College of Health and Human Sciences Celebrates Fall 2025 Graduating Senior Awardees
Student News
12/18/2025
The College of Health and Human Sciences recognizes six students graduating with distinction for their outstanding academic achievement, support of their peers, and commitment to excellence in the classroom and in their chosen fields.
University Marshal: Autumn Tiedens (Summa Cum Laude)
Autumn Tiedens is graduating summa cum laude with a Bachelor of Science in Kinesiology and Health, in the Pre-Health Professions focus area, and a minor in Psychology. While completing pre-occupational therapy coursework, she maintained a 4.0 grade point average. Since her freshman year at Iowa State, Tiedens has worked as an undergraduate research assistant, contributing to studies in the Alternative Medicine and Music for Parkinson’s Disease Laboratory and the Physical Activity Epidemiology Laboratory. She has presented her research at several conferences and received multiple awards and scholarships recognizing her academic excellence. A mentor to other students, Tiedens has served as an ambassador for the Honors Program, a seminar leader for an honors course, and a volunteer at events such as the Iowa Girls in Science Festival and Iowa State’s Undergraduate Research Symposium. She is also an active member of several campus organizations and has served as the Vice President of Learning and Development for her sorority, Kappa Delta. After graduation, Tiedens plans to pursue a doctorate in Occupational Therapy.
This honor reflects the hard work I’ve put in during my time at Iowa State, and I’m very grateful for the opportunity to represent all of the amazing people in my college.
Autumn Tiedens
College Marshal: Paul Lynch (Summa Cum Laude)
Paul Lynch is graduating summa cum laude with a Bachelor of Science in Financial Counseling and Planning. An exceptional student, leader, and professional-in-training, Lynch has maintained a 3.98 grade point average while completing all coursework required by the Certified Financial Planner Board. He has been named to the Dean’s List multiple times and is the recipient of the highly competitive Keeling Wealth Management Scholarship. Lynch gained practical experience as a volunteer income tax assistant, helping low- to moderate-income individuals prepare their tax returns while providing guidance and education. He also served as a centralized financial security intern for Northwestern Mutual in 2024. His ability to serve clients with empathy and clear communication was evident in his capstone case study project, where he developed a comprehensive financial plan tailored to a family’s specific needs. His professionalism and humility will be invaluable as he begins his role as Associate Financial Advisor at Abound Wealth in Franklin, Tennessee.
Receiving this award means a great deal to me. I didn’t have the strongest start in college 10 years ago. When I returned in 2023, I had a renewed sense of purpose, which led me to be very dedicated to my studies. Knowing that my professors saw my hard work and advocated for me makes this recognition especially meaningful.
Paul Lynch
Dean’s Recognition Award: Veronica Flug
Veronica Flug is graduating with a Bachelor of Science in Event Management. She has demonstrated academic excellence, leadership, and a commitment to professional development. Flug completed several industry certifications gained extensive experience through internships with Aramark Sports and Entertainment at Citi Field, home of the New York Mets, in both 2024 and 2025. These roles allowed her to support high-profile games, concerts, and special events while developing expertise in stakeholder engagement, guest experience design, and large-scale food and beverage operations. She has also made a significant impact on the Iowa State community, raising more than $15,000 for Special Olympics Iowa as Collegiate Panhellenic Council General Co-Chair for Greek Week, serving as Merchandise Director for Alpha Gamma Delta, and volunteering with the American Red Cross Blood Drive Executive Council. Committed to lifelong learning and growth, Flug will continue her education by completing a master’s degree in Event Management from Iowa State remotely while working full-time as a Premium Services Manager at Citi Field.
I’m truly honored to receive the Dean’s Recognition Award. My time at Iowa State has been filled with incredible people who’ve guided and supported me. Professors, mentors, and classmates who’ve helped me grow, build confidence, and cultivate the skills to succeed both personally and professionally. I’m especially thankful for my parents, whose constant love and encouragement have shaped me into the person I am today. This recognition means so much, and I’m truly grateful.
Veronica Flug
Dean’s Recognition Award: Heidi Jahn
Heidi Jahn is graduating with a Bachelor of Science in Culinary Food Science. An ambitious and accomplished student, Jahn has combined academic success with extensive professional experience and campus involvement. She completed two highly competitive research and development internships: one with Wells Enterprises in Le Mars, Iowa, in 2025 and another with OLM Food Solutions in Sioux Falls, South Dakota, in 2024. During her time at Wells Enterprises, she investigated ice cream flavor trends and developed five flavors aligned with market expectations. She also gained experience in food and beverage management as an intern and sous chef at Valleyfair in 2023. On campus, Jahn served as an undergraduate teaching assistant and peer mentor for the Department of Food Science and Human Nutrition, as well as an executive member of the Culinary Science Club. She broadened her horizons by participating in two summer study abroad programs related to her field of study. Jahn’s motivation and experience position her for success as she begins her career as a research and development scientist for Wells Enterprises.
Receiving the Dean’s Recognition Award is an unexpected and deeply meaningful honor. I am incredibly grateful for the opportunities I’ve had throughout my time at Iowa State, and I feel truly blessed for every experience that has shaped me. The learning, the tough moments, and the challenges I’ve worked through have all contributed to so much personal and academic growth, and having this recognition to show for that journey is incredibly fulfilling. I am truly so happy and honored to receive this award—something I never expected but will always cherish. I’m thankful for the support of those who have encouraged and believed in me, and this moment fills me with excitement and confidence for the future and everything ahead.
Heidi Jahn
Dean’s Recognition Award: Peyton Wormsley (Summa Cum Laude)
Peyton Wormsley is graduating summa cum laude with a Bachelor of Science in Elementary Education, with endorsements in K–8 English and Language Arts and K–8 Reading. She excelled in her coursework and demonstrated a passion for inclusive education and student success. Wormsley completed student-teaching at Meeker Elementary in the Ames Community School District and will next teach second grade in the Colfax-Mingo School District. She also tutored students in personalized summer reading programs. Beyond the classroom, Wormsley supported new students as a peer mentor for the School of Education and as a Destination Iowa State leader. She served as an executive officer for Alpha Phi Sorority, led new member education, and co-chaired Greek Week, while contributing to numerous community service initiatives. Wormsley plans to move to the Des Moines area to begin her career as a lower elementary school teacher, where her dedication and leadership will make a lasting impact on future learners.
I’m so honored to receive this award from the College of Health and Human Sciences. The School of Education at Iowa State has helped me grow into a confident educator and lifelong learner. I feel excited and prepared to begin my career and am grateful that Iowa State has been a part of my journey.
Peyton Wormsley
Graduating Student of the Semester: Kaylee Tobaben (Summa Cum Laude)
Kaylee Tobaben is graduating summa cum laude with a Bachelor of Science in Kinesiology and Health in the Pre-Health Professions focus area. She balanced pre-medicine coursework with competing as a student-athlete for Iowa State’s cross country and track and field teams. Her honors include the Dean’s List, Academic All-Big 12 First Team, All-Big 12 First Team, Big 12 Commissioner’s Honor Roll, and the Big 12 Dr. Gerald Lange Academic Achievement Award. Tobaben served as an undergraduate research assistant studying fatigue and balance in older adults and helped develop and evaluate programs for older adults at risk of falls through Walk With Ease. She also completed extensive job shadowing, including through a summer scholar internship at St. Luke’s Hospital in Kansas City. After sustaining an injury in her junior year, she took on leadership roles guiding workouts and mentoring teammates, an experience that redefined her understanding of leadership. She plans to bring those lessons into her future studies as she pursues a master’s degree in Integrative Health and Wellness at Creighton University and continues on a path to medical school.
This award means so much. While I’m grateful for the recognition, it really reflects the incredible people who shaped my time at Iowa State. I’m beyond thankful for the friends, teammates, mentors, and classmates who poured into me, helped me grow, and somehow made walking to class at 0 degrees enjoyable. It truly took a village, and being recognized for leadership reminds me that true leadership is about pouring into others, just like so many have done for me.
