Honors College

Nikki Anandan is a third-year public health major with a minor in civic and professional leadership. For her senior honors capstone project, she is working with honors college director, Dr. Jussaume to get more students and faculty engaged with the application process for nationally competitive scholarships. While working at the Kansas State University Staley School of Leadership in the summer of 2023, Nikki learned about scholarships, such as the Truman scholarship, from their Office of Nationally Competitive scholarships and became inspired to apply. Nikki recently submitted her application for the Truman scholarship and now focuses on her capstone project, which involves implementing a series of informational sessions for students and faculty to learn about nationally competitive scholarship opportunities. Outside of class, Nikki is a university ambassador, undergraduate coordinator for New Student Programs, and president of the public health club.

Aleja Barrera-Cruz is a Senior Marketing Major with a minor in Economics. Aleja has been involved in many organizations including the Honors Student Association, Women in Business, The American Marketing Association, Alpha Sigma Alpha Sorority, and Mu Kappa Tau. Apart from her club involvement, she has also worked as a Resident Assistant, and even participated in the EXPLORE Leadership Series! On campus, she also works as a Peer Mentor and Tutor for the Economics Department, helping students with their professional development and excelling in introductory economics courses. Currently, Aleja is working on her Honors Capstone Project, with connections to the Newlin Foundation, a non-profit organization that offers comprehensive support and scholarship opportunities to students in the Coatesville Area School District who have the ability and ambition to pursue higher education but may encounter systemic or financial obstacles. Her Capstone Project will focus on the impact of post-secondary education on economic mobility and sustainability. She will use this research to craft a case statement for use in public relations/marketing, grant funding applications, and other distribution purposes! With help from West Chester University’s Center for Community Solutions, Aleja has the opportunity to create both the case study and a physical presentation for an Education Exposition in April.

Rachel Jason, a junior Early Grades Preparation major, is combining her passions for education and service to create her capstone project. Since 2012, Rachel has volunteered at a local food pantry in Delaware County known as Bread of Life. The food pantry serves low-income families with food, clothes, and other necessities monthly. As a future elementary educator, Rachel noticed a disparity within the youth of the family participants. Therefore, she is working to create a safe space for the children to attend while their families are gathering food—the space will include educational-played games that make learning fun and interactive with other children who share similar experiences. Additionally, she is creating educational nutrition resources for the families so they can work together to improve their well-being. Rachel believes in the power of community; therefore, she is partnering with local church members to set up the space, find materials, and distribute resources. As a member of the Abbé Society, a Leadership Consultant with Student Leadership & Involvement, and the Honors Recruitment director—much of her efforts go into providing equitable access to resources for all individuals, no matter their background.

Makenna Marr is a third-year student studying Nutrition and Dietetics in the Honors College. A member of the Honors Student Association and the Student Dietetic Association, Makenna is also a cycle instructor and team leader of Group Fitness Marketing at the Student Recreation Center. Makenna is working with The Community, Youth, and Women’s Alliance in Coatesville Pennsylvania with their advisor of nutrition and wellness to reconstruct their food distribution for food insecure individuals. She is creating educational signage to inform low-income families of valuable nutrients and cooking skills to improve their quality of life. Makenna’s goal is to increase life expectancy and quality of life in this low-income area.