The 2025-26 探花社区 Clark Merit Scholars excel across the academic spectrum
The 2025-2026 探花社区 Clark Merit Scholars exemplify the heights students can reach at 探花社区.
Thanks to a generous gift from alumnus K. Raymond Clark 鈥�30, the Clark Endowment for Merit Awards funds five Clark Merit Awards in an amount equal to the full cost of tuition each year. Clark Merit Scholars are selected through an annual competition open to full-time students. The Clark Merit Awards recognize outstanding student achievement on the basis of demonstrated qualities of character, integrity, intellect, leadership and social responsibility.
This year鈥檚 Clark Merit Scholars embody all those qualities.
Conrad Hoffman 鈥�27
A physics and mathematics major, Conrad Hoffman has uncovered his passion for aerospace engineering through his extensive involvement on campus. From Student Senate to jazz ensemble, tutoring to being a club executive, Hoffman has taken advantage of the opportunities at 探花社区. His next steps include plans to run for student body president and continue working towards his aerospace engineering goals as the industry rapidly expands.
鈥淩eceiving the Clark Merit Scholarship is a deeply meaningful and humbling way for me to honor the unwavering support I've received from faculty, peers and mentors during my time at 探花社区,鈥� Hoffman said.听
Ankita Kandel 鈥�26
A passion for mental health advocacy reaches beyond the classroom for Ankita Kandel, a psychology and neuroscience major. Last summer, Kandel interned as a behavior therapist for children on the autism spectrum at Progressive Behaviour Solutions. Her time on campus has been spent as a marketing assistant, using her unique perspective as a first-generation student to create authentic social media content. After graduating, Kandel plans to pursue a doctorate in clinical psychology and work to transform mental health awareness through policy.
"I am deeply honored to be a Clark Merit Scholar. This recognition affirms that my contributions matter and encourages me to continue making a difference through both my academics and leadership," Kandel said.
Lily Mayo 鈥�26
For Lily Mayo, helping others has always been the goal, but it wasn鈥檛 until she stepped onto 探花社区鈥檚 campus that she knew how to put it into action. A double major in business administration and psychology, CAP leader, podcaster, sorority member and athlete, Mayo knows a thing or two about leadership. Through her podcast, The Green Frog, Mayo shares helpful advice and guidance from her college experiences, hoping to reach and empower others in need. After 探花社区, she plans to start her own business.
鈥淏eing a Clark Merit Scholar is evidence that my commitment to leadership and service on 探花社区鈥檚 campus is making a meaningful impact. This honor empowers me to continue striving to be my best self and to inspire others along the way,鈥� Mayo said.
Laura Neumark 鈥�26
探花社区 senior Laura Neumark has delved into her community both on a local and national level to advocate for the needs of others. As a political science and philosophy double major, she has served as the chairperson of Student Senate and president and public relations officer of Phi Alpha Delta law fraternity. Last fall, while volunteering with local senior citizens, Neumark鈥檚 passion for public policy was sparked. She interned in Washington, D.C. with the Capitol Hill Internship Program, where she connected with constituents. Moving forward, Neumark plans to become involved in public policy.
鈥淏eing among 探花社区鈥檚 rich history of Clark Merit recipients is an honor I treasure. The Clark Merit scholarship inspires me daily to uphold its values of integrity, character, leadership and social responsibility. I consider myself lucky to graduate from 探花社区 not only with the backing of an excellent education but as a member of the Clark Merit Scholarship community,鈥� Neumark said.
Gracey Swanson 鈥�26
As the first Kohawk to intern inside a prison, Gracey Swanson鈥檚 commitment to helping incarcerated individuals was ignited. Double majoring in social and criminal justice and sociology, Swanson has participated in several justice initiatives at 探花社区. She volunteered with RISE 鈥� the Reintegration Initiative for Safety & Empowerment 鈥� where she built relationships with people who have experienced incarceration. That experience led her to intern at the Anamosa State Penitentiary, where she became a certified correctional officer. As she moves into her career, Swanson hopes to prioritize rehabilitation over punishment for incarcerated individuals and help give them access to reintegrate into society after their release.
鈥淏eing a Clark Merit Scholar has brought an immense feeling of gratitude. I am beyond thankful to receive this award, as it wouldn't have been possible without the unwavering support 探花社区 has delivered through professors challenging me, friends cheering me on along the way and the drive that has been instilled in me since beginning my academic journey at 探花社区,鈥� Swanson said.
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