymond is involved in both the Midland Farm Program, as well as the Midland Jobs Program. Additionally, Raymond has held a variety of leadership positions, including Head Prefect, Junior Class President and the leader of Queercus, a LGBTQ+ Affinity group. He is also a writer and artist. He stood out in his interview as a passionate advocate for exploring privilege and intersectionality, and is described by his counselor as ‘a once-in-a-career student’ whose leadership and contributions have left a profound impact on the Midland School.

Monica Chan

Year: 2017

Email: chanm6@seattleu.edu

Hometown: Sacramento, California

High School: CK McClatchy High School

Major and Minor: Sociology

Monica graduated from CK McClatchy High School in Sacramento, CA. She was the Editor-in-Chief of the school paper and president of the Ecology Club, where she led a team to acquire funding for upgrading campus infrastructure to be more environmentally sustainable. Monica swam on the varsity team and swam from Alcatraz Island to Aquatic Park in San Francisco as a fundraiser for marine conservation research. She was a core team member for an environmental education camp that provided access to an outdoors experience for elementary students and was a teen representative for a fundraiser in support of a shelter for Asian and Pacific Islander women and children impacted by domestic violence.

SU Experience

Monica is currently studying sociology and mathematics. When not doing homework, she supports programming and initiatives on campus that work to undo patterns of marginalization and oppression. She also works at the Center for Environmental Justice and Sustainability, where she works to incorporate and amplify a race and class framework. She is grateful for the intentional self-reflection that the Sullivan community fosters because that foundation helps guide how she moves through the world.

Maddie Chaplain

Year: 2024

Hometown: Portland, Oregon

High School: Saint Mary's Academy

Basketball has always been a huge part of Maddie's life, and taught her to value resiliency and commitment. She plays shooting guard and was team captain during all four years of high school. She loves the game and the community it brings!

Michael Clymer

Year: 2019

Hometown: Boulder, Colorado

High School: New Vista High School

Major and Minor: International Studies and Sociology

Michael Clymer graduated from New Vista High School in Boulder, CO. They served as President of The Alliance - LGBTQ/Queer and Allied Student Group for 3 years. Michael also served as a member of the City of Boulder Youth Opportunities Advisory Board, where they were recognized as an Outstanding Youth Volunteer, and their senior year they co-taught Equity in the United States as a student/peer teacher. Michael helped run a middle school Allies anti-bullying group for 2 years and also hosted a panel discussion about LGBT bullying in the Boulder Valley School District. Along with these accomplishments, Michael has held part-time retail jobs and completed an academically-focused trip to Europe.

SU Experience

Michael is an International Studies and Sociology double major and a University Honors student who dedicates most of their time to academics. They are also a member of Wingmen, a group of students gathering to discuss sexual violence and masculinity; and a group of anti-racist white students in conversation of whiteness and white supremacy. Michael loves the sense of community that the Sullivan Leadership Program fosters and has welcomed them into as a first year student. 

Sanya Cowal

Year: 2021

Hometown: Portland, Oregon

High School: Jesuit High School

Sanya Cowal – Jesuit High School, Portland, OR

Sanya started an afterschool guitar program for middle school students.  For four years she has played bass in multiple bands including the Jazz and Liturgy Bands at school, her Church Band and an alternative rock band. She is the Co-President of the Asian American Club and a member of the National Honor Society.

Emma Creegan

Year: 2018

Hometown: Chandler, Arizona

High School: Hamilton High School

Major and Minor: Psychology; Minor in Biology

Emma Creegan graduated from Hamilton High School in Chandler, AZ. She was on the leadership committee for her school’s Model United Nations and received a fellowship to travel to Mercy College in NY to learn more about international relations, tour the UN Building, and meet UN delegates. Emma was a member of the speech and debate team, National Honor Society, Link Crew and French Club. She was the president of the Tri-M Music Honor Society at her school and principal flute player with the Youth Symphony in her community. She also served as a volunteer with the Phoenix Children’s Hospital and was an active member of her church’s youth group.

SU Experience

Emma is working towards her B.S. in Psychology with a minor in Biology. Currently, she serves as one of the Catholic Relief Services Campus Ambassadors through Campus Ministry. She is also involved with the Core Honors program as one of the advisory board members and researches in a lab off campus. She has enjoyed the community of the Sullivan Program and the opportunity to learn from fellow community members and leaders.

Samantha Cremer

Year: 2021

Hometown: Pasadena, California

High School: Flintridge Sacred Heart

Samantha Cremer – Flintridge Sacred Heart Academy, La Canada Flintridge, CA

Samantha is the President of her school’s Black Student Union, a group she helped found in 2013.  For three years she has served as Student Ambassador to represent her school to prospective families.  Samantha has volunteered five summers as a sports camp counselor and for two years at Huntington Hospital.

Connor Crinion

Year: 2019

Hometown: San Jose, California

High School: Bellarmine College Prep

Major and Minor: Sociology; Public Affairs

Connor Crinion graduated from Bellarmine College Prep in San Jose, CA. As Founder and President of the Advocacy Club he led other students to lobby representatives in the legislature in 2013 and 2014. Connor volunteered with his school’s Agape Club, focusing on service, and was elected to the leadership team where he served for 2 years. In 2013 he participated in the Ignatian Family Teach-in and in 2014 he went on an Immersion trip to Ecuador. Connor was a 4-year member of the cross-country and track & field teams, and participated in Boys State. He also volunteered with Sacred Heart Community Service where he taught summer school and advocated for affordable housing.

SU Experience

Connor is currently studying Sociology and Public Affairs. He is passionate about building student power on college campuses and helped lead a campaign in support of contingent faculty unionization at SU. Off campus, his work has focused on the issue of housing justice. He has served in a diverse set of roles, helping him to view the issue of housing through research, organizing, and social service lenses. When not frequenting the SU library or organizing, you may catch him biking around the City of Seattle. Long term, he is considering pursuing a JD, although is thinking critically about the potential strengths and weaknesses of using legal strategies to support movements for social change. 

R. Davila

Year: 2025

Hometown: Campbell, California

High School: Bellarmine College Preparatory

R. Davila attends Bellarmine College Preparatory in San Jose, Calfornia and wants to pursue a degree in Social Work.  R. is active within the Latino Student Union, Maker Lab, Theater Arts program, yearbook, and the radio station at their high school.  Additionally, R. is very engaged in supporting undocumented, low-income families in San Jose.  R. embodies the ideology of developing one's whole self and advocating with and for others.  R. states in their essay: "I am a servant leader, which means listening and empathizing with others.  When we show confidence and a willingness to use one's own voice to inspire love and empathy, we are being leaders."

Abigail Dean

Year: 2023

Hometown: Yellowstone National Park, Wyoming

High School: Gardiner High School

Abby lives in Yellowstone and attended high school in a small town on the border of the park. She served as a volunteer at the Chamber of Commerce to support local businesses and residents of Gardiner, Montana. Abby captained her volleyball and debate teams and was an activist for gun and education reform within her high school.

Ariana Dennis

Year: 2021

Hometown: La Jolla, California

High School: La Jolla High School

Ariana Dennis – La Jolla High School, La Jolla, CA

Ariana has been involved in her school’s Model United Nations club, where she serves as President, for two years.  She founded the Afghan Relief Club at her school to raise money for girls to go to school in Afghanistan and she has volunteered for three years at a San Diego medical clinic.  Ariana competed three years in sprints and pole vault on the Track and Field team. 

Summer Diegel

Year: 2019

Hometown: Helena, Montana

High School: Capital High School

Major and Minor: Comparative Religion

Summer Diegel graduated from Capital High School in Helena, MT, where she was Captain of the Speech and Debate Team for 2 years and Vice President of the Senior Student Council. Summer was a member of the National Honor Society and Planned Parenthood Teen Council and served as President of TRIO’s Upward Bound Program. She volunteered with Americorps and Habitat for Humanity and served on her community’s Health Advisory Board. Summer served as Vice President for National Region 5 SkillsUSA where she met with senators and house officials in Washington, DC to discuss funding for career and technical education. She also worked part-time as a Certified Nurse Assistant.

SU Experience

Summer recently joined the Ventures team as the bookkeeping specialist. Ventures is a nonprofit that empowers individuals with limited resources and unlimited potential to improve their lives through small business ownership, and Summer really enjoys her work within the office and the broader Seattle community. She is a Comparative Religion major looking into a double major in some type of Business. She is still exploring the many opportunities available and is excited to find her niche. The Sullivan community has made her feel welcome and helped her to challenge herself and grow within her interests and outside of her comfort zone.

Lucas Ehinger

Year: 2022

Hometown: Olympia, Washington

High School: Olympia High School

Lucas Ehinger - Olympia High School in Olympia, WA

Lucas is Vice President of the school math club, and is captain of the local soccer club. His National Economics Team placed 1^st in State, and 10^th nationally. He has also been a member of the National Honor Society for the past three years.

Brian Elliott

Year: 2027

Hometown: Broomfield, Colorado

High School: Holy Family High School

Major and Minor: Business & Law Major

Brian Elliott (he/him/his), identifies as a white Catholic man. He has performed well academically at one of Colorado's best Catholic high schools. Alex will have completed eight AP classes upon graduation from Holy Family. Brian has persevered through tremendously difficult circumstances during the pandemic. His parents divorced just prior to the lockdown in Denver. Circumstances required the whole family including recently divorced parents to continue living together in a one bedroom apartment. He lost his Grandmother to COVID-19 in April 2020. Brian shared during the selection process that the challenges and tragedy that he  experienced during the pandemic are primary motivation for him to become the person he is meant to become. He applied to Seattle U because of  his family's many ties to Jesuit education. Brian is active as an Student Ambassador for Holy Names, Mock Trial, Colorado Youth in Government, and a variety of community service opportunities. Brian's aspiration 
is to practice law in a corporate setting.

Jaedyn Fedd

Year: 2024

Hometown: Seattle, Washington

High School: The Northwest School

Jaedyn is a member of a student run council at my school called the Change Coalition. Shework with students and faculty to make our school a more equitable and inviting space to all its members by addressing issues within the community.

Emmah Ferguson

Year: 2019

Hometown: Battle Ground, Washington

High School: Hockinson High School

Major and Minor: Biochemistry and Comparative Religion

Emmah Ferguson graduated from Hockinson High School in Battle Ground, WA, where she was a Running Start student. She was a member of the Speech and Debate, swim, wrestling and cross-country teams at her high school, and served as Student Body President and as a tutor at Clark College. Emmah worked as an intern with the Battle Ground Chamber of Commerce, volunteered with Healing Winds Therapeutic Riding Center and, for 4 years, served on the Clark County Youth Commission where she developed and moderated the public forum “The Solution to Bullying in our Community.” As a teacher at Congregation Kol Ami, Emmah taught young children about their Jewish identity through bible stories and cultural traditions found in art, music, and cooking.

SU Experience

Emmah is majoring in Biochemistry and Comparative Religion. Emmah will be going to Haiti this winter to provide and disaster relief with a Jewish NGO, the JDC. She was very active in her hometown through the Clark County Youth Commission, a group that gave youth a voice in public policy, and through her synagogue, Congregation Kol Ami, where I taught Sunday school and Hebrew. She loves Seattle University because it is very inclusive of all people from all walks of life and backgrounds and is in a beautiful location!

Jordan Fester

Year: 2026

Hometown: Palo Alto, California

High School: Henry M Gunn High School

Jordan Fester is a scholar from Palo Alto, CA where she attends Henry M Gunn High School. She has a 4.0 unweighted GPA and has transformative plans to pursue her degree in nursing at Seattle U. Jordan’s passions consist of empowering young women, accessibility to healthcare, and patient advocacy. Social justice is also extremely important to Jordan as a Hispanic woman who has witnessed and experienced racism and extreme bias throughout her education. Her career in the healthcare field is starting strong with her involvement in internships at Stanford, starting Imprinting the Future and Essential Heroes Campaign, and engaging in multiple leadership roles. Jordan believes that being a “Jesuit-educated nurse” will further prepare her to serve patients holistically and with the highest care.

Scott Fetz

Year: 2018

Hometown: Waimea, Hawaii

High School: Hawaii Preparatory Academy

Major and Minor: Business Management and Marketing

Scott Fetz graduated from Hawaii Preparatory Academy in Waimea on the Big Island of Hawaii. Scott was President of the Service Learning Advisory Council and President of the American Red Cross Club. He was a Student Ambassador at HPA and the creator of Free Hug February which promotes love, unity, and acceptance on campus. Scott was an intern with Senator Brian Schatz’s office and volunteered with Child and Family Services, the Jonathan Dale Miller Foundation and at a local retirement home where he wrote the manual and new training program for prospective volunteers to increase efficiency of the training process. As Executive Service Learning Coordinator of the Executive Student Council at HPA, Scott reorganized the entire structure of the club coordination and interaction on campus and improved the way students log community service hours throughout the year.

SU Experience

Scott will graduate from Seattle University in June 2018 as a Marketing and Business Management double major and Entrepreneurship minor. Scott is Co-President of Seattle Enactus, an entrepreneurship club that works to empower communities through economic development and innovative business practices. In addition to Seattle Enactus, Scott is the VP of Finance for Seattle University's American Marketing Association (AMA) Club and is Sullivan Leadership Program Scholar. In the greater community, Scott has served as the Marketing and Business Development Committee Chair on the Board of Directors for MiMi Globe Goods' Refugee Artisan Initiative, a nonprofit that economically empowers Seattle based Immigrants and Refugees. Over the last three years, Scott has held internships with Butch Blum, Seattle University's Office of Annual Giving, ADW Acosta Sales and Marketing, and at the Nordstrom Corporate Headquarters. After graduation Scott will start full-time at Nielsen Market Research on their Innovation Team in Boston. 

Samantha Fisher

Year: 2020

Hometown: Lake Forest Park, Washington

High School: The Attic Learning Community

Samantha Fisher – The Attic Learning Community in Woodinville, WA

Samantha was in the Model United Nations Club for 4 years where she was the Head delegate. She acted in and assisted with backstage coordination of younger cast members in the Wizard of Oz, A Midsummer Night’s Dream and Alice in Wonderland. . She was Vice Chair of the Legislative Youth Advisory Council, lobbying on behalf of youth-related legislation in the State Legislature. Samantha earned first place in Molecular Modeling at the Northwest Association of Biomedical Research’s Student Bio Expo.

Dominique Friz

Year: 2019

Hometown: San Fernando, California

High School: Community Charter Early College High School

Major and Minor: Nursing

Dominique Friz graduated from Community Charter Early College High School in Lake View Terrace, CA. She served as the Communications Ambassador for the GEEK Club (Gateway to Education and Equality for Kids) where she organized fundraising to provide scholarships for undocumented students and was a mentor to students preparing for college.

Dominique was Co-Founder and President of the NERD Club (Never-Ending Research and Discovery) and Board Member of the Latino Association. She played on the varsity soccer team for 3 years and volunteered at Clinica Medica Jimsher and Farias Family Child Care for 4 years.

SU Experience

Dominique is pursuing her Bachelors of Science in Nursing and she is interested in furthering her education in Public Health or Medical anthropology. She has had clinicals at Sea Mar, Harborview Medical Center, and Providence Mt. St. Vincent. She is interested in working as a nurse with people who are currently or were formerly incarcerated, especially youth. 

She is the Co-Chair of MEChA, a cultural and political organization working to promote access to higher education for Latinx students. She is also the co-founder of the Equity and Justice Committee within the College of Nursing, dedicated to the needs of first generation college students, low income students, and students of color.

Her favorite place to hang out is the Outreach Center, a new space on campus dedicated to serving First Generation college students and Veteran students.

In the next few years, Dominique hopes to go to Chile to see her family, learn a new language, and work in her neighborhood in Los Angeles. 

Gustavo Garcia

Year: 2024

Hometown: Seattle, Washington

High School: Garfield High School

Throughout high school, Gustavo has been involved with the Youth Organizers of Mental Health Education (YOMHE) group as a mentor and leader, tackling the stigmatized topic of suicide prevention and mental health with a focus on youth of color in the Seattle area.

Owen Goetze

Year: 2017

Email: goetzeo@seattleu.edu

Hometown: Danville, California

High School: De La Salle High School

Major and Minor: Economics and Public Affairs

Owen graduated from De La Salle High School in Concord, CA. He was President of Model United Nations and the Politics Club, a club he founded to promote dialogue on current issues. He was a member of the swim team and the National Honor Society. As an Eagle Scout, Owen led an environmental reclamation project to remove barbed wire from a state park. He spent a month in Spain living with a homestay family and taking classes at the University of Cantabria. Owen participated in the Ven a Ver Salinas immersion program serving meals to homeless people, tutoring the children of migrant farm workers, and laboring alongside migrants in the cauliflower and spinach fields

SU Experience

Mariam Gohar

Year: 2026

Hometown: San Francisco, California

High School: Albany High School

Mariam Gohar attends Albany High School in San Francisco, California, and carries a strong 3.91 GPA. Driven by their experiences to lessen social injustices, she is committed to studying Public Affairs to create positive change through legislation and grassroots action. She is heavily involved in her community through clubs and service opportunities, such as Diversify Our Narrative, Speak, Peer Help, Improve the Dream, and the Hidden Dream. Mariam joined organizations like the Hidden Dream, which aims to create resources for childhood visa arrivals, to enable themselves to further support other individuals from similar backgrounds. As she states in her essay: “I dedicate my life to serving marginalized people in my educational pursuits, free time, and political career.”

 

Chloe Gunther

Year: 2023

Hometown: Akron, Ohio

High School: Walsh Jesuit High School

Her freshman year, Chloe started a Jesuit Refugee Service Action Team at her high school, a club that raised awareness, advocated, and stood in solidarity with refugees. This engagement led her to volunteer at an after-school program for immigrant and refugee elementary school students. Being with those students became the highlight of her week.

Ed Lawrence Hagape

Year: 2024

Hometown: San Francisco, California

High School: Saint Ignatius College Preparatory School

Ed Lawrence Hagape was a retreat leader, head acolyte, and music cantor for Campus Ministry, stage manager for the Performing Arts Department, president of the Filipino Cultural Club, and member of the Magis Center for  Equity and Inclusion.  He also advocated for social justice issues from the classroom to his local government and participated in many hands-on community service works.

Trent Haynes

Year: 2025

Hometown: Richland Hills, Texas

High School: Fort Worth Christian School

Trent Haynes attends Fort Worth Christian School in Richland Hills, Texas, and has been admitted to our nursing program. He is a skilled violinist, pianist, and singer; founded the Creative Writing Club at his school; and is involved in cross country, theatre, and community service. Trent is unshaken in his identity – disclosing he is a member of the LGBTQ+ community within a conservative school and home and hopes to come to Seattle – a “safe haven and mecca of progressive leadership”. He reflects on his lived experience by stating: “I quickly understood the importance of self-identification and the confidence needed to look inside yourself and accept what you see.”

Matthew Heffel

Year: 2019

Hometown: Lake Forest, California

High School: El Toro High School

Major and Minor: Finance

Matthew Heffel graduated from El Toro High School in Lake Forest, CA. He participated in ASB for 4 years, serving as Freshman and Sophomore Class Representative, Secretary, and Senior Class President. Matthew was a member of the basketball team and received his third degree black belt in Taekwondo. He served as club officer for Team Thomas with the Pediatric Cancer Research Foundation, and was a member of the Invisible Children Club to promote awareness about “kadogo,” child soldiers in Africa. Matthew was an officer for the Golden Chargers Club, through which he worked with the elderly population in his community, and was President of GeoCC, a club dedicated to promoting unity and togetherness through nature hikes and geocaching.

SU Experience

Matt is first year student studying Finance at Seattle University. He’s involved with the Bellarmine Hall Council as well as the business club, Enactus, through which he has committed to a year-long non-profit consulting project. He loves all the community outreach and service opportunities that have been made available to him at SU.

Peter Hoang

Year: 2020

Hometown: Milpitas, California

High School: Bellarmine College Preparatory

Peter Hoang – Bellarmine College Preparatory in San Jose, CA

Peter was a member of Interact Club, which engaged in local and global service projects, for 3 years and served as Secretary. He was also Secretary of the Vietnamese Student Association. For 4 years Peter was a percussion ensemble member, playing various instruments. Peter was active with Bellarmine Prep Campus Ministry as a Kairos Retreat Leader and Altar Server. As a Taiwan Immersion Delegate he taught English and constructed a mural in Taiwan. Peter was a National Merit Commended Student.

Sophia Hounton

Year: 2025

Hometown: Portland, Oregon

High School: Saint Mary's Academy

Sophia Hounton attends Saint Mary’s Academy in Portland, Oregon, and hopes to major in Psychology. Her breadth of involvement spreads from her school – Black Student Union, Student of Color Connect Member, Science Olympiad, to name a few – to her community through racial justice activism, volunteering, and artistry. She exuded her passion for social justice and advocacy consistently throughout the Sullivan process, and stated in her interview: “I want to deconstruct my biases and use it to uplift others.”

Sharon Ideguchi

Year: 2020

Hometown: Tacoma, Washington

High School: Bellarmine Preparatory

Sharon Ideguchi – Bellarmine Preparatory in Tacoma, WA

Sharon played alto saxophone and was section leader in the Wind Ensemble and played tenor saxophone in the Jazz Band; she travelled to Europe with the Washington Ambassadors of Music. She volunteered at a variety of organizations that supported veterans, homeless people, and residents of an assisted living facility. She was a Marine Chemistry Researcher for 3 years, diving to collect samples in the Puget Sound and counting fish near Hawaii. Sharon worked two summers as an Interpreter at the Point Defiance Zoo. She was a member of the National Honor Society.

Palmyra Jackson

Year: 2017

Email: jackso45@seattleu.edu

Hometown: North Las Vegas, Nevada

High School: Ed W Clark High School

Major and Minor: Humanities for Teaching and Cultural Anthropology

Palmyra graduated from Ed W Clark High School in Las Vegas, NV. She was Secretary of her school’s National Honor Society, Chairman of the Fashion Club and Manager of the Varsity Girls’ Swim Team. Palmyra starred in “The Wizard of Oz” and “All I Want for Christmas is You,” and won an award at the Nevada Thespian Competition. She volunteered at the Ronald McDonald House and with English Language learners. As President of the Future Educators Association, which highlights the importance of education in our society, she coordinated a dance for kids in special education programs across the school district.

SU Experience

Palmyra is double majoring in Humanities for Teaching and Cultural Anthropology. She currently serves as the Executive Vice President of the Student Government of Seattle University and volunteers at the Ethiopian Community Center. She believes that the best part about the Sullivan Leadership Program is knowing that the university is invested in you and recognizes your potential. This affirmation gives her the freedom to discover where her potentiality lies and how to maximize it not for self-satisfaction, but for others, as well.

Alexa James

Year: 2027

Hometown: Concord, California

High School: Carondolet High School

Major and Minor: Electrical Engineering Major

Alexa James identifies as a Black Agnostic person. Alexa is an excellent student inside of Carondolet's rigorous Catholic curriculum. They will have completed six AP classes upon graduation and have already completed three AP exams (Computer Science, Lang and Comp, and US History) earning fives on all three. While their academic accomplishments speak volumes, it's the multiverse of identities and communities that Alexa transits that sets them apart as one of the best candidates for this award in its recent history. They wrote persuasively of Carondolet's uniquely Catholic charism  of  "loving the dear neighbor without distinction" as a value that they want to carry through life and a primary reason for considering Seattle University's Jesuit mission. Alexa spoke candidly with the selection committee of navigating their Black identity through Carondolet's predominantly white and conservative community. They are the founder of the school book club Novel Ideas, a leader in Carondolet's ASB, the secretary forthe Black Student Union, and a varsity rugby player. Alexa's post-college aspiration is to become an engineer.

April Jingco

Year: 2017

Email: jingcoa@seattleu.edu

Hometown: Ewa Beach, Hawaii

High School: McKinley High School

Major and Minor: Strategic Communications

April graduated from McKinley High School in Honolulu, HI. She was a member of the Symphonic Orchestra, Marching Band and the Hawaii Flute Society, she served as her high school’s representative to the Hawaii State Student Council and was a member of the Center for Tomorrow’s Leaders, a community youth leadership development program. She was very active in student government having served as Class President her freshman and sophomore years, Executive VP her junior year and ASB President her senior year. She founded a student-led Bullying Awareness group in 2012 along with two other members.

SU Experience

April is junior majoring in strategic communications with a specific interest in the music industry, and is currently studying abroad in South Korea. She is a marketing intern for The Center for Tomorrow’s Leaders, a nonprofit leadership program in Hawaii. April has also held internships at Seattle Theatre Group and BAMP Project as a concert marketing intern. Her favorite aspect of the Sullivan Leadership Program is being surrounded by a community who constantly inspires and motivates her.

Gabe Kaemingk

Year: 2017

Email: kaeming2@seattleu.edu

Hometown: Lynden, Washington

High School: Lynden High School

Major and Minor: Economics; Minors in Biology and Math

Gabe graduated from Lynden High School in WA where he was captain of the football team. For many years, Gabe was employed at the Maberry Canning Company, which services the surrounding berry farms, where he worked side by side with migrant farm workers and learned their stories. He was the Junior Class VP and the ASB Executive VP. He was a member of the Fellowship of Christian Athletes where he mentored middle school participants. He was in the Teachers of Tomorrow Club and published an article detailing the Republican Presidential Candidates’ education policy positions.

SU Experience

As a rising third year, Gabe is pursuing a major in Economics with minors in Biology and Math. At the beginning of his experience at Seattle University, he was involved in the SU Youth Initiative as a tutor of three Washington Middle School students. He soon became passionate about science, and is now a member of a pharmaceutical lab, most recently investigating computational biology. Gabe studied abroad in Guatemala during his second year, attended full time language lessons, volunteered at a hospital in Antigua, and traveled the country. Currently, Gabe is exploring Seattle’s expansive non-profit and social enterprise sectors. His favorite aspect of Sullivan Community is the unique reservoir of wisdom provided by directors past and present, students, alumni, and many others.

Mia Kato

Year: 2018

Hometown: Bellevue, Washington

High School: Newport High School

Major and Minor: Economics and International Studies; Minor in Spanish

Mia Kato graduated from Newport High School in Bellevue, WA. Mia was the co-founder and a member of DECA and the coordinator of the Hunger Project Club. She was in her school’s marching band and served as a volunteer with Families for Effective Autism Treatment, and at the Chicago chapter of One Laptop Per Child. She has served as a teen docent for the Bellevue Arts Museum as well as a flute and reading tutor. Mia was a member of the Newport Speech and Debate team where she was very successful in policy debates, earning 1st place at the Snohomish High School Tournament.

SU Experience

Mia is majoring in Economics and International Studies with a minor in Spanish. She is a member of the Seattle University Debate Union and frequently competes in regional and national tournaments. She volunteers at Community Capital Development, an organization that provides financial assistance to local businesses particularly those run by women and veterans. She also volunteers at Neighborhood House, an organization that provides social services to underrepresented communities in Seattle. She will be studying abroad in Puebla, Mexico during the winter and spring of this year.

Olivia Kerwin

Year: 2016

Email: kerwino@seattleu.edu

Hometown: Tucson, Arizona

High School: University High School

Major and Minor: Nursing and International Studies

Olivia Kerwin graduated from University High School in Tucson, Arizona. She was the Mock Election Party Chair, a member of the Spanish Club and volunteered with La Rosa Healthcare Center. She was an active member of Amigos de las Americas, a youth-led organization that sends high school and college age volunteers to Latin American communities to partner with members of the local community on sustainable projects to improve their lives. With AMIGOS, Olivia volunteered in Honduras and Panama and served as a Veteran Trainer and Senior Trainer. In addition, Olivia was a senior dancer with the Arizona Ballet Theater, a member of the Primavera Dance Group and the Ivesia Dance Group. Olivia is an AP Scholar.

SU Experience

During her freshman year at Seattle University, Olivia was an intern in the office of Congressman Jim McDermott where she collaborated with staff on healthcare and veterans’ support projects. The summer following her freshman year, Olivia worked with an international organization in rural Panama managing high school volunteers in partnership with the Ministry of Health. As a sophomore, Olivia volunteered at El Centro de la Raza and she spent the following summer studying history and literature at la Universidad Centroamericana (UCA) in Managua, Nicaragua. Olivia worked as a TA for the Biology Department during her junior year. She has completed clinical rotations through the College of Nursing at Providence Marianwood, VA of Puget Sound, Seattle Children’s Hospital, Cascade Behavioral Health, and Providence Everett. Now in her senior year, Olivia is studying in Västerås, Sweden as part of a nursing exchange program with Mälardalen University. Olivia is a member of Alpha Sigma Nu and is on the Dean’s List for the College of Nursing. She is also fluent in Spanish and a member of Bicycool. The thing she enjoys most about the Sullivan Leadership Program is the Sullivan Community where she met many of her greatest friends and she is most grateful for the intentional space it creates within which she can reflect and grow.

Imaan Khaki

Year: 2026

Hometown: Snoqualmie, Washington

High School: Mount Si High School

Imaan Khaki attends Mount Si High school in Snoqualmie, WA where she has a 3.931 unweighted GPA. She is currently pursuing a degree in Biology. She describes herself as a Muslim student with South Asian and East African ancestral roots, and was born in the UK. She has served the last two years as a volunteer for API Chaya, a non-profit that supports survivors of gender-based violence. In addition, she participates in Athletes for Kida, an organization that supports kids with disabilities and special needs. During her Sullivan speech, she spoke eloquently about the criminal justice program and diversion programs in our state.

Cameryn Laborte

Year: 2022

Hometown: Pearl City, Hawaii

High School: Kamehameha Schools-Kapalama High School

Cameryn Laborte - Kamehameha Schools Kapalama High School in Honolulu, HI

Cameryn is the Debate Captain of the Speech and Debate team at her school. She also helps run her family business, CookiesbytheC, which uses 3D printing to produce custom cookies that incorporate native Hawaiian designs. Cameryn is also a 3 year member of the Math Team.

Alonso Lee

Year: 2026

Hometown: Carmichael, California

High School: Jesuit High School

Alonso Lee attends the Jesuit High School in Carmichael, CA and plans to pursue a degree in Philosophy with the goal of eventually attending Law School. Alonso’s commitment to advocacy began in his high school and grew out into the national Jesuit community and extends across borders. He was president and founding member of TeamCare, a club which eventually advocated for his school to develop a wellness center. He served as the Equity & Inclusion Coordinator and Secretary Treasurer in his student government, ran the 200- and 400-meter races on his varsity track team, and was Co-President of the Latinos Unidos cultural club at his school. Alonso states it best in his Sullivan application; “I learned very quickly that my calling is to help uplift, encourage, and impassion those afraid of oppression.”

 

Conor Linehan

Year: 2021

Hometown: Los Gatos, California

High School: Bellarmine College Preparatory

Conor Linehan – Bellarmine College Preparatory, San Jose, CA

Conor is a four-year participant in Speech and Debate and a three-year athlete on the rugby team.  He serves as a leader for the Free the Children club at his school, planning events such as the Solidarity Water Walk, and has travelled to Nicaragua and Haiti on service trips.

Isabella Maffei

Year: 2023

Hometown: Portland, Oregon

High School: Central Catholic High School

Isabella was a Student Leader at Outdoor School, where she taught middle school students how to have a love for the outdoors and nature as well as growing a sense of community in a week-long overnight camp program. She was also a peer mentor for students with physical and intellectual disabilities at her high school. Additionally, Isabella served on the leadership team for the Central Catholic “Women's” Coalition, which fought for social justice issues surrounding intersectional feminism in school.

Nicky Manlove

Year: 2017

Email: manloven@seattleu.edu

Hometown: Missoula, Montana

High School: Sentinel High School

Nicky graduated from Sentinel High School in Missoula, MT. He was the JV coach and honorary team captain for the Speech and Debate team, Co-President of the Gender and Sexuality Alliance, and Student Director of his High School Choir Program. He worked as a diversity trainer with the Missoula Chapter of the National Coalition Building Institute which is dedicated to moving individuals, communities and organizations toward a just and inclusive society through training to reduce prejudice, prevent violence and resolve conflict. He received the Youth Achievement Award for his mentoring work in schools.

Will McCormick

Year: 2024

Hometown: Portland, Oregon

High School: Lincoln High School

Will McCormick was the lead coder on his high school’s robotics team which qualified for worlds his senior year. He was a member of his high school’s nationally ranked Constitution Team. In addition, he was a varsity wrestler, Spanish language magazine editor, and an active volunteer.

Shala McKee

Year: 2022

Hometown: Aiea, Hawaii

High School: Pacific Buddhist Academy

Shala McKee - Pacific Buddhist Academy in Honolulu, HI

Shala is the founder and leader of FEAR (Fighting Effectively Against Racism) movement at her school, where she invited her school community to start discussions about racism and other social justice issues. Shala is also a dance teacher at a community dance studio for students ages four to fifteen. 

Christian Menendez

Year: 2016

Email: menende1@seattleu.edu

Hometown: Omak, Washington

High School: Omak High School

Christian Menendez graduated from Omak High School in Omak, Washington. He was a Link Crew Leader for two years, a member of the Drama Club and served as the ASB school board representative as a junior and senior. Christian served as the Key Club Div. 9 lieutenant governor for two years, representing the school at district level conventions. He held the position of freshman class vice-president, sophomore class president, Concert Band section leader and was the male lead in musical and theatrical performances in his school and community. Christian was part of the All-State Wind Symphony and received the “Semper Fidelis” Award for Music Excellence. He is a member of National Honor Society.

Taj Mercer

Year: 2021

Hometown: Bend, Oregon

High School: Summit High School

Taj Mercer – Summit High School, Bend, OR

Taj has worked on the school newspaper for two years, including as Editor, and been on the swim team for four years, including two as Captain.  He has volunteered serving meals to homeless individuals and families for three years.  Taj is a member of the National Honor Society.

Taylor Moscoe

Year: 2018

Hometown: Portland, Oregon

High School: Jesuit High School

Major and Minor: Psychology; Minor in Social Work

Taylor Moscoe graduated from Jesuit High School in Portland, OR. She was a retreat leader, academic tutor, captain of her track and cross country teams, and member of the Green Team Service Club at her school. Taylor was a member of the National Honor Society (NHS) and the Spanish NHS. She was a volunteer with Special Olympics and Mt. Hood Kiwanis Camp for people with disabilities, and founded the Not on My Watch Campaign to eliminate the “R-word” and other hurtful terms aimed at disabled people. Taylor also started the Youth Ending Slavery Club where she worked with others to raise awareness and advocate for an end to human trafficking.

SU Experience

Taylor is working toward a BS in Psychology and a Minor in Social Work. She is on the Health and Wellness Crew and serves as the Vice President for the Coalition for Students with Disabilities. She loves Seattle University for the endless opportunities it offers—international, domestic, social, and academic—and the incredible support of the Sullivan Leadership Program. She is truly thankful to be surrounded by such empowering individuals.

Mai-Khue Nguyen

Year: 2017

Email: nguye191@seattleu.edu

Hometown: Seattle, Washington

High School: Cleveland High School

Mai-Khue graduated from Cleveland High School in Seattle, WA. She was the Vice President of the Vietnamese Cultural Club, parliamentarian for the school’s National Honor Society, and an active member of Key Club. She was the third place finisher in the BioExpo project competition sponsored by the Northwest Association for Biomedical Research for her research presentation on leukemia. Mai-Khue played on the varsity tennis team and served as a volunteer junior tennis coach for Asa Mercer Middle School and for the US Tennis Association’s QuickStart summer tennis program for children.

Serena Oduro

Year: 2020

Hometown: Beaverton, Oregon

High School: Jesuit High School

Serena Oduro –  Jesuit High School in Portland, OR

Serena participated in Model United Nations for 4 years and won 3^rd place in the Oregon and SW Washington United Nations Essay Competition. She participated in an Ignatian Teach-In for Social Justice and the Sharing Black Communities Club. Serena performed a poem as part of her involvement with the Upstanders anti-bullying group. As Style Club President she promoted diversity through looking at African-American and Latino fashion designers and their influences. She was the Ethics Bowl President and member of the French National Honor Society.

Kayla Okonu

Year: 2026

Hometown: St. Joseph, Minnesota

High School: Saint John's Preparatory School

Kayla Okonu attends Saint John’s Preparatory School in St. Joseph, MN and plans to study Psychology. In high school, she has explored a wide range of leadership opportunities. She shone on stage in several of her high school musical productions, sang in the Cantanti Youth Chorale of Central MN, and served as an advocate and leader in student government, the social justice club, and the world club. Her dream is to provide resources to BIPOC students in rural areas, like herself, who do not see themselves represented in their schools and in their governments. She has advocated at the state level presenting to Minnesota’s Attorney General, tutored younger students, and works to improve the experience for other Black students at her predominately white school.

Miracle Orji

Year: 2019

Hometown: Clackamas, Oregon

High School: Clackamas High School

Major and Minor: Biochemistry; Minors in Business Administration and Global African Studies

Miracle Orji graduated from Clackamas High School in Clackamas, OR. She was a member of the National Honor Society, Choir Council, and Site Council and she served as President of the Red Cross Club. Miracle was a member of the Equity Team for 2 years, she participated in Shades of Unity, an organization committed to addressing issues of racial and social justice, for 3 years, and she also hosted a project called Family Tree to support young school-age minority students. Miracle volunteered with the Providence Child Center for Medically Fragile Children and with the Portland Adventist Medical Center and in 2014 she traveled to Washington, DC, for the National Academy of Future Physicians Congress.

SU Experience

Miracle is a Biochemistry major under the pre-med program and is minoring in Business Administration and Global African Studies. Miracle is involved as an Assembly Rep on Campion Hall Council and many on-campus clubs like Black Student Union, African Student Association, and Fashion Club. The Sullivan Leadership Program to her has been a grounding source of support and friendship during the tumultuous transition to college and all that comes with it. The Sullivan Leadership community is one that pushes her to reach her maximum potential and extend outside her comfort zone in the beautiful and rich city of Seattle, Washington.

Logan Ossentjuk

Year: 2021

Hometown: Centennial, Colorado

High School: Kent Denver School

Logan Ossentjuk – Kent Denver School, Englewood, CO

Logan has participated in the Speech and Debate program for four years and serves as Co-Captain.  Beginning on the soccer C-team as a freshman, he progressed to varsity goalkeeper by senior year.  Logan started the Colorado Young Leaders service club at his school and has held leadership roles in the organization.  For several years he has taught disabled youth to snowboard and kayak.

Rukhsar Palla

Year: 2017

Email: pallar@seattleu.edu

Hometown: San Jose, California

High School: Notre Dame High School

Rukhsar graduated from Notre Dame High School in San Jose, CA. She completed a summer teaching internship in a Pakistani orphanage where she taught English to girls ages 14-17. She attended the Islamic School of Stanford and was a member of the Girl Scouts where she achieved her Bronze Award. She received recognition for her outstanding performance in Dance and in Speech. She is dedicated to women’s issues and is the cofounder and secretary of Girl Up, a club dedicated to exploring the portrayal of women in the media and advocating for women’s rights.

Anna Penticuff

Year: 2024

Hometown: Avon, Minnesota

High School: Cathedral High School

Anna loves to spend time in nature and has been on multiple trips canoeing and portaging through remote wilderness areas. She is also passionate about connecting with refugee and immigrant populations

EJ Pinera

Year: 2018

Hometown: Seattle, Washington

High School: Cleveland High School

Major and Minor: Psychology; Minor in Studio Art

Elijah “EJ” Pinera graduated from Cleveland High School in Seattle, WA. He was the Student Body President, National Honors Society historian, and member of the swim team. As Student Body President, EJ worked to promote a motto of “spirit, unity and progress” within his school community. He was a member of the Key Club and participated in Mock Trial and Earth Corps. EJ served as a children’s church teacher, worship leader, and piano player for Trinity Life Center; and has interned at New Life Church in Renton, serving on both their environment and worship teams. He has traveled with his youth group to Yakima, WA, and Ogden, UT, on service trips.

SU Experience

EJ is pursuing his B.S. in Psychology with a Studio Art minor. He is the Vice President of Activities for the United Filipino Club, a steering committee member for the Center for Community Engagement, and a campus leader at the New Life Church plant in Burien. What he enjoys most about Seattle University is the Youth Initiative, through which he regularly works with many local students. In the future, he wants to invest in the communities of underserved youth, and learning from Bailey Gatzert Elementary has been giving him great experience.

Donnie Rhoads III

Year: 2018

Hometown: Vancouver, Washington

High School: Columbia River High School

Major and Minor: Pre-Business

Donald “Donnie” Rhoads III graduated from Columbia River High School in Vancouver, WA. Donnie was the Associated Student Body President at Columbia River HS and served as ASB Communications officer during his junior year. He was a member of the Youth Philanthropy Group through the Community Foundation for Southwest Washington, served as a panelist for the Columbian Economic Forecast Breakfast for Vancouver Public Schools and as the Keynote Speaker for the Foundation for Vancouver Public Schools. At Columbia River HS Donnie helped coordinate “Love Month”, an anti-bullying campaign at his school that resulted in a drop in disciplinary actions at the school and is now being emulated by other high schools in the area.

 SU Experience

Donnie is currently a pre-business major. He enjoys spending time exploring the city and finding new places to relax. Donnie spends time with his freshman cohorts, often doing activities like Ultimate Frisbee, exercising, playing chess, and walking around Capitol Hill. He looks forward to exploring more major options in the next year, and ultimately he plans on going to law school after he finishes his undergraduate degree.

Reign Riley

Year: 2025

Hometown: Milwaukee, Wisconsin

High School: Rufus King International School

Reign Riley attends Rufus King International School in Milwaukee, Wisconsin, and wants to study Psychology and he is in pursuit of the International Baccalaureate Diploma. Reign is involved in his school’s Black Student Union, theatre productions, debate team, and martial arts. He received the 2020 Mister Juneteenth Award through his academic and community achievements. The Sullivan Committee was impressed by his well-researched speech, knowledgeable counterpoints, and believe his balanced presence and intentionality will remarkably impact the Seattle University community

Hanna Rodriguez

Year: 2024

Hometown: The Dalles, OR

High School: The Dalles High School

Hanna serves as Senior class ASB Secretary, a National Honor Society Exec, Vice President of the Leos club, and as a Juntos council member. She also supports the inclusion of Spanish speaking parents in the education system by advocating for a Dual Language Emersion classroom at her school district.

Davie Ross

Year: 2024

Hometown: South Seattle, Washington

High School: Raisbeck Aviation High School

Davie is a grassroots organizer from South Seattle. Her most recent project has been working with the Attorney General Office’s Policy Team as their first high school intern. During her internship she prepared and presented legislation (SB6112) to end youth solitary confinement in the state of Washington.

Stella Roth

Year: 2021

Hometown: Mount Pleasant, Utah

High School: Wasatch Academy

Stella Roth – Wasatch Academy, Mt. Pleasant, UT

Stella serves as Student Body President at her school and is a member of the National Honor Society.  She has played soccer for four years, including three years as Captain.  Stella assisted with the US Deaf Women’s National Soccer Team as they travelled around the country to compete and she has made service trips to Tanzania, Vietnam, Cambodia and Costa Rica.

Maya Ruedaflores

Year: 2026

Hometown: Alhambra, California

High School: Ramona Convent Secondary School

Maya Ruedaflores attends Ramona Convent Secondary School in Alhambra, CA, where she has earned a 4.28 weighted GPA. She identifies as American Indian & indigenous Mexican and hopes to pursue Chemistry at Seattle University. A multi-talented student, Maya has been involved in her school’s theater program, class council, and is a varsity soccer player. During her Sullivan interview she highlighted that she felt called to be an ally for the Seattle Native community. She is also excited to engage with Seattle U’s Environmental Justice and Sustainability program.

Natalie Salsman

Year: 2026

Hometown: Hesperia, California

High School: Sultana High Schoolcalifornia

Natalie Salsman is from Hesperia, CA and has done classes at both Sultana High School and Victor Valley College. She earned a 3.9 GPA, unweighted.  Along with her studies, she has been a caregiver in her family. Natalie is the president of CALI Youth Coalition and she has volunteered all four years at the Foremost Retirement Community. She plans to pursue a degree in nursing here at Seattle U. Her goals in the healthcare field have been inspired by her grandmother, also a nurse, who was diagnosed with Guillain-Barre Syndrome. Beyond nursing, she believes that Seattle University and its mission can open up her world where she can learn more about “different cultures, backgrounds, and communities.”

 

Allison Saunders

Year: 2020

Hometown: Honolulu, Hawaii

High School: Punahou School

Allison Saunders – Punahou School in Honolulu, HI

Allie was Co-founder and Chair of Fahrenheit73, a student-led project addressing overheated classrooms in Hawaii. For 3 years she was a Teaching Assistant for the Hawaiian Arts and Cultural Program at her school; she also shared the culture of Hawaii on a Capstone China trip to Beijing. She was the Yearbook Editor, Captain of the Mock Trial team, and trombone player in the marching band. Allie volunteered at HUGS (Help, Understanding and Group Support), providing respite care for critically ill children and their siblings. She was a National Honor Society member.

Kurrun Sethi

Year: 2026

Hometown: Seaside, California

High School: York School

Kurrun Sethi is from Seaside, CA and attends York School where he earned an unweighted GPA of a 4.0. He wants to pursue an economics degree at Seattle U with a pre-med track. Besides excelling academically, Kurrun has been the ASB and class treasurer since 8^th grade, tutored children in Salinas Valley Memorial Hospital, and is a co-captain of the basketball team. He also dove into a research opportunity around Asian culture. Kurrun is seeking growth and furthering his passions of economics, Chinese, and health sciences for he wants to be a physician one day. He hopes to get involved at the Center for Community Engagement and attend a National Jesuit Student Leadership Conference. This Spring, you can find him speaking at his school’s Ted-X event regarding the impact of COVID-19 on the mental health of teenagers.

 

Aryon Shahidzadeh

Year: 2020

Hometown: Portland, Oregon

High School: International School of Beaverton

Aryon Shahidzadeh –  International School of Beaverton in Beaverton, OR

Aryon founded & served as Editor-in-Chief of his high school’s journalism club. He was on the yearbook for four years as a photographer and head writer. For three years he tutored middle school students at Self-Enhancement Inc, and initiated projects in global education & human rights at the IB World Student Conferences. Aryon was also a Youth Ambassador for the Borgen Project and in the National Honor Society.

 

Kavya Shanmuganathan

Year: 2020

Hometown: San Ramon, California

High School: Dougherty Valley High School

Kavya Shanmuganathan – Dougherty Valley High School in San Ramon, CA

Kavya worked as a youth advocate in Youth Court and was a 4-year general member and state qualifier for DECA. She volunteered with the Bay Area Crisis Nursery (BACN). She created Art for a Cause to raise money for BACN by selling children’s artwork. Kavya trained in classical Indian dance for many years and served as a Teaching Assistant at her dance academy. She was an AP Scholar and received a National Merit Letter of Commendation. 

Alison Shaw

Year: 2022

Hometown: Tualatin, Oregon

High School: Tigard Senior High School

Alison Shaw - Tigard Senior High School in Tigard, OR

Ali is the recipient of the annual Human Rights Award at Tigard Senior High School. She has served as President of the Future Business Leaders of America club for the past two years, and created a student art auction and concert to benefit the National Alliance on Mental Illness.

Susannah Sherwood

Year: 2022

Hometown: Rancho Santa Margarita, California

High School: Santa Margarita Catholic High School

Susannah Sherwood - Santa Margarita Catholic High School in Rancho Santa Margarita, CA

Susannah is the founder and President of the Eagles Against Human Trafficking Club at her school, which raises awareness about human trafficking and partners with local CBOs to create after-care kits for trafficking victims. She is also a Girl Scout Gold Award candidate and president of the Junior State of America chapter at Santa Margarita Catholic High School.

Mara Silvers

Year: 2016

Email: silversm@seattleu.edu

Hometown: Helena, Montana

High School: Helena High School

Major and Minor: Humanities for Leadership; Minors in Digital Media Production and Sociology

Mara Silvers graduated from Helena High School in Helena, Montana. She was captain of the varsity tennis team, vice president of Ambiance Choir and a member of the Student Council and the Gay Straight Alliance. As a Planned Parenthood Teen Council Member, Mara testified at public hearings and at the 2011 State Legislature in opposition of House Bill 456 and drafted a letter to the school board in support of a new health curriculum. She was the student representative for both the Helena Board of Trustees and the Helena Education Foundation, where she encouraged teachers to apply for grants that would allow students to engage in service learning. Mara also acted and mentored young children at Grandstreet Theater.

SU Experience

At Seattle University, Mara is a Humanities for Leadership Studies major, specializing in Gender and Society, and double minoring in Digital Media Production and Sociology. Since enrolling at SU, she has done a NOLS Backpacking course in Scandinavia and conducted student research projects in both Bosnia-Herzegovina and Jordan. While spending a semester in Jordan, she took intensive Arabic classes and would like to continue studying Arabic in the years to come. She is co-editor of The Catalyst Social Justice Publication and a trip leader for Outdoor Adventure and Recreation program. This quarter, she is an Editorial Intern with Seattle Weekly newspaper. The Sullivan program has allowed her to take travel and work opportunities that taught crucial lessons. Beyond the finances, however, she has also been gifted with rich dialogue, a community that pushes her to grow, and mentors that help shape her future.

Evelyn Smith

Year: 2027

Hometown: Kirkland, Washington

High School: Juanita High School

Major and Minor: Biology Major, Honors Admit

Evelyn Smith (she/her/hers), identifies as white non-denominational Christian woman. Academically, she is remarkable. She is taking one of the most rigorous curricula at her high school having taken coursework in both the AP program as well as the Cambridge Curriculum. The highlights of her senior schedule include AP calculus AB, A-Level biology, and A-Level US history. Evelyn's writing is phenomenal. Both her application essay and Sullivan essay are among the best we reviewed this application season. Evelyn's leadership and involvement includes: Mathnasium (instructor), National Honor Society, Model UN (staff member), Girl Scouts (Silver Award). Her post-education ambition is to become a doctor.

Ben Sprouse

Year: 2020

Hometown: Portland, Oregon

High School: Central Catholic High School

Ben Sprouse – Central Catholic High School in Portland, OR

Ben created “A Friend of a Friend”, a peer mentorship program that paired seniors with students with developmental disabilities. He was Captain of the Rugby team and a Search Retreat Leader. Ben was the lead staff and volunteer mentor serving low-income youth and leading camps and programs through the Boys and Girls Club. He also raised funds to build a house in Honduras for a family in need, then travelled to Honduras to help with the build. Ben was a National Honor Society member.

Sofia Stupplebeen

Year: 2025

Hometown: Kahului, Hawaii

High School: Kamehameha School

Sofia Stupplebeen attends Kamehameha School in Maui, Hawaii, and hopes to study Business Marketing. She’s heavily involved in student government and currently serves as Class Vice President. In addition, she holds leadership in National Honor Society, athletics, and is the Co-President and Lead Anchor of Ka Maka Koa Morning Broadcast. Her community involvement reaches into the 4-H Maui County Ilima Club and local civic engagement opportunities. Sofia was also selected to lead a weeklong event for the Pauahi Foundation, an organization to uplift and impact the lives of Native Hawaiians through education systems.

Audrey Surdell

Year: 2025

Hometown: Omaha, Nebraska

High School: Duchesne Academy of the Sacred Heart

Audrey Surdell attends Duchesne Academy of the Sacred Heart in Omaha, Nebraska. She is undecided academically but leaning toward studying Chemistry. She describes herself as smart and artsy – and she has many academic accomplishments. She has competed at the state level for the Academic Decathlon all four years of high school. Her volunteer work is focused around Juvenile Justice and promoting the arts as a volunteer at Film Streams.

Ashley Teofilo

Year: 2025

Hometown: Seattle, Washington

High School: Garfield High School

Ashley Teofilo attends Garfield High School and calls Seattle home. She plans to pursue a degree in Engineering or Computer Science. She has passionately pursued her interest in STEM fields by participating in Seattle University’s AI for All program, as well as Girls Who Code. In addition to playing competitive soccer, she coaches a soccer team for low-income immigrant girls. She also serves as Co-President of Razas Unidas, a club that celebrates Latinx culture, where she has distinguished herself as a social justice advocate, and successfully organized to establish a Heritage Spanish course at Garfield. She is also a member of the First Lego League, an all-girls robotics team at her high school. Her teacher writes in her letter of recommendation that “Ashley stands out for her humility, leadership, perseverance, and passion for social justice”.

Aicha Toure

Year: 2027

Hometown: Kent, Washington

High School: Kent-Meridian High School

Major and Minor: Psychology Major

Aicha Toure (pronounced aye-ee-shah two-ray, she/her/hers) identifies as a multiracial (Black and White) Lutheran woman. She is an outstanding student ranking first in her class of 428 students. Aicha has pursued a full lB curriculum at Kent-Meridian. A spotless academic record and that level of rigor is a rare feat indeed. Aicha has a passion for spoken word poetry. Her application essay was a very moving spoken word piece called "Reality Check". Aicha's record of leadership and involvement is amongst the most lengthy and dynamic amongst this year's Sullivan pool. She is the Co-President of Civil Rights Club and Model UN, the chair of the youth and family committee at Kent Lutheran Church, a leader in the City of Kent's After School Energy program, and a Climate Justice Ambassador. Aicha's post-college ambition is to study the law.

Evan Tribelhorn

Year: 2022

Hometown: Denver, Colorado

High School: Denver Center for International Studies

Evan Tribelhorn - Denver Center for International Studies in Denver, CO

Evan is the President of the Gender Sexuality Alliance at his school, and the lead youth educator at Project PAVE (Promoting Alternatives to Violence through Education) – a nonprofit that hopes to end the cycle of relationship violence. Evan is currently completing a two year medical career internship at a local Denver Hospital.

Nidhi Unnikrishnan

Year: 2023

Hometown: Colorado Springs, Colorado

High School: Air Academy High School

Nidhi was the student coach of her Speech and Debate Team and won titles at the local, state, and national levels. Additionally, she competed in FBLA and DECA, winning a state championship in Global Business. Passionate about Indian music and dance, Nidhi volunteered over 100 hours for an annual diversity show and held a dance recital to raise $4,000+ for the Scoliosis Research Society.

Carolyn van der Meulen

Year: 2018

Hometown: Mukilteo, Washington

High School: Kamiak High School

Major and Minor: Sports and Exercise Science and Psychology

Carolyn graduated from Kamiak High School in Mukilteo, WA. During her junior year, she cofounded Foster Bikes, a non-profit organization that refurbishes used bikes for foster and low income children. For three years, she served as a student athletic trainer for her high school’s Athletic Training Room and worked at Forest Park Animal Farm. She was active in Link Crew, DECA, National Honors Society, Washington State University’s Beach Naturalist program, United Way of Snohomish County and swim team and was the lead dancer for her school’s winterguard team. In her free time, she enjoyed refereeing soccer and horseback riding.

SU Experience

Carolyn is working towards a double degree in Sports and Exercise Science and Psychology and hopes to later receive a Masters in Physical Therapy with a specialization in Horseback Riding to accomplish her dream of becoming a therapeutic horseback riding instructor. She was elected president of Foster Bikes in August of 2014 and continues to lead the program. At Seattle University, she works in the Athletic Training Room and sits on the board of the Sports and Exercise Science club, which provides a support network for SPEX students. The Sullivan Leadership Program has given Carolyn an excellent support system of motivated students who challenge her to expand her interests and global views.

Anthony Verdugo

Year: 2022

Hometown: San Jose, California

High School: Bellarmine College Preparatory

Anthony Verdugo - Bellarmine College Preparatory in San Jose, CA

Anthony is Logistics Director for the HeForShe Club, through which he started a feminine hygiene product fundraiser for homeless women. He is also Co-President of the Composition Club at his school, which is a platform to showcase musical talents of the student body.

Alma Villareal-Elizondo

Year: 2027

Hometown: Bothell, Washington

High School: Archbishop Murphy High School

Major and Minor: Biology Major

Alma Villareal-Elizondo (she/her/hers), who prefers to be called by her middle name Isabella, identifies as a Mexican and White, Catholic woman. She is a dual citizen of the United States and Mexico. She is fluent in Spanish and English. Isabella has demonstrated a high academic ceiling in Archbishop Murphy's rigorous AP curriculum. She will have completed four AP courses upon graduation. Isabella wrote an excellent essay about the tension between her family's fear that she would lose her Spanish if she didn't use it regularly at home; ultimately culminating in drawing strength from her ability to live proudly in both her Spanish and English speaking communities. Her leadership and involvement highlights include: Junior Health Scholar at Swedish, Nonprofit Leadership in an organization called stepitup.org and founder of the Latino Student Union at Archbishop Murphy. Her post education ambition is to become a doctor.

Victoria Vong

Year: 2019

Hometown: Seattle, Washington

High School: Garfield High School

Major and Minor: Humanities for Leadership

Victoria Vong graduated from Garfield High School in Seattle, WA. As editor for her school’s paper, she ensured articles about racial and social justice appeared in every issue, and as the Building Leadership Team student representative, she helped develop a positive discipline model. Victoria was Student Government Secretary, a 4-year member of the volleyball team, member of the National Honor Society, and Mock Trial Captain. She was a member of the Vietnamese Student Association and Co-Founder and Secretary of the 206 Club, an organization committed to evaluating issues of inequality at her school. In 2014, Victoria helped install laptops in rural Vietnamese schools and taught students how to use applications.

SU Experience

Victoria works at Bailey Gatzert Elementary in Chinatown where she used to work as a tutor in high school. She’s involved with the Catalyst, a social-justice magazine, and the Vietnamese Student Association. She is majoring in Humanities for Leadership and considering a specialization or double-major in Sociology or Public Affairs. She also wants to minor in Environmental Studies and Women and Gender Studies. She finds strength in the communities of compassion within the Sullivan Leadership Program and Seattle University, particularly within groups of women of color at our predominantly-white institution.

Dajeanne Washington

Year: 2018

Hometown: Seattle, Washington

High School: Garfield High School

Dajeanne Washington graduated from Garfield High School in Seattle, WA. She was a member of the YMCA Black Achievers and participated in a multitude of service projects. Dajeanne was the concertmistress for her school’s orchestra and was a member of her school’s cheer squad, Mock Trial team and Composting Club. She has discussed social justice and engaged in service projects along side college students through SU’s Just Serve program. As a member of the Gate’s Foundation Teen Committee, she worked as a facilitator to support adult mentors and teen members.

Claire Wiener

Year: 2024

Hometown: Phoenix, Arizona

High School: Arizona School for the Arts

Claire worked with March For Our Lives Arizona as an advocate for common sense gun reform. One of her main jobs was to register people to vote, mainly fellow students! She ran voter registration drives at local arts festivals as well as taught other students how to run drives.

Braden Wild

Year: 2018

Hometown: Lafayette, Colorado

High School: Peak to Peak Charter School

Major and Minor: International Business and Developmental Economics

Braden Wild graduated from Peak to Peak Charter School in Lafayette, CO. He was the Secretary General of the Model UN club, a member of the speech and debate team and the Vice President of the Parliamentary Debate Club. Braden was the Treasurer of the Bridges to Prosperity Club and a volunteer meal preparation coordinator for Ronald McDonald House. He was the Director of Media for Math Buddies, which promotes the joy of math among elementary students and the Assistant Coordinator of Reading Buddies which promotes improved comprehension and literacy. Braden was a volunteer with his Church and has volunteered with Sharefest and the Lafayette Community Food Share. He has served as an intern with State Senator Linda Newell since 2012 where he researches legislation and coordinates with the Legislative Research Department.

SU Experience

Braden is pursuing a double degree in International Business and Developmental Economics. He is President of the Business Ethics club, Vice President of Global Business Club, and the Students with Disabilities Representative for Student Government. He studied Entrepreneurship in Berlin, Germany, and worked on an Economics project on Fair Trade coffee in Matagalpa, Nicaragua. The Sullivan Leadership Program has given him the freedom to create his own academic pursuits and learn how to create a positive impact on the world around him. 

Kimi Yokoyama

Year: 2027

Hometown: Honolulu, Hawaii

High School: Mid-Pacific Institute

Major and Minor: Biology Major

Kimi Yokoyama (she/her/hers), identifies as a Japanese woman. Academically, she is one of the top students in her class at Mid-Pacific Academy which is a rigorous prep school located next door to the UH Manoa campus. Her curriculum is full IB, the most rigorous available at her school. In a proposed final nine, Kimi is yet another student extraordinarily talented writer. She wrote an evocative "why SU" essay about flying in to Seattle on the fourth of July with "hundreds of fireworks like a meadow of flowers beneath my feet, lighting up the city of Seattle below." Kimi is a standout in the sport of rifle. She was a competitor in the State of Hawai'i's individual championships. She has also distinguished herself in Model UN, the Air Force's Cyber Patriot program, in contemporary dance as well as ballet, and is a malacology volunteer at the Bishop Museum. Her post education ambition is research science.

Ruth Zekariase

Year: 2022

Hometown: Burien, Washington

High School: John F Kennedy Catholic High School

Ruth Zekariase - John F Kennedy Catholic High School in Burien, WA

Ruth was the National Junior Classical League President for 2016-2017, and has four pieces of poetry published worldwide. She has been a student ambassador all four years at Kennedy Catholic School, and founded a SEARCH-based youth group at her school to help her peers explore their Catholic faith.

Amelia Zeve

Year: 2021

Hometown: Ashland, Oregon

High School: Ashland High School

Amelia Zeve – Ashland High School, Ashland, OR

Amelia serves as Student Body Co-President and discusses issues such as drug and alcohol use in that role.  She has been on the Speech and Debate team for three years and the Water Polo team for four years.  Amelia is a long-time volunteer at the local food bank and she is a member of the National Honor Society.

Andru Zodrow

Year: 2023

Hometown: Spokane, Washington

High School: Gonzaga Prep

Andru was the 2019 Greater Spokane League and WIAA State champion of extemporaneous speaking. He traveled to Seattle in March of 2019 to screen and discuss his short-animated film “Violence in Media” at the Seattle Jewish Film Festival.