ScholarWeb: Welcome

2017 MVS Scholar

University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign

Sponsored by Robinson, Ill., Lodge No. 1188

Jacob Fritchie, President
At-Large Representative

Jacob is currently studying Physics at the University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign. On campus, he is involved in the Honors Program Student Council and Collegiate 4-H. After getting his bachelor's degree, he plans on attending graduate school to pursue a Ph.D. in Physics. Jacob is excited to get involved as a member of the SAB after attending multiple Elks Scholar Service Trips and attending the Leadership Weekend twice, once as an MVS finalist and again as a scholar leader. Asked about this opportunity on the SAB, Jacob replied, "After every ENF event that I have attended, I have left feeling enriched and yearning for more. This is an opportunity to not only help advise about ENF events, but also to be at more ENF events and connect with other scholars."

2019 MVS Scholar

San Diego State University

Sponsored by Oceanside, Calif., Lodge No. 1561

Kat Nakamura, Senior Representative

Kat attends San Diego State University where she studies Public Health. In high school, she was very involved in extracurriculars such as Varsity Tennis and the Asian American Pacific Student Union Club, as well as volunteering with various organizations including My Girlfriend's Closet, a non-profit that provides gently used clothing, shoes and accessories to economically disadvantaged teenage girls and young women. She also worked multiple jobs and internships, including a highly competitive Emergency Room internship at Tri City Medical Center. When asked what it means to be an Elks scholar, Kat said, "Because of the Elks generosity I now have hope in myself that with my education I can become an active member and join other scholars to help change the world."

2003 MVS Scholar

Case Western Reserve University Alum, Oxford University Alum, Harvard Business School and Medical School Alum

Sponsored by Battle Creek, Mich., Lodge No. 131

Shaan Gandhi, At-Large Representative

Shaan received an MVS award in 2003 that supported him during his time at Case Western Reserve University. After his undergraduate studies, he spent time at Oxford University as a Rhodes Scholar. He then went on to get his MBS from Harvard Business School and his Medical Degree from Harvard Medical School. Now, he is a principal at the Longwood Fund, an early-stage venture capital firm, where he invests in healthcare and life sciences companies and collaborates to build new ventures. He is also an attending hospitalist at the Massachusetts General Hospital and an Instructor in Medicine at Harvard Medical School. Shaan has stayed in touch with the Foundation for years, was the 2018 Elks Scholar Alum of the Year and continues to give back to the Elks scholar community.

2020 Legacy Scholar

University of Toledo

Sponsored by Port Clinton, Ohio, Lodge No. 1718

Katie Knight, Junior Legacy Representative

In high school, Katherine was a Choose Ohio First for Engineering Entrepreneurship Scholar, as well as a team leader for Project Wildlife. Katherine is currently a first-year student at the University of Toledo, majoring in bioengineering. While planning to secure a master’s degree in prosthetics and orthotics, Katherine hopes to set a positive example for those living with and without a disability. As a person with cerebral palsy, she hopes to bring her unique perspective to the Scholar Advisory Board.

2020 MVS Scholar

Columbia University

Sponsored by Cincinnati, Ohio, Lodge No. 5

Liz Radway, Junior MVS Representative

Elizabeth is a 2020 MVS scholar currently studying biology and computer science at Columbia University. She is also a first-generation college student. Elizabeth is passionate about service—she was a member of Ohio Attorney General’s Teen Ambassador Board in high school, as well as a Field Ambassador for the National Youth Council of the American Red Cross (ARC) and the founder of ARC National Buddy Program. This fall, Elizabeth hopes to work toward a career in healthcare advocacy. She’ll also continue her other passion, dance.

2019 MVS Scholar

University of North Carolina

Sponsored by Statesville, N.C., Lodge No. 1823

Nishitha Karumuri, At-Large Representative

Nish is studying health policy management at University of North Carolina. Karumuri dives into every encounter she has with an open mind, open heart and a focus on creating a safe, encouraging space—qualities that will both make her a tremendous asset on the SAB and in her future career in hospital management. Though Karumuri received her scholarship in 2019, her connection with the Elks family grew during the COVID-19 pandemic. Last year, the ENF launched virtual programming for Elks scholars, and Karumuri attended every event. She also joined in on the Santa Monica service trip during the summer of 2021.

2021 MVS Scholar

Tufts University

Sponsored by Vista, Calif., Lodge No. 1968

Jed Quiaoit, Sophomore MVS Representative

Jed is a first-generation student studying biomedical engineering and biotechnology at Tufts University. He believes in paying it forward—he serves as a mentor helping first-generation, low-income high school seniors navigate the college admissions and financial aid process. Jed always finds time to connect with the Elks family through virtual scholarship programming. He also joined the Santa Monica service trip in the summer of 2021.

2021 Legacy Scholar

University of Wisconsin - Madison

Sponsored by Muskegon, Mich., Lodge No. 274

Corey Lallo, Sophomore Legacy Representative

“I've grown up at the Elks,” says Corey. “After my family moved in 2007, no trip home felt complete without a visit. I always feel a sense of community and connection when in this environment.” He is a first-year student at the University of Wisconsin-Madison studying computer science. When he’s not in class, he shares his musical talents on stage or in the choir. He also harnessed his unending enthusiasm and energy on the Chicago service trip in July 2021.

2022 Legacy Scholar

Missouri State University

Taylor Thompson, Freshman Legacy Representative

Taylor Thompson is a 2022 Legacy scholar currently studying Psychology and Gerontology at Missouri State University. In high school, she played sports, served in student government, and co-founded a Wildlife Conservation Club. She is looking for similar ways to get involved as she adjusts to life on campus. “One of the most important things that comes with being an Elks scholar is the opportunity to impact and reach people beyond my small town’s city limits,” says Taylor. “It’s my personal goal that my service to others will reach beyond my contracted hours.”

2022 MVS Scholar

Vanderbilt University

Sponsored by San Fernando, Calif., Lodge No. 1539

Riley Chong, Freshman MVS Representative

Riley Chong is a 2022 MVS scholar currently attending Vanderbilt University, where he studies Medicine, Health, and Society; Economics; and Public Policy. He is passionate about providing low-income and minority communities with healthcare resources and building healthcare infrastructure. “Being an Elks scholar is about serving my community through awareness, empathy and action,” says Riley. “I have the honor of carrying out the mission of the Elks National Foundation on a daily basis.”

2016 MVS Scholar

University of Alabama

Sponsored by Canton, Miss., Lodge No. 458

Jay Little Cunningham, Alum of the Year Representative

A native of Artesia, Mississippi, Cunningham was a top MVS national winner in 2016 and graduated from the University of Alabama in 2019. From serving as an Elks Scholar Leader at Elks National Foundation events, to becoming an ENF donor and joining Gulfport, Miss., Lodge No. 978, he embodies what it means to be a champion of the Order. Click here to learn more about Jay..

2022-23 Elks Scholar Advisory Board

Jacob Fritchie, President At-Large Representative