Tiger Twelve 2024: These High-Achieving Students Say Attending LSU Made All the Difference

Zachary Randall Bonser

Major: Agricultural and Extension Education
College: College of Agriculture
Hometown: Tyrone, Georgia

“Even from the time I was a prospective student, LSU took personal interest in me and my success. From professional conferences and studying abroad to playing Frisbee on the Parade Ground, the opportunities I’ve been afforded have changed my life immeasurably; for that, I will always be grateful.”

Future Plans:  “I'll be moving to Des Moines, Iowa, to begin my role in the Early Career Development Program at Corteva Agriscience, a company prioritizing sustainability and people in agriculture. Through the program, I’ll rotate through several aspects of the company, including research and development, marketing, communications and education, and data analytics. Along with that, I’ve already received confirmation that I can return to LSU and recruit my fellow ag Tigers!” 

Kennedy Hayden Carter

Major: Mass Communication
Minor: Psychology
Hometown: Shreveport, Louisiana

“During my time at LSU, I have had the privilege of working with incredible organizations, advisors, administrators, and friends who have shaped me into the woman I am today.”

Future Plans: “As I begin my next journey as a Leadership Development Consultant for my national sorority, Kappa Delta, I'm excited to use what I've learned from this university to empower others on their leadership and developmental journeys.”

Ryan Castellón

Major: Mass Communication
Minors: Business Administration, Political Science
College: Manship School of Mass Communication
Roger Hadfield Ogden Honors College
Hometown: New Orleans, Louisiana

“LSU has given me such an incredible support system these past four years, and it’s these people — my professors, advisors, and friends — who gave me the tools I needed to learn, grow, and thrive.

“From leading in Student Government and Student Philanthropy Council to overseeing major service projects and initiatives, the opportunities I’ve had here at LSU have truly laid the foundation for my future, and I’m so grateful to have had the chance to give back to the university I love so dearly.”

Future Plans: “Beginning in the fall, I will pursue my master’s degree in business administration with the LSU Flores MBA Program, after which I hope to begin a career in management consulting and use my skills to help more organizations thrive.”

Matthew Delatte

Major: Political Communication
Minor: Political Science
College: Manship School of Mass Communication
Roger Hadfield Ogden Honors College
Hometown: Thibodaux, Louisiana

“LSU has surrounded me with a community of passionate students, dedicated mentors, and a supportive staff that has continuously inspired and challenged me to make a difference. Their encouragement has allowed me to pursue my passions and fueled my success.”

Future Plans: “After graduation, I plan to apply to law school and begin in the fall of 2025. In the meantime, I will be working full time and publishing my first book.”

Myrissa Eisworth

Major: Dual Degree in Sociology and Anthropology
Minor: French
College: College of Humanities & Social Sciences
Roger Hadfield Ogden Honors College
Hometown: Greenwell Springs, Louisiana

“LSU has provided me with a supportive community of professors, advisors, and peers that has continually uplifted and empowered me to succeed in all the ways I needed to.”

Future Plans: “After graduation, I will be pursuing a doctoral degree in sociology at LSU and continuing my research on rape culture under Dr. Heather Rackin.”

Chloe Madyson Guillory Hawkins

Major: Electrical Engineering
Minors: Computer & Robotics Engineering
College: College of Engineering
Hometown: Haughton, Louisiana

“LSU has introduced me to countless new individuals who have helped me grow as an individual, leader, and person while also providing me with countless opportunities to grow my network, develop my skills as a leader, and help others.”

Future Plans: “After graduation I will be working as a testing engineer in Sunnyvale California for Northrop Grumman. I also plan on attending OTS and being a reserve officer in the United States Air Force.”

Tay J. Moore

Major: Dual Degree in Political Science and Music
Colleges: College of Humanities & Social Sciences
College of Music & Dramatic Arts
Roger Hadfield Ogden Honors College
Hometown: Ringgold, Louisiana

“I am so grateful for the many opportunities, friendships, and mentors that God has allowed me to have at LSU.

“In the past four years, I have been exposed to academic rigor, transformative service-learning experiences, and a plethora of diverse perspectives that have enriched my understanding of the issues facing society and strengthened my commitment to personal development. What began as a young kid growing up in rural Ringgold, Louisiana, has simply intensified at LSU: a life-long pursuit of getting in ‘good trouble.’”

Future Plans: “Following graduation, I will be moving to Washington, D.C., to participate in the Harry S. Truman Foundation's Summer Institute as an intern with Levine Music. In the fall, I will begin working for the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services Federal Office of Rural Health Policy as a Truman-Albright Fellow. After my ‘bridge year(s)’ filled with work and travel, I plan to enroll in graduate/law school. As the famous hymn says: ‘Where He leads me, I will follow.’”

Ella Jane Otken

Major: Biological Sciences
Minors: Political Science and Leadership Development
College: College of Science
Roger Hadfield Ogden Honors College
Hometown: Denham Springs, Louisiana

“I will forever be grateful to LSU for providing me with countless opportunities to further my leadership skills, excel academically and professionally, and serve the community that has been my home for the past four years.

“As an LSU Tiger, my invaluable experiences in student organizations, undergraduate research, and academics have allowed me to advocate, lead, and serve LSU and the Greater Baton Rouge area, molding me into the individual and leader I am today.”

Future Plans: “Upon graduation, I will be attending LSU Health Shreveport Physician Assistant School as a member of the Class of 2026.”

Sybil Pun

Major: Mechanical Engineering
Minor: Aerospace Engineering
College: College of Engineering
Hometown: Port-Au-Prince, Haiti

“LSU has helped me by providing me with every opportunity to succeed and prosper. From study abroad, research, on campus and off campus jobs, networking, internships, and building lifelong friendships, LSU has made that happen.”

Future Plans: “I plan to be a production support technical engineer for Shell.”

Colin M. Raby

Major: Mechanical Engineering
Minors: Aerospace Engineering and Economics
College: College of Engineering
Roger Hadfield Ogden Honors College
Hometown: Cleveland, Ohio

“My time at LSU has been fruitful as every step on the Long Purple Line has enriched my individual endeavors and allowed me to significantly contribute to our campus community.

“I have enjoyed getting involved with the many opportunities this large campus provides, from serving our student body in LSU Student Government to reviving LSU Silver Wings to my work with the Cadets of the Ole War School and as a Residential Assistant to ODK, RHA, ASME, SPM, BYX, Bengal Bots, Tiger Brawlers, developing AI systems, and many others not listed here.”

Future Plans: “After graduation, I will move to Washington, D.C., to work with House of Representatives committees focused on creating and hearing AI, data, and legislation on innovative emerging technologies. After this, my next step may be with NASA, the U.S. Space Force, or the private sector, where I plan to use what I have learned at LSU to build a better world for us and those who follow.”

Anna Catherine Strong

Major: Dual Degree in Political Science and Screen Arts
College: Humanities and Social Sciences
Roger Hadfield Ogden Honors College
Hometown: Madison, Mississippi

“LSU helped me to succeed by granting me a community that inspired me to pursue my passions across campus. The mentorship I received from the faculty and staff fostered an environment where I could learn, grow, and challenge myself.”

Future Plans: “After graduation, I plan to move to Washington, D.C., and I will be pursuing a master's degree in public policy.”

Rachel Lee Wall

Major: Kinesiology
Minor: Biological Sciences
College of Human Sciences and Education
Roger Hadfield Ogden Honors College
Hometown: Summerland Key, Florida

“LSU has given me tremendous and unique opportunities in leadership, academics, research, and service to grow into the confident person I am today.

“From learning anatomy hands-on in the cadaver dissection lab to helping found the EMS Club on campus, LSU has encouraged me to meet challenges head-on, empowering me to flourish as an undergraduate and soon, as a graduate student.”

Future Plans: “After graduation, I will be moving home to the Florida Keys to work in the hospital emergency department, gaining more direct patient hours and traveling abroad while applying to physician assistant graduate schools.”