December 18, 2021 – The Eastern Kentucky University (EKU) faculty and staff would like to recognize two graduating seniors who are the recipients of the Homeland Security Program Outstanding Senior Award. Faculty provide this award each semester to students enrolled in both the on-campus and eCampus programs who have demonstrated excellence based on academic achievement, extracurricular activities, service to the community, and other attributes.
This year’s awardees include Riley Kirchoff and Jonah Jenniges. Both Riley and Jonah graduated from EKU in December with the highest Baccalaureate Latin Honor–Summa Cum Laude–which demonstrates exceptional critical and creative thinking and communications skills. According to Dr. Chad Foster, program coordinator, faculty also look for attributes such as professionalism and leadership in selecting awardees. “Our program mission is to prepare students to be leaders in their professional communities and both Riley and Jonah are fantastic role models for others,” said Foster.
Riley accomplished multiple academic credentials at EKU, including three university certificates–Intelligence Studies, Security Management, and Geographic Information Systems–and a Minor in Disaster Management. She served actively with the Justice and Safety Student Leaders (JSSL) student organization and showed initiative by volunteering her time in the spirit of helping others. Next up for Riley is AmeriCorps, a national service program. Jonah is currently a master sergeant in the Minnesota Army National Guard. He serves in a full-time capacity in the Headquarters, 1-125th Field Artillery Regiment, and supports the unit through various training and readiness duties and responsibilities. His military background includes two tours in Iraq.
“Riley and Jonah set a high bar for performance,” said Foster. “We are super proud of them as we are other graduates of the program.”
Published on December 18, 2021