Rogers LEAD WT Among Honorees at National Philanthropy Day Luncheon Nov. 20

Copy by Chip Chandler, 806-651-2124, cchandler@wtamu.edu

CANYON, Texas — One of West Texas A&M University’s most prestigious student programs will be honored for its work in philanthropic endeavors.

The Dyke and Terry Rogers Leadership Education and Development Program, or Rogers LEAD WT, is one of nine honorees that will be recognized Nov. 20 at the Texas Plains Chapter of the Association of Fundraising Professionals’ 33rd-annual National Philanthropy Day Awards.

The luncheon will begin at 11:30 a.m. Nov. 20 in the Amarillo Civic Center Complex Grand Plaza, 401 S. Buchanan St. Tickets are available at afptxplains.com/npd. 

Rogers LEAD WT was created in 2012 to challenge high-achieving students to further develop their leadership potential. The program’s students were nominated as Outstanding Youth in Philanthropy by Kids, Inc.

Service projects are the foundation of the Rogers LEAD WT program, said Kimberly Cornelsen, executive director. 

“Through various service projects, scholars develop communication and problem-solving skills and gain valuable experiences that enhance their ability to work with others while using their strengths,” Cornelsen said. “These experiences help build confidence in their ability to lead and put others first.”

The award highlights the program’s significant contributions to philanthropy and community service, she said.

“It is special for our students and alumni to be recognized for their efforts throughout the years,” Cornelesen said. “This award exemplifies the values of the program and its founders, Dyke and Terry Rogers, including integrity, service, excellence, collaboration and vision.”

Up to 25 students annually are accepted as LEAD WT scholars following an extensive application and interview process. The program is completed in two years, with students taking leadership theory courses, working as a team on service projects, and completing internship experiences and taking part in other real-world activities including networking events and public speaking opportunities.

Students named to the 2025-2026 cohort of Rogers LEAD WT scholars include Bradley Allcorn, a junior business management major from Amarillo; Diana Arriola, a junior speech and hearing sciences major from Olton; Ella Barkley, a junior social work major from Canyon; Julie-Ann Bownds, a junior criminal justice major from Littlefield; Madilynn Campbell, a junior pre-vet major from Vinita, Oklahoma; Diego Flores, a senior mechanical engineering major from San Antonio; Danna Gonzalez, a junior business administration major from Amarillo; Benjamin Hodge, a sophomore from Lubbock; Jerry Ince, a junior animal science / pre-vet major from Hico; Mary Vivian Ivey, a junior agriculture media and communication major from Fort Smith, Arkansas; Audrey Anne Jones, a junior sports and exercise sciences major from Wellington; and Jisiah Lara, a sophomore mathematics education major from Lockney.

Also, Izzy Mariconda, a junior animal science / pre-vet major from Edmond, Oklahoma; Hazel McCormick, a junior agriculture media and communication major from Canyon; Kamryn Meiwes, a senior animal science / pre-vet from Muleshoe; Elina Njimbere, a junior general business major from Amarillo; Chrislin Roden, a junior business management major from Canyon; Ribbin Saisasong, a junior computer information systems major from Amarillo; Ashley Seymour, a junior nursing major from Amarillo; Kyla Snyder, a junior chemistry major from Lubbock; Ridley Strackbein, a senior animal science major from Fredericksburg; Christopher Villa, a senior mechanical engineering major from East Lansing, Michigan; Charli Wells, a junior animal science / pre-vet major from Holdrege, Nebraska; Evilyn Wilcox, a junior graphic design major from Canyon; Abbigail Yott, a junior finance major from Amarillo; and Lauren Zuniga, a senior general business major from Amarillo.

Students in this cohort represent all six of WT’s Colleges: the Paul Engler College of Agriculture and Natural Sciences, the Paul & Virginia Engler College of Business, the Terry B. Rogers College of Education and Social Sciences, the College of Engineering, the Sybil B. Harrington College of Fine Arts & Humanities and the College of Nursing and Health Sciences.

Ty Cranmer, who volunteers as auctioneer for WT’s successful Ag Day fundraiser and other University-affiliated events, was named Outstanding Volunteer Fundraiser. He was nominated by WT and Heal the City.

Other 2025 NPD honorees will include:

Outstanding Fundraising Professional: Tim Bynum

Outstanding Foundation: Harrington Cancer and Health Foundation

Outstanding Philanthropist: Sherry and the late Dean Morrison

Outstanding Small Business: Swifty Communications

Outstanding Fundraising Event: Taste the World – Refugee Language Project

Lifetime Service Award: J. Pat Hickman (posthumously)

Lifetime Achievement Award: Clay Stribling (posthumously)

Offering students intellectually challenging, critically reflective and regionally responsive academic programs is part of the mission laid out in the University’s long-range plan, WT 125: From the Panhandle to the World.

That plan is fueled by the historic One West comprehensive fundraising campaign, which reached its initial $125 million goal 18 months after publicly launching in September 2021. The campaign has raised more than $175 million and will continue through 2025.

About West Texas A&M University

A Regional Research University, West Texas A&M University is redefining excellence in Canyon, Texas, on a 342-acre residential campus, as well as the Harrington Academic Hall WTAMU Amarillo Center in downtown Amarillo. Established in 1910, the University has been part of The Texas A&M University System since 1990. A Hispanic Serving Institution since 2016, WT boasts an enrollment of more than 9,000 and offers 66 undergraduate degree programs, including eight associate degrees; and 44 graduate degrees, including an integrated bachelor’s and master’s degree, a specialist degree and two doctoral degrees. WT recently earned a Carnegie Foundation classification as a Research College and University. The University also is home to the Panhandle-Plains Historical Museum, the largest history museum in the state and the home of one of the Southwest’s finest art collections. The Buffaloes are a member of the NCAA Division II Lone Star Conference and offers 16 men’s and women’s athletics programs.

—WT—