ELI AZIERE

Eli is a 2024 recipient and is currently a freshman at the College of William and Mary in Williamsburg, Virginia. He is pursuing a double major in history and anthropology on the pre-law track. He graduated from The Independent School in 2024 and has lived in Haysville, Kansas his whole life.

During high school, Eli was a three-sport athlete who ran cross country, swam, and played baseball. He was also involved with many extracurriculars including Student Council, Spanish Honor Society, Scholars Bowl, and Rotary. Through his involvement with his school, Eli learned the importance of giving back to one’s community. He is most thankful for the opportunity to serve as Scholars Bowl varsity captain for four years which taught him how to be a polymath. By understanding and being able to draw from a wide range of subject areas, he has gained a greater understanding of the world, which has led to a curiosity to explore different peoples and their cultures. 

On campus at William and Mary, Eli is involved with the WM Brass Ensemble, Undergraduate Moot Court Society, and Student Assembly. Student Assembly is William and Mary’s student government organization and student union of the university, representing every social class and graduate school. He serves as the Undersecretary of Student Experience and tackles issues such as hazing prevention, inclusion for transfer and non-traditional students, arts advocacy, and fraternity and sorority life. In this capacity, Eli can help make his campus a more inclusive space and address issues that students feel are overlooked by the university. After graduation, Eli hopes to go to law school and come back to practice in Kansas.

During the summer, Eli has spent the last two years volunteering with Wichita Festivals during their annual Riverfest. He was a Prairie Schooner Mate in 2023 and a mentor in 2024. He enjoys giving back to his community and mentoring other students going through the same Schooner Mate Program he did. 

Eli is a big believer in hard work, a value instilled in him by his family. He is excited to continue building relationships within the Timothy P. O’Shaughnessy Foundation in the coming years. He is extremely grateful for the opportunities the Foundation has given him and can’t wait to see what the future will hold.