Four Seniors Recognized for Outstanding Academic and Athletic Accomplishments

When it comes to student involvement and college accomplishments, four University of Findlay seniors have excelled, to the point of earning prestigious awards. These soon-to-be graduates epitomize commitment, flexibility and academic superiority.

Pictured with University of Findlay President Dr. Katherine Fell, Ph.D., are Founders’ Son and Daughter Award winners Kaleb Jai Brown, left, and Rebecka Lynn Stricker, right.

Founders’ Son and Daughter Awards:
This honor is annually conferred upon two students who most exemplify the ideals of the founding fathers. Those ideals include high achievement in scholarship, leadership, service to others, and demonstrated personal integrity in and out of the classroom.
Rebecka Lynn Stricker – Stricker, from Fort Laramie, Ohio, will graduate summa cum laude, earning a Bachelor of Science in early childhood education. She is minoring in political science.
Stricker is a four-year member of Student Government Association, where she has served multiple positions, including as president. She has also been a member of UF’s Ohio State Educator Association chapter, where she previously served as editor; Mortar Board honor society; Phi Kappa Phi honor society; Kappa Delta Pi international honor society, and Students with a Particular Interest in Culinary Experiences committee. She has also served on the Enrollment, Academic and Student Affairs Board of Trustees Committee as a student representative; on the UF Board of Governors; on the General Education Committee; on the Learning Management Systems Task Force Review; and on the University’s Conduct and Disciplinary Committee.
Also, Stricker volunteered at the Mazza Museum’s Funday Sunday events, worked as a student assistant in the Office of Marketing and Communications and Mazza Museum, was a Clubhouse Reading Program tutor, and was a marketing student spokesperson for the College of Education and Center for Student Life and College of Business.
Kaleb Jai Brown – Brown, from Indianapolis, Indiana, will earn a Bachelor of Science in healthcare management. He has minored in business management and business administration.
This academic year, he has served as an undergraduate student representative on the UF Board of Trustees, as a Resident Assistant, as the senior class delegate for Student Government Association, as a peer mentor and student worker for the Buford Center for Diversity and Service, and as Chess Club president. He also participated in three Oilers Serving Abroad programs, and led one trip – a pilot program to Ecuador in March.
Brown was also the public relations officer for Black Student Union, a service ambassador, and the featured speaker for the annual Dr. Martin Luther King Jr., celebration in 2017. Additionally, he has been a member of the men’s varsity swimming and diving team.

Pictured with UF Athletic Director Brandi Laurita are Mancuso Award winners Taren Sullivan, left, and Amanda Winner, right.

Mancuso Awards:
This honor is named after distinguished Oiler wrestler Eddie Mancuso. Those who receive this award exemplify what it means to be an Oiler student-athlete, and show what it means to excel in the classroom and in competition.
Amanda Winner – Winner is earning a Doctor of Physical Therapy degree. She is a volleyball player who holds a 3.8 GPA in undergraduate pre-physical therapy and a 4.0 GPA in the Doctor of Physical Therapy Program.
Some of Winner’s athletic honors and awards include honorable mention All-American by the American Volleyball Coaches Association; first team all-region by the D2CCAA, and first team Great Midwest Athletic Conference.
The Yorkshire, Ohio native is a seven-time Dean’s List member and is a member of the physical therapy organization. She volunteers at Versailles Healthcare Center and holds a job in UF’s Recreation Department.
Taren Sullivan – Sullivan, from Lima, Ohio, is a men’s basketball student-athlete who holds a 3.2 GPA in strength and conditioning. He’ll be earning a Bachelor of Science degree, and has been minoring in coaching.
Some of his athletic honors and awards include Great Midwest Athletic Conference Player of the Year, first team Great Midwest, first team all-region D2CCA, first team all-region National Association of Basketball Coaches, first team All-American by the NABC, NCAA D2 Midwest Regional all-tournament team, and he placed in the top 50 of the Bevo Francis Award (top players not in NCAA DI).
Sullivan is also one of the men’s basketball representatives on the Student-Athlete Advisory Committee and volunteers with the Special Olympics and Findlay City Schools.