College of Health and Human Sciences Fall 2023 graduating senior award winners

The College of Health and Human Sciences is honoring six Fall 2023 graduating seniors as part of the graduation and commencement ceremonies. Students were nominated by College of Health and Human Sciences faculty and staff and are being honored for their strong academic records, contributions to Iowa State and overall body of work during their time on campus. Congratulations to the Fall 2023 award winners!

University Marshall: Ashley Yedlik 

Ashley Yedlik is graduating Summa Cum Laude with a Bachelor of Science in Family and Consumer Sciences Education and Studies with the professional studies option. She is graduating with a cumulative 4.0 grade point average, has been on the Dean’s list every semester and is academically ranked in the top two percent of her class. She has held various leadership roles throughout campus including serving as the president of the Iowa State Collegiate 4-H chapter and working as a college ambassador. She has also authored materials on global citizenship for Extension and Outreach. Ashley plans to work in Iowa State Extension and Outreach after graduation. 

College Marshall: Emily Becker 

Emily Becker is graduating Summa Cum Laude with a Bachelor of Science in Apparel, Merchandising, and Design and a minor in General Business. Pairing her exceptional academic record with her campus involvement, Emily has made an impact during her time at Iowa State. She’s directed The Fashion Show multiple times where she led over 140 students and coordinated with industry leaders. Her case study placed in the top four of the national Fashion Scholarship Fund. Emily has been a key member of the student-run retail store, Innovate 1858. And, she spent time expanding her education by studying abroad in Italy where she was immersed in the fashion industry’s roots and its future. Emily plans to work for Kohl’s Corporate as an Assistant Merchant after graduation. 

Dean’s Recognition Award: Anna Patrice Holloway 

Anna Patrice Holloway is graduating Summa Cum Laude with a Bachelor of Science in Elementary Education and endorsements in English Language Arts, Reading, and Social Studies. While pursuing her dream of becoming an educator, Anna spent time giving back to her peers through tutoring and being a peer mentor. Her involvement in the Future Teachers Education Association, Cyclone Alley, and the Student Alumni Leadership Council created community and deepened Cyclone pride through planning and executing many activities. Anna plans to seek a position in middle school language arts and coaching upon graduation. 

Dean’s Recognition Award: Carolyn Steffen 

Carolyn Steffen is a recipient of a Dean’s Recognition Award. She’s graduating Summa Cum Laude with a Bachelor of Science in Kinesiology and Health and a minor in Spanish. She spent three years working in the Cardiovascular Research Lab, becoming a key member of the team with a high level of proficiency in data collection methods. Her work contributed to securing a $3.6 million dollar National Institutes of Health grant. She was also selected to accompany the lab director on a three-week expedition to Mt. Everest Base Camp where the team collected data nearly 12 hours each day while trekking over 14,000 feet in elevation. Carolyn has been involved on campus as a member of the College of Health and Human Sciences Council, has been a peer mentor and spent four years volunteering in a local elementary school. She plans to attend physician’s assistant graduate school upon graduation. 

Dean’s Recognition Award: Luke Westrick   

Luke Westrick is a recipient of a Dean’s Recognition Award. He is graduating Summa Cum Laude with a Bachelor of Science in Nutritional Science and a minor in Microbiology. An exceptional student, Luke combines research with hands-on experience. He has been an undergraduate research assistant in the Mellata Lab were he assisted in designing and proposing experiments that analyze how diet may affect the spread of antibiotic resistant genes in gut microbiota. Throughout his academic career, he has worked in area hospitals collecting lab samples and caring for patients. On campus, he has been a teaching assistant, served on the College of Health and Human Sciences Council, was the president of First-Year Council, and was a leader in the University Honors Program. After graduation, Luke plans to attend medical school. 

Graduating Student of the Semester 

Kyndal Williams is graduating with a Bachelor of Science in Elementary Education and endorsements in Reading and Special Education.  Throughout her time at Iowa State, Kyndal found opportunities to work with students on campus and throughout local communities. She was the Middle School Chair for Investing in My Future, Inc., where she created workshops for students and assisted African American children in understanding the value of education, preparing them to take their rightful place as future leaders. She expanded her education and gained experience in various school districts in Iowa as well as in Texas and Kansas City. Kyndal is a member of Delta Sigma Theta Sorority Inc., and participated in Leadership DELTA. She plans to teach in the Des Moines area after graduation.