Member Achievements – June 2026

Veronica Beavers
(Stephen F. Austin State University)

Veronica Beavers recently celebrated 20 years of working at Stephen F. Austin State University. Over two decades, Beavers has served in various roles and offices across campus, with each experience shaping her professionally and personally. Her journey reflects a deep commitment to student success, campus community, and the kind of lifelong connection to an institution that defines servant leadership. As she marks this milestone, Beavers looks ahead with gratitude for the students, colleagues, and mentors who have been part of her story and excitement for what the next chapter holds.

Rose Brown
(University of North Carolina at Charlotte)

Rose Brown has built a remarkable path from undergraduate leader to public scholar. Now a Ph.D. candidate at Cornell University, Brown’s research examines workplace grievance systems, organizational justice, workplace mistreatment, and employee responses to perceived injustice. Most recently, she brought that research to a TEDx stage, delivering a talk that explores what happens when workplace harm goes unaddressed and why organizational accountability and employee voice matter. Watch her TEDx talk here. Brown credits the mentors and leadership opportunities rooted in her O∆K experience as foundational to her journey toward doctoral study and public scholarship. Her work continues to translate rigorous academic research into conversations that reach and resonate far beyond the classroom.

Anna Etten
(St. Norbert College)

Anna Etten has been named the new manager of the SAM25 Free Health Clinic, bringing a strong foundation of healthcare experience and community service to the role. Etten recently graduated summa cum laude from St. Norbert College with a bachelor of science degree in biology, with a concentration in biomedical sciences and a minor in chemistry. She completed her degree in just three years while also graduating from the college’s honors program. During her time at St. Norbert, she was an active O∆K member and campus leader. A dedicated volunteer, Etten has served as a nursing assistant at SAM25 since July 2025 and continues to work as a certified nursing assistant and medication technician at a memory care facility.

Varvara Kovalevich
(Jacksonville University)

Varvara Kovalevich has earned first place in the Commercial Music Category 7B at the North Florida Regional National Association of Teachers of Singing (NATS) Competition. NATS is the largest professional association of singing teachers in the world, making regional recognition a meaningful and competitive achievement for any performer. Kovalevich’s first-place finish reflects not only exceptional vocal talent but also the discipline, dedication, and pursuit of excellence that define O∆K membership. Her achievement highlights the important role that artistic scholarship plays in a well-rounded leadership identity and serves as an inspiring reminder that O∆K celebrates leaders who push the boundaries of their craft.

Aleksandr Kuzmenchuk
(William & Mary)

Aleksandr Kuzmenchuk has published an article in the May print edition of India’s World magazine examining India’s heritage diplomacy and its potential for growth. Building on an existing heritage diplomacy database, Kuzmenchuk argues that India’s post-earthquake reconstruction model from Nepal is worth scaling up, particularly after a recent project received a UNESCO Award of Merit. He makes the case that public-private partnership can open new opportunities as India’s heritage diplomacy program continues to expand in scope and relevance. Read his full article here. Kuzmenchuk’s work reflects a commitment to rigorous scholarship and to translating academic research into meaningful public conversations about global diplomacy and cultural preservation.

M Pease
(University of Maryland College Park)

M Pease, a Ph.D. candidate in counseling psychology at the University of Maryland College Park, had a remarkable May: they successfully defended their dissertation, were named Chair of the Maryland Commission on LGBTQIA+ Affairs, and were selected as the 2026 recipient of the Distinguished Contribution to Public Policy Award by the American Psychological Association’s Division 44, the Society for the Psychology of Sexual Orientation and Gender Diversity. Notably, Pease is the first graduate student ever to receive the honor. Their research focuses on race, gender, and sexuality, examining how intersectional systems of oppression contribute to mental health disparities while elevating experiences of strength and joy in marginalized communities. Pease will receive the award at the Division 44 annual ceremony in Washington, D.C., in August.

Rachel Rozsa
(University of Virginia)

Rachel Rozsa recently organized and led a successful fundraiser benefiting the American Brain Tumor Association. The two-day event raised $900 to support brain cancer research and advance efforts to improve treatment and outcomes for patients and families affected by the disease. Through her initiative and dedication, Rozsa brought together supporters around an important cause while demonstrating the impact of service-oriented leadership. Her efforts reflect O∆K’s commitment to leadership, service, and making a meaningful difference in communities. Rozsa’s work serves as an example of how individual action can help support critical research and inspire others to give back.

Elise Syoen
(Lincoln Memorial University)

Elise Syoen has successfully completed her doctoral defense, earning the title of Dr. Elise Syoen. Her dissertation explored the intersection of motherhood and career trajectory, research she is passionate about using to guide her leadership and support of higher education professionals. Syoen approached her work with deep personal meaning, honoring some of the strongest mothers she knows by using their names for her study participants. She credits the love and support of those around her as essential to reaching this milestone. Her achievement is a powerful reminder that scholarship, perseverance, and purpose-driven research are hallmarks of O∆K leadership at its finest.

Jonathan Vaughn
(Hampden-Sydney College)

Jonathan Vaughn has been appointed vice president for development and alumni relations at SUNY New Paltz, a role he describes as his “dream” job. Vaughn arrives at a pivotal moment: the university is preparing to launch its second comprehensive campaign this fall and celebrate its 200th anniversary in 2028. In his own words, Vaughn expressed gratitude to President Wheeler “for his confidence in me at such a vital moment for SUNY New Paltz,” crediting the university’s faculty, staff, Foundation Board, and alumni as the driving force behind what he believes will be New Paltz’s best years ahead. Vaughn is committed to building meaningful connections and advancing opportunities that strengthen institutions and support student success.

Hu Zhao
(Auburn University)

Hu Zhao, a Ph.D. student at Texas A&M University, has been named a 2026 CVEN Graduate Student Excellence in Service and Leadership award winner by the Zachry Department of Civil and Environmental Engineering. Since beginning his doctoral program in 2023, Zhao has contributed to the engineering community through student leadership and peer support across numerous organizations, including Tau Beta Pi, the Civil and Environmental Engineering Graduate Student Association, Chi Epsilon, and the International Student Association. He credits his advisor, Dr. Ali Mostafavi, with outstanding mentorship throughout his journey. Zhao’s recognition reflects his belief that engineering education is built not only through research and coursework, but through communities that help students feel seen, connected, and empowered to contribute.