The Ourso Outstanding Eight
The E. J. Ourso College of Business is proud to introduce the 2024 Ourso Outstanding Eight. These exceptional undergraduate students have been carefully selected for their accomplishments across multiple areas: academics, leadership, professional development, and service. The Ourso Outstanding Eight are leaders, innovators, and agents of positive change, embodying the spirit of our college's mission to enrich lives through business innovation and community development. Read more about the OOE program and selection criteria.
Meet the Eight
Emma Bruney
Leading with an Empowered Legacy
For Emma Bruney, establishing herself in male-dominated spaces might be considered a family tradition. She grew up surrounded by accomplished women, including her mother, an attorney and businessperson, and her aunts, both business owners. From them, Emma learned the principles of business and the importance of giving back to her community.
Emily Demps
Harnessing Knowledge and Passion for a Sustainable Tomorrow
Emily Demps, a management major, Ogden Honors College student, and Louisiana Service
and Leadership Program Scholar, to name a few, embodies the essence of vision and
purpose-driven leadership.
With a passion for leveraging business strategies to combat food insecurity and minimize
food waste, Emily’s collegiate journey merges academic prowess with humanitarian ideals.
Brian Gage
Building Others Up on the Path to Success
Brian Gage, a standout marketing major at the E. J. Ourso College of Business, exemplifies innovation and a pursuit of excellence. With an innate talent for creativity and a genuine passion for marketing, Brian has not only excelled academically but has also left an indelible mark on the university community through his leadership and involvement.
Jacob Hoffpauir
Leading the Charge for Academic and Professional Success
Jacob “Jake” Hoffpauir is not your average college student. As a double major in finance and economics and a leader of several student organizations, he embodies the essence of dedication, drive, and determination.
Clarence Magee II
Strong Start for Lifelong Impact
When asked what advice he would give a first-year student, Clarence Magee II enthusiastically says, “Hit the ground running. What you do your freshman year sets the mark for the rest of your college career. Do well in your prereqs so it won’t hurt you in the future.”
Ranna Okeil
Addressing Complex Challenges, Advancing Discovery
Ranna Okeil is driven by a good challenge. In the E. J. Ourso College of Business, she has gained knowledge and developed skills to take on complex issues. The double major (BS Economics and BS Mathematics) also has extensive research experience and is part of the Ogden Honors College.
Aliya Pasquale
Ourso Empowered, Globally Informed, and Ready to Make an Impact
One thing Aliya Pasquale was sure about when it came to college was she wanted to attend an out-of-state university. The Boston, Massachusetts native traveled far south to study at LSU, but her journey didn’t stop there.
Katherine Whatley
Challenging Conventional Wisdom
If you associate accounting with solitude and spreadsheets, senior Katherine Whatley would like a word. “Accounting is wrongfully seen as a field that might not be as interesting or collaborative, but it’s an extrovert’s field. We should really embrace that.”