ScholarWeb: Welcome

2016 MVS Scholar

Duke University

Sponsored by Dover, Del., Lodge No. 1903

Brandon Dawson, President, Senior Representative

Brandon attends Duke University as an Environmental Science and Policy major. During basketball season, he can be found cheering on the Blue Devils at Cameron Indoor Stadium. In high school, he started his own honey business, the Bee’s Knees Honey. He continues beekeeping in college in the Durham area. “Wherever my life takes me,” Brandon shares, “I want to bear the name of an Elks scholar with pride and continue to get more students involved with this incredible organization.”

2017 MVS Scholar

Williams College

Sponsored by Marietta, Ga., Lodge No. 1657

Kimberly Hadaway, Junior Representative

Kimberly studies Mathematics at Williams College. In high school, Kimberly tutored students in math, SAT and ACT prep each summer through the Academic Excellence Math Program. She was also the Clarinet Section Leader in her high school band and a 4-H Teen Leader. “More than a mere thank you,” Kimberly expressed, “I believe that the manner in which I continue to carry myself, approach my studies, and continue to serve my community will provide an example of the impact that being an Elks scholar has, and will continue to have on my life.”

2018 Legacy Scholar

University of New Mexico

Sponsored by Grants-Milan, N.M., Lodge No. 2053

Autumn Archuleta, Sophomore Representative

Autumn is currently studying to obtain a Bachelor of Science degree while majoring in Biology. She will then continue her studies to become a Doctor of Physical Therapy. In high school, Autumn played four varsity sports and was involved with numerous clubs and community service opportunities. She's now involved with Greek life at the University of New Mexico.

2019 MVS Scholar

San Diego State University

Sponsored by Oceanside, Calif., Lodge No. 1561

Kat Nakamura, Freshman 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.

2017 MVS Scholar

University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign

Sponsored by Robinson, Ill., Lodge No. 1188

Jacob Fritchie, 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."

2017 MVS Scholar

University of Florida

Sponsored by North Cape Coral, Fla., Lodge No. 2874

Branden Pearson,Vice President, At-Large Representative

Branden attends the University of Florida where he majors in Computer Science and minors in Business Administration and Public Leadership. In high school, Branden was involved in varsity football, student government, Model United Nations, National Honor Society, and Junior ROTC. As a 2017 MVS National Finalist, he attended the MVS Leadership Weekend and visited his local Lodge soon after to share about his experience. He even helped the Lodge to launch their own website. “During my short tenure as an Elks scholar,” shares Branden, “I have come to recognize that being a scholar means that I now have a second family, one which is trying to change our nation for the better.”

2010 MVS Scholar

California Polytechnic State University Alum

Sponsored by and member of Oceano/Five Cities, Calif., Lodge No. 2504

Sean Pringle, Alum of the Year Representative

After joining the Elks family as an MVS scholar, Sean continued his journey with the Elks by joining his sponsoring Lodge, Oceano/Five Cities, Calif., Lodge No. 2504. Sean received his bachelor's and master's degrees in civil engineering from Cal Poly San Luis Obispo. He's a Journey Engineer at the Pacific Gas and Electric Company. Since joining the Elks in 2015, Sean has served as both the Lodge and District Scholarship Chair for the past four years. “I could go on to say so much more about the Elks, but I'll simply end by saying thank you to the ENF and the Order for allowing me to become a part of such a beautiful family,” Sean shares. “I look forward to continuing to provide service to my community, and to the Order, as an Elks Scholar and an Elks member.”

2019-20 Elks Scholar Advisory Board

Brandon Dawson, President, Senior Representative

Kimberly Hadaway, Junior Representative

Autumn Archuleta, Sophomore Representative

Kat Nakamura, Freshman Representative

Shaan Gandhi, At-Large Representative

Jacob Fritchie, At-Large Representative

Branden Pearson,Vice President, At-Large Representative

Sean Pringle, Alum of the Year Representative