How LSU’s 2025 Tiger Twelve Found Purpose Through Service and Scholarship

William Hamilton Carter

Major: Business Analytics
College: E. J. Ourso College of Business
Hometown: Rosemary Beach, Fla. 

“Driven by a passion for helping my peers navigate the finance recruitment process, I founded the 1860 Investment Fund to build a collaborative community that empowers LSU finance students with a pathway to success. During 1860's first year, we've helped a majority of our members obtain offers from several top firms, including Morgan Stanley, Deloitte, KPMG, JPMorgan, and Wells Fargo.”

“I'm particularly proud of 1860's impact beyond job placements. From the beginning, I sought to create a program that not only prepared students for careers but also fostered a strong sense of community and mentorship.  

“Beyond its success as a student organization, 1860 is a testament to the power that student-led initiatives hold to create lasting positive change on our campus and in the lives of others.”

Emily Demps

Major: International Management
Minor: Political Science, Louisiana Service and Leadership (LASAL) Research
College: E. J. Ourso College of Business, Roger Hadfield Ogden Honors College
Hometown: Atlanta, Ga.

“From May 2022 to May 2024, I served as Project 225's Food Insecurity Project Manager, leading initiatives to address food access gaps and raise awareness. Now, as Director of Project 225, I oversee multiple service initiatives, including food insecurity efforts, while expanding partnerships, securing funding, and developing new projects to strengthen our impact.”

“Throughout my time in both roles, I have implemented campus-wide programs such as organizing large-scale food drives, promoting SNAP benefits, taking over shifts at the LSU Food Pantry, and participating in the Greater Baton Rouge Food Bank's backpack program.” 

Finding a Passion

“I developed more decisive leadership, advocacy, and problem-solving skills, learning to navigate bureaucracy, secure funding, and inspire action. Most importantly, this challenge reaffirmed my commitment to food equity, proving that meaningful change requires persistence, adaptability, and a willingness to fight for what matters.”

Emma Klenke

Major: Biological Sciences
Minors: Wildlife Ecology, Louisiana Service and Leadership (LASAL) Research
College: College of Science, Roger Hadfield Ogden Honors College
Roger Hadfield Ogden Honors College 
Hometown: Sulphur, La.

“The knowledge I gained from LASAL (Louisiana Service and Leadership) allowed me to look critically at my beloved state's pressing issues and pinpoint where I could enact change. Throughout the following years, my new-found passion, enthusiasm, and confidence manifested themselves in many ways.”

Finding a Passion

“Because of this program, I focused my undergraduate research on the Mississippi River Delta's disappearing marshlands, examining potential causes and solutions for marsh grass diebacks. It also gave me the resources to co-found the Senior Citizen Outreach Program, a service organization partnered with a local non-profit to provide necessary goods and services to Baton Rouge's seniors.

“Finally, it made my originally shy self realize my passion for science communication, which led me to a communications internship with a national non-profit.

Forging a Future

“Overall, the LASAL Program has given me countless skills, from public speaking to piloting a boat. Most importantly, though, it has given me the will and resources to work towards a better community. LSU and this program have shaped my love for Louisiana into meaningful service, a pathway to enact change, and a career path.” 

Brynali Marshall

Major: Interdisciplinary Studies - IS BIS
Minor: Arabic, Analytics, Computer Science
College: College of Humanities & Social Sciences, Roger Hadfield Ogden Honors College
Hometown: Opelousas, La.

“I started my Arabic minor at LSU with no knowledge of the language. Three years later, I was speaking at an advanced level, immersed in the language, and teaching my peers. Following a year studying in the Middle East, I recruited some of my closest friends to help me start the Arabic Language Club under the slogan, Connecting Cultures, Inspiring Conversations.”

“Recognizing the immeasurable value of true immersion, we created the Arabic Resources Database, a filterable database with over $400,000 of scholarship opportunities for Arabic learners. This database is a huge source of pride for our club and has helped so many students.”  

Finding a Passion

“This club has allowed me to hone my leadership skills. Managing a large team is never easy and clubs can sometimes feel like full time jobs. But the success we've achieved has solidified my passion for fostering linguistic and cultural exchange within future projects as I prepare to graduate.” 

Sierra R. Moran

Major: Coastal Environmental Science 
Minor: French 
College: College of the Coast & Environment
Hometown: Baton Rouge, La.

“As president of LSU's Coastal Environmental Science Advocates, I am leading a Clothing Swap initiative to reduce textile waste and promote sustainability on campus.”

“I organized a campus-wide event where students could donate and exchange used clothing, providing an alternative and convenient way to reduce clothing consumption and to promote shopping consciousness. The event will not only divert clothing from landfills but also foster a sense of environmental responsibility and awareness among students.” 

A Pivotal Moment

“One of the most impactful experiences during my time at LSU was being hired as a researcher in Dr. Sibel Bargu's Phytoplankton Lab during my freshman year. I reached out to Dr. Bargu with a research idea, to use algae as an atmospheric carbon sequestration sink, and she offered me a position in her lab to conduct my experiment. Being able to conduct research so early in my academic career gave me valuable skills and a deep passion for finding a new and innovative way to capture CO2.” 

Forging a Future

“Dr. Bargu's decision to take a chance on a young student as a research associate has allowed me to work in several other organizations including NASA, the Water Institute, and USGS, to further broaden my perspective in environmental science. The time spent in Dr. Bargu's lab has shaped my time at LSU and continues to influence my career and future goals of being a driver of positive change.” 

Ty’Janae Quite

Major: Political Science
College: College of Humanities & Social Sciences
Hometown: Prairieville, La.

“One of the most meaningful experiences of my time at LSU has been founding and leading The LSAT Collective, the university's first student-led LSAT test preparation organization. What started as a simple idea — space where students could support each other in preparing for the LSAT —  has grown into something much bigger.”

“Since launching, we have helped over 50 students secure LSAT fee waivers, easing the financial burden that keeps so many from pursuing law school.  This semester, we took our mission a step further. Through partnerships with the Baton Rouge Youth Coalition and The Gardere Initiative, our members are now mentoring local youth, showing them that higher education is within reach and that the legal profession needs their voices.”  

A Pivotal Moment

“A defining moment in my LSU journey was becoming a Career Ambassador at the LSU Olinde Career Center. As a first-generation college student, I often felt like I was navigating an unfamiliar world alone, unsure of how to present myself professionally, where to find opportunities, or even what questions to ask. Before stepping into this role, I had never been taught how to craft a strong resume, connect with professionals, or advocate for myself with confidence.”  

Finding a Passion

“The Career Center became more than just a job. It became a turning point. I learned how to tell my story with purpose, prepare for opportunities with intention, and walk into rooms with confidence. More than that, I realized I had the power not only to navigate these spaces but to create them for others.

“That shift in mindset pushed me to take on leadership roles, founding The LSAT Collective to support other prelaw students and securing internships with organizations like the Louisiana Center for Health Equity and United States Senator Bill Cassidy's office.”  

John Michael Sweat

Major: Political Science, Psychology, Sociology
Minor: Louisiana Service and Leadership (LASAL) Research
Colleges: College of Humanities & Social Sciences, Roger Hadfield Ogden Honors College 
Hometown: Broussard, La.

“The pinnacle of human experience, in my view, is the act of uplifting other people and leading them to success. The pinnacle of my achievement here at LSU was my Empower student government campaign‚ because of the astounding human potential that I think the project may come to achieve.”

“In a single semester, I built a transformational student government campaign from scratch because I and just a handful of friends wanted more students to have access to leadership and development. I am immensely proud of my efforts in getting such a passionate group of people interested and involved in leadership on campus.” 

Finding a Passion

“As I have moved and continue to move forward in my life and my career, I now understand that my purpose is to unlock human potential by any means available. I know now that I have an ultimate responsibility: I must find a way to give other people the means to actualize and live their lives to the fullest.” 

Kenneth Taylor Jr.

Major: Business Marketing with a Concentration in Professional Sales  
College: E. J. Ourso College of Business
Hometown: New Orleans, La.

“On March 29, 2024, I organized an event at the MLK Community Center where we provided over 100 free fish plates to the homeless and less fortunate in celebration of Good Friday. As the project leader, I coordinated chapter members, managed logistics, and ensured the event ran smoothly.”

“The event directly addressed the needs of those less fortunate, helping to alleviate hunger and offer a moment of fellowship. This initiative highlighted my commitment to giving back and contributed to LSU's broader mission of community engagement.”  

A Pivotal Moment

“A pivotal moment in my LSU experience occurred during my internship at Gulf Coast Bank & Trust Company, which challenged me to step out of my comfort zone and grow both professionally and personally.” 

“While supporting the bank's digital transformation initiatives, I was tasked with leading a competitive research project that required me to understand market trends and apply them to enhance the bank's digital presence.”  

Finding a Voice

“This project taught me that my voice and perspective were valuable. I didn't need to conform to the expectations of others; I needed to trust my unique insights, especially as someone who could relate to the needs of underrepresented communities.”   

Milton E. Trowbridge IV

Major: Sports Administration with an emphasis in Sports Commerce
Minor: Business
College: College of Human Sciences & Education
Hometown: Ridgeland, Miss. 

“As IFC (Interfraternity Council) president here at LSU, I signed a year-long contract with MANUAL, a men’s mental health service that provided free mental health services, among many other benefits, to all members of fraternities here at LSU.”

“Mental health issues among men are extremely prevalent, but rarely brought up, and hard to talk about. MANUAL gives men an opportunity to talk about these problems and get help for them in a safe place.”

“The ability for members of the IFC to use these services for free instead of having to pay a monthly fee led to a drastic increase of these services being used, so much so, that the Vice President of Health and Wellness signed a contract with MANUAL to provide their services to the general student body as well.”  

Finding a Passion

“I've always loved LSU, and I've always wanted to leave it better than I found it, but being able to spend time with others that have the same goal as I pushed me to work even harder to achieve that goal of leaving LSU a better place than when I arrived, and I believe that I did just that.” 

Alexis Lasheia White

Major: International Studies with a concentration in Global Diplomacy
Minors: French & Political Science
College: College of Humanities & Social Sciences
Hometown: Capitol Heights, Md.

“I believe that the specific turning point that most impacted my personal growth occurred not when I was physically at LSU, but rather, the moment I decided to step out of my comfort zone, challenge myself, and apply to an LSU Academic Program Abroad last spring.”

“Having the opportunity to study at Sciences Po Strasbourg in France was nothing short of transformative. Being immersed in a new environment with those of differing backgrounds and cultures completely shifted my worldview.” 

Forging a Future

“My exposure to global perspectives and diplomacy abroad strengthened my application and prepared me to secure an internship at the Department of State, where I am now actively contributing to U.S. foreign policy initiatives.”  

Lailah Williams

Major: Political Science, International Studies
Minor: Political Communications, Honors Research Minor
College: College of Humanities & Social Sciences, Roger Hadfield Ogden Honors College
Hometown: McKinney, Texas

“When I reflect on my time at LSU, I fondly remember my junior year as a Geaux Big participant. I was a solo volunteer and the only student located at my site. My day was spent at the Scotlandville Community Development Corporation cleaning up a starter neighborhood for young, low-income families.”

“As I begun learning about the community, I started to think very intentionally about my "why.” What made me seek out this opportunity of public service? The answer was a little girl named Brittney that I met during the cleanup session.  

“Brittney resided in the neighborhood and often relied on the small community to look after her due to her challenging living situation. Her resilience was inspiring, even if all she knew was the long strip of road where she lived. She was sassy, funny, and in that moment, she was forever my hero.”   

Finding a Passion

“She is my public service why, and my reason for wanting to work to pursue a career in policy to support other families just like hers. If not for waking up that morning and taking advantage of the volunteer opportunities that LSU had to offer, I would not be half the person I am today.” 

Cobi Wright

Major: Psychology
Minor: Spanish, Sociology
College: College of Humanities & Social Sciences, Roger Hadfield Ogden Honors College
Hometown: Grayson, Ga.

“Over the years, I have been able to maximize my commitment to serving the LSU community and use what I learned in my courses to create and participate in volunteer activities that truly meet the needs of the Louisiana community.”

A Pivotal Moment

“A turning point in my LSU experience was participating in my first service-learning course as a participant in the Louisiana Service and Leadership (LASAL) Program.” 

Finding a Passion

“I initially applied to LSU as an Animal Sciences major, but after volunteering with the VIPS program at Buchanan Elementary School and learning about how inadequate access to food, education, and healthcare impacts Louisiana's youth, I changed my major to Psychology with the hopes of becoming a child therapist. My career goals were not yet solidified at the moment, but I knew that I wanted to use my education to advocate for and support disenfranchised youth populations.”

Forging a Future

“Joining the LASAL Program showed me that I can do both by centering community service and servant leadership in my education and encouraged me to pursue a career in public service as a school psychologist.”