Nguyen Returns from Korea University

2023

This summer, Emily Nguyen (Valley Center, 2023) studied at Korea University’s International Summer Campus in Seoul, where she took a Social Psychology course to fulfill credits towards her major. From late June to early August, she lived in campus dorms and immersed herself in a global classroom alongside students from around the world, ranging from recent high school grads to graduate students in diverse fields.

“I absolutely loved getting to learn in a new environment! The diversity of the program made exploring Seoul just that much more special––I valued the varying learning perspectives my peers brought to the classroom every day. All in all, South Korea was wonderfully enlightening. I’m so incredibly grateful to the Foundation for supporting me in my lifelong learning journey and cannot wait to continue to use what I learned as I finish my degree.”

We’re proud to support scholars like Emily as they expand their horizons through lifelong learning!

Morgan Graduates and Secures Full-Time Job

2023

Congratulations to Raif Morgan (Derby High, 2025), who earned a Bachelor’s of Business Administration in Management from Wichita State University!

Following graduation, Raif will be employed at Spirit AeroSystems in Wichita, KS, as a Strategic Sourcing Analyst. After a successful summer internship as a Supply Chain Management Intern at Spirit, Raif was offered a full-time position on the Strategic Sourcing team. There, he will contribute to the supply chain by creating statements of work for airplane part suppliers, assessing supplier capabilities and impacts, and developing strategies for growth and risk mitigation.

While Raif is unsure about pursuing a postgraduate education, he has developed an interest in law and the legal field. As he begins his career at Spirit, he will be seeking to form new connections in the legal field to help him determine whether law school is the right fit for him.

Raif will continue to make travel a priority, and his next trip to Mexico with his girlfriend, Allison, is fast approaching in October. Raif and Allison also hope to plan a trip to Germany in the coming years, where they plan to go on a bike trip along the Moselle River and explore the local cultures of the quaint villages along the way.

He will continue to seek out opportunities for cultural enrichment, both domestic and abroad, and it is his ultimate hope that he can utilize his love for these experiences to be a part of something greater, whether it be his career or a hobby.

Raif will also continue to participate in shotgun shooting sports as a hobby, and he would love to introduce many others to the sport. Whether it’s going out to shoot on a nice day with friends and family or signing up for a local competition, you can find Raif enjoying shotgun shooting sports beyond his time on the WSU team.

“My undergraduate experience has been a time of extraordinary growth and value; from the key business knowledge I’ve gained to the lasting friendships and connections I’ve made. I will always be grateful for the mentorship and support I have received not only from Wichita State but also the Foundation. I could not have done it without the unwavering support of my family and friends, who have always been there when I’ve needed them most. I am thrilled to take my first steps into a post-college world and dive into the world of supply chain in aviation! Although I can never be certain as to what’s next, I have no doubt that unlimited opportunities await me and I can’t wait to explore them!”

Moussa Excels During Fall Semester

2023

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Nicole Moussa, Independent, 2023, has taken on multiple leadership roles at the University of Tulsa while excelling academically. Among these achievements, Nicole was chosen to serve as a Peer Mentor, a position filled by only 60 students selected through a rigorous interview process. As a Peer Mentor, she has played a vital role in helping freshmen transition to college life, guiding them through orientation, fostering connections, ensuring their well-being, and teaching weekly classes.

Nicole was also selected to serve as the Homecoming Chairperson for the Student Activity Board. In this role, she successfully planned and executed six large-scale events for the campus and local community in the lead-up to Homecoming, bringing students together in celebration and building a strong sense of community spirit.

Nicole’s dedication to representing The University of Tulsa also earned her a position as a University Ambassador. In this role, she works with the admissions office, giving campus tours and connecting with prospective students and their families. As one of their first impressions of the university, Nicole takes pride in showcasing everything TU offers and inspiring the next generation of students.

Beyond her leadership roles, Nicole has demonstrated excellence in the classroom, earning induction into the Phi Beta Sigma Honor Society and a place on the Presidential Honor Roll.

While reflecting on the school year thus far, Nicole shared, “Throughout these experiences, I have undergone so much self-growth. Being involved on campus is not only a way to meet others, but an opportunity to give back to those who have helped me so much! Being an O’Shaughnessy scholar has prepared me with the necessary skills for interviewing, networking, and working with a variety of people. I am eternally grateful for all they have done for me!”

We’re incredibly proud of all Nicole has achieved and look forward to her continued success.

Nguyen Plays Key Role at MAASUx

2023

We’re excited to share that Emily Nguyen, Valley Center 2023, played a key role in hosting the MAASUx Conference last month at the University of Kansas. As the Secretary of KU’s Asian American Student Union and the Registration Director for the event, Emily helped unite Asian American students from across the Midwest for a day of learning, connection, and celebration.

The Midwest Asian Pacific Islander Desi American Students Union (MAASU) organizes MAASUx to foster educational workshops and meaningful connections. The conference featured dynamic workshops, fun activities, and opportunities for attendees to create high-quality connections with their peers and reflect on their identities. Emily oversaw initial check-in, workshop assignments, and coordination of ID badges for staff, presenters, and attendees.

Emily reflected on the experience and said, “I loved seeing it all come together! It was all the more special to me because so many of my friends and beloved underclassmen were having a good time. Watching everyone interact with their families and with people from other schools was so heartwarming––I was really glad that our months of planning weren’t a complete waste. It was a long and tiring day but being able to see everyone together at the closing ceremony let me finish out the day on a good note.”

Fantastic work, Emily!

Grace Explores Career Paths with Neeley Fellows

2023

Katherine Grace, Collegiate, 2023, had the opportunity to spend her fall break in New York City as part of the professional development journey of the Neeley Fellows Program at Texas Christian University (TCU). The Neeley Fellows program is an honors business program focused on enhancing students’ professional development, academic experience, and support network. The cohort comprises 30 undergraduates (top 3%) who attend career-focused weekly labs and MBA-level classes.

During the trip, Katherine engaged in networking with alums and business professionals, explored various career opportunities through site visits at Adobe, JP Morgan, Deloitte, NYSE, Google, Bloomberg, and more, and experienced life as a young professional in the city. Through this experience, the cohort built lasting relationships and enhanced the TCU Neeley Fellows program.

Katherine shared, “As I reflect on my time in New York, I’m incredibly grateful to the O’Shaughnessy Foundation for making this experience possible. Visiting these leading companies has alleviated my anxieties about the future and provided me with a clearer career path. This trip has ignited my passion for career exploration and motivated me to begin seeking internships and job opportunities.”

Grace Returns from Tokyo

2023

Katherine Grace, Collegiate, 2023, recently wrapped up her freshman year at Texas Christian University. She was provided the opportunity to travel abroad to Tokyo, Japan, where she took an Honors College course called ‘Video Games and Culture.’ This unique course took her on a journey through various districts of Tokyo and even to Kyoto, exploring the impact of video games on Japanese culture – a topic with far more influence in Japan than in the United States.

The hands-on learning experience included interactions with students at the world’s top video game high school and creating her own video game, which she presented as her final project. Beyond video games, Katherine participated in calligraphy sessions, observed a sacred Japanese tea ceremony, and visited over fifteen temples and places of worship, making ethnographic observations along the way.
Reflecting on her experience, Katherine shared, “The O’Shaughnessy Foundation granted me a transformative opportunity. It was an incredible experience that broadened my perspective on the world around me. From making ethnographic observations to analyzing the influence of video games on Japanese culture, I stamped my passport in a new and unique way. It was an action-packed trip that stimulated my intellectual curiosity and fostered an intense desire to be a lifelong learner. I am profoundly grateful to the O’Shaughnessy Foundation for making this trip possible.”

Conrady Prepares for Mission

2023

Kael Conrady, Valley Center High School, 2023, is preparing to serve a 24-month full-time mission with the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-Day Saints. He will proselytize his faith (in Spanish) in Guayaquil, Ecuador, engage in service activities, and perform other church-related responsibilities. Kael will leave for the Missionary Training Center (MTC) in early September after he has finished his summer training for the Naval Academy.

“I’m just really excited to experience another country and culture while deepening my faith in Jesus Christ and sharing the joy that it gives me with others,” Kael stated.

We wish you the best of luck on your mission, Kael!

Emily Nguyen Accelerating Path to Law School

2023

Exciting News! We are thrilled to announce that Emily Nguyen has been accepted into KU’s LEAD (Legal Education Accelerated Degree) Program. This achievement enables her to complete her undergraduate degree ahead of schedule and transition directly to KU’s law school.

Please join us in congratulating her on this impressive accomplishment!