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The eighth cohort of Rudd Scholars includes 14 Kansas high school seniors who have chosen to attend Wichita State University. Local seniors are Jailyn Millar, Little River High School and Lily DiNuzzo, Saint John High School.
Each Rudd Scholar will receive a full-ride scholarship, which includes tuition, fees, on-campus housing, and considerable networking and coaching support along the way. All Rudd Scholars are from Kansas and will attend Wichita State, Emporia State, Fort Hays State or Kansas State.
“We’re eight years into the Rudd Foundation and Wichita State partnership, and we couldn’t be more excited to welcome the newest class of Shocker Rudd Scholars this fall,” said Bobby Gandu, associate vice president of strategic enrollment management, applied learning and director of admissions. “This scholarship is more than just financial support — it’s an opportunity for these students to thrive in a community built on mentorship, coaching, and a network of lifelong connections. Thanks to the Rudd Foundation’s generosity, our scholars can focus on their academic and professional ambitions without the burden of debt.”
In addition to living on campus and carrying a full load of classes toward their college degree, scholars will receive mentoring and success coaching to help them graduate in four years. They will also participate in many developmental activities outside the classroom, network with leaders in their future professions, build strong relationships and serve to help the next generation of scholars through an active and connected alumni association after graduation.
“Shocker Rudd Scholars experience much more than a traditional college education,” Gandu said. “In addition to excelling in the classroom, they engage in leadership development, community-building, and hands-on networking opportunities. This holistic support helps them succeed during their time at Wichita State and as they embark on their careers and graduate school journeys.”
This brings the greater total of Rudd Scholars studying at WSU in the fall of 2024 to 62 students, the most of any Rudd Scholar partner university. Since its inception, the Rudd Foundation’s scholarship program has awarded 263 Kansas students the Rudd Scholarship, with the 2025 cohort being the largest since the program began. This reflects an overall investment of about $10.2 million into Kansas students and universities.
The Rudd Scholarship, sponsored by the Rudd Foundation, aims to remove financial barriers to a college education. Chosen scholars are expected to achieve a high level of excellence on campus in preparing themselves to be leaders in their profession and in their communities after graduation.
