Tillman Scholars - Leadership Through Action™ Program

2006-2007
Tillman Scholars

Cheston Bailon
John Bailon
Paul Jason Burke
Kimberley Capp
Brett Caughran
Jordan Curry
Terra Ganem
Brad Hagadorn
Katie Hernandez
Chad Livingston
Ryan McBride
Katie Munsch
Jane Park
Joe Persichina
Jeremy Rudy
Lauren Tassiello
Megan Tollefson
Kimberly Upham
Shirlene Yee

Please select a name on the left.

Cheston Bailon
I can not talk about myself without first mentioning my family. My parents, Francisco and Fannie Bailon have been married for 27 years and have four children. I have one older brother John 23 years old and two younger sisters Jodene age 19 and Jessica age 15. I am 22 years old and the second child. Home is in Shiprock, New Mexico about 30 miles away from the four corners. As a junior at Arizona State University, I am planning to major in Business Marketing and minor in American Indigenous Studies. My hope is that both degrees will prepare me to help my Native people. I love the outdoors including: hiking, fishing, camping, traveling, visiting new and old cultures of the world and learning as I go. I am willing to try something new, but in most cases, it’s not the adventure but the company I am with that is important. I know that I am not the great hope for Natives, but I would like to think there is one out there and somehow through my preparations I can assist them to help our people.

Personal Mission Statement:
In life my objective is to prepare myself to meet the challenges that lay ahead while gaining experience now.

Community Project:
My project this semester is to recruit young Navajos (Diné) from my community to ASU. Recruiting is a small yet important step towards reaching my ultimate goal. With these new students I want to build a team to help develop a solid plan for building a foundation that will help other Navajos succeed in life.

John Bailon
I am a 23 year old junior from Shiprock, NM. I am a Native American, half Navajo and half Santo Domingo Pueblo. I graduated in 2001 from Shiprock High School and lived most of my life on the Navajo reservation. After my freshman year, my brother Cheston and I enlisted in the Marine Corps. In 2005 we served in Operation Iraqi Freedom III in Al Anbar province with Lima Company, 3rd Battalion, 25th Marines. My passion is to address the native youth on our reservation. There are significant problems on the reservation including drugs, alcohol abuse, social issues, and the need for mentoring programs/knowledge hubs to help lead children down the right path for a happy and healthy journey in life.

Community Project:
My brother and I are currently working on bringing several high school students from home for their spring break to experience a one of a kind special introduction to life at ASU. This project leads to our bigger project which is to build a youth development center that would help suppress social and substance abuse issues in our hometown.

Paul Jason Burke
My name is Paul Jason Burke, but I go by Jason. I am from Glendale, AZ and am a senior graduating spring 2007. I am a member of the Barrett Honors College majoring in Finance and Marketing and am working on a thesis for Intel Corporation related to utilities hedging. I also played football for ASU as a longsnapper.

Personal Mission Statement:
To Reach the Upper Echelon of Success by spreading efficiency and helping others to reach their own goals.

Community project:
Currently I am working with Brad Hagadorn on the W. P. Carey Board of Honor and Integrity which is an organization that is currently working on writing an ethics policy for a local company.

Kimberley Capp
I am an honors senior majoring in Finance with a minor in Economics and certificate in International Business. Originally from Virginia Beach, I went to high school in California and my parents now live in Texas. I am currently a financial analyst intern at Intel and will be moving to Chicago in July to pursue a consulting career with A.T. Kearney. When I am not researching international outsourcing for my thesis, I enjoy traveling, surfing/body boarding, and dancing. Go Sundevils!

Personal Mission Statement:
My life mission is to be successful both monetarily and personally. I hope to absorb as much knowledge as possible so that I am able to positively impact others.

Community project:
I have found a great passion for the Leadership Through Action program because I believe in the values of Pat Tillman and the resources available to solve great social issues. This has helped influence my project mission of developing the LTA class as a powerful and sustainable program. I will accomplish this through a constructive evaluation of the class followed by the creation of a resource center and development of a solid LTA brand.

Brett Caughran
I am 21 years old and I am from the small town of Post Falls, ID. Upon graduation from high school I decided to leave the small-town life behind and head for the desert metropolis of Phoenix. ASU has been an absolutely great place for me. I am dual-majoring in Finance & Economics in the W. P. Carey School of Business and I consider myself to be a very dedicated and passionate student of business. I have been working for two years as a Series 7 registered financial advisor for AIG VALIC based in Phoenix. Recently, I have made a career change and I am working as an investment analyst at Grayhawk Venture Partners, a local venture capital firm. I miss the rush of person-to-person sales, but the analytical skills and industry experience that I am gaining at my current job are absolutely amazing. I will be graduating in 10 months, and I intend to go work for a large investment bank on Wall Street in the sales & trading division. I truly feel that this is what I was born to do. In my free time, I really enjoy the outdoors. Fishing, camping, hiking, and playing basketball are some of my favorite activities. In addition, I recently served as president of a coed business fraternity on campus, Delta Sigma Pi, and the activities that accompany my involvement keep me plenty busy. I am very open to any kind of mentor, but I would prefer a business-minded person who is blunt and will not sugar coat things for me. If I am doing something wrong, I want to be confronted about it; I won’t get my feelings hurt, I promise.

Jordan Curry
I was born in Lexington Kentucky. I have lived in Arizona for the last 10 years and that's what brings me to ASU. I am a junior currently majoring in Finance, and I would also like to pick up a certificate in Entrepreneurship and International Business. I am very interested in sports, and have been all of my life. I played basketball and football competitively when I was younger, but my interests reach as far as wake boarding and racquetball. I love the competitive nature of sports, especially because when all is said and done it’s just a game. I also play the guitar and I'm an avid reader of business magazines.

Life Mission Statement:
Triumph through service.  Service to others, service to my community, service to my environment, and service to myself.

Project Description:
I worked with Terra Ganem to launch the first Basketball Beyond the Barrio in Mesa.  Held on Martin Luther King Jr. day our project was a unique basketball camp that celebrates Martin Luther King and his idea of cultural diversity.  Children were able to attend this all day camp for the paltry sum of one dollar, and with this admission fee they were taught fun dribbling drills and more importantly they were introduced to the rich culture that Phoenix and ASU have to offer.  With performances from a Hispanic storyteller, a African Dance group and a Mariachi band the children left the camp with a better understanding and appreciation for cultures other than their own.

Terra Ganem
I was born in Durango, CO but I have grown up in Arizona. Aside from kayaking and recycling, I enjoy mountain biking, long boarding, rock climbing and spending time with my family and close friends. Relationships, with everyone in my life, are extremely important to me because I feel that being there and supporting the people who are important to you is what life is all about. I have changed my major a few times but have landed with Nonprofit Leadership and Management which is the perfect fit. Since I was a little girl, I have told my mom that I want to save the world, so I suppose that's what I am out to do. I am passionate about so many things and very open minded to other people's views and beliefs. I love getting to know new people and forming different kinds of relationships. In short, I'm president of the Sustainability Coalition and founder and president of R.A.D. Recycling.

Personal Mission Statement:

My personal mission statement is Go, Do, Be. Yes, this is Teva's motto, but it's a good one, so why reinvent the wheel? I GO at my own pace, I DO what makes me happy and I am BEcoming a leader for our generation, because after all, we only get one wild and precious life.

Community project:
I am very involved in service, one project specifically was Basketball Beyond the Barrio. Working with Jordan Curry we launched our program on January 15th, Martin Luther King Day, and was a great learning experience. The children taught us so much about who they were and about who we are.

Brad Hagadorn
I am from Irvine, California. I am a 4th year student at Arizona State University and I am studying Marketing and Psychology. I am currently the Chairman of the W. P. Carey Board of Honor and Integrity which was formed by students last year with the goal of spreading awareness of business ethics. I enjoy photography and reading scientific journal articles in my spare time. I plan to attend law school in California after I graduate from ASU.

Personal Mission Statement:
To strive for continuous improvement and efficiency by increasing knowledge through experience.

Community Project:
Working with Jason Burke to revitalize the W. P. Carey Board of Honor and Integrity(BHI) so it can become a sustainable student organization. We are looking forward to developing a corporate ethics policy with a locally based $75M company. In addition we will be organizing ethics case competitions, hosting guest speakers regarding business ethics, and developing theBHI website.

Katie Hernandez
I am a senior from Ahwatukee, Arizona, pursuing a dual degree in Accounting & Marketing. As an active student, I felt a great deal of pride for ASU and feel I have received the ultimate college experience. I have been involved in numerous campus organizations, including The Rodel Scholars Program, which has shown me the meaning of civic leadership and reminded that we do have the power to fuel change! Furthermore, I am a proud member and current President of the Kappa Alpha Theta sorority. This past summer I was an accounting intern for ESPN. When I graduate in May, I hope to return to ESPN full-time, join Teach for America, or travel as consultant for my sorority. In my free time, I love spending time with my family & friends. I love football season (especially cheering on the Utah Utes, where my brother is playing), working out, traveling, laughing, meeting new people, the beach, and any outdoor activity in the sun! I will be forever grateful for the opportunity to join the Tillman Community; it has truly been an inspiring experience!

Personal Mission Statement:
To find happiness, fulfillment, and value in living.

Community Project:

I have grown very passionate about my Tillman Project, the Arizona High School Town Hall, which provides Arizona’s youth with a positive experience and opportunity to raise their voice and gain greater influence and control over issues and decisions that directly affect them.

Chad Livingston
I am currently a second year graduate student in ASU’s Master’s of Public Administration program. I began my graduate training at ASU after completing my military training as a combat medic. When I graduate in May 2007, I will be an Army Engineer Officer. I love outdoor sports - mountain biking, skiing, and I try to surf. Beyond these, I just enjoy having a good time with friends. So far, the Tillman Leadership Through Action program has helped me improve the leadership skills I use on a daily basis.

Personal Mission Statement:

I will attack my journey in life with so much energy and optimism that others I meet will have the courage to pursue their passions, and make a difference in their own way.

Community Project:

I have launched a Public Administration Students International Committee. Currently this committee is helping to sponsor the education of Filipino children. Further, we aim to increase the awareness of international issues among public administration students. Hopefully, we will develop a for credit seminar dedicated to furthering international development.

Ryan McBride
I was born in San Diego, but raised in Tempe, AZ. I am a fifth year senior with a major in Interdisciplinary studies. My two areas of concentrations are Spanish and Education. I played on the tennis team for all four years here at Arizona State University playing #1 in my last year. I am a big sports fan and I have probably played every sport ever invented. One of my passions is improving education in the United States. I have an internship with Teach for America as a Campus Campaign Manager. My number one goal for a career is to become a professional tennis player. I hope to make a difference in this class with hard work and dedication throughout the year.

Personal Mission
Statement:
To gain experience through employment and community service projects that will lead to management and entrepreneurial opportunities. Becoming financially successful will allow me to be a social leader and contributor as well.

Community Project:

The program that I am creating is called the “Pat Tillman Mentorship Program.” The program will pool volunteers and give them options for different mentorship opportunities. Right now I am working with the Thomas J. Pappas School for homeless children. I hope to expand the program to not only assembling mentors, but also volunteers for all types of projects.

Katie Munsch
I was born and raised in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania and I love the Steelers! Currently, I am a junior at ASU majoring in journalism and mass communication with a minor in political science. I am also a student in the Barrett Honors College. Right now, I am not exactly sure what I would like to do after I graduate in 2008, but I am considering either going to law school or receiving a masters in higher education administration. Outside of school, I mentor Mesa high school students through LTA's partner program, Youth Re:Action Corps. YRC educates youth about global issues, empowers them to create change, and invests financially in their visions of a better world. In my free time, I like to work out, read, spend time with friends, and travel.

Personal Mission Statement:
To live a well-rounded life by placing an equal amount of passion towards my family, my friends and my career, while treating everyone I meet throughout the path of life with dignity and respect.

Community Project:

On January 30th and 31st, Katie Hernandez and I assisted the ASU Rodel Scholars with the successful launch of the first Arizona High School Town Hall. The Arizona High School Town Hall, which was hosted at ASU West, brought together over 60 student participants representing 14 Arizona high schools. At the Town Hall, participants explored and identified critical issues facing Arizona High School students. Solutions to the problems were then developed by the participants, providing a valuable perspective of those currently enrolled in the secondary education system. Over the next few months, Katie H. and I will be putting together a report documenting these solutions, which will be presented to civic leaders and educators throughout the state. Additionally, planning will soon begin for the next Town Hall, which is tentatively scheduled for November, 2007.

Jane Park
I am a junior majoring in Economics and pursuing an International Business certificate. I was born in Chicago, Illinois, but raised in Brooklyn and Queens, NY. I came to ASU because of an amazing scholarship, and stayed because I fell in love with the great people, resources, and opportunities offered here. Everyday I find myself appreciating the beautiful skies and sunsets of Arizona. I am part of the W. P. Carey School of Business and the Barrett Honors College. I enjoy being involved in both schools as an Honors Devils where I give weekly tours of the Honors College and as a member of Phi Beta Lambda, a business organization. In my free time, I enjoy watching movies, spending time with friends and family, playing board games, and cooking. After graduation, I would like to go to law school in NY and also travel as much as possible.

Personal Mission Statement
:
My mission is to be proud of my past, to create a worthy present, and prepare for an influential future. I will think, speak, and act to accomplish this purpose.

Community Project:

My project, Driven: Empowerment through Education, will educate young college students to become more knowledgeable about car maintenance and safety. It will attempt to bridge the communication gap that currently exists between the information and the consumer.

Joe Persichina
I am from Rolling Hills Estates in Southern California. I am a Senior majoring in Bachelor of Interdisciplinary Studies with an emphasis in Business and Communication. I am the youngest of three brothers, (Anthony-30, Mike-27). I play for the ASU Baseball team, and have spent the last three summers playing baseball in Cape Cod and Alaska. I have spent the last 3 years as part of the Student Athlete Advisory Council (SAAC) at ASU. I love camping, fishing, hiking, and the outdoors in general. The reason I want to be part of this extraordinary group is to learn how to have a positive influence on my community and make the best decisions as a young adult and athlete. I want to learn through the life of Pat Tillman, and live my life to its full potential like he did.

Personal Mission Statement:
I am a self determined individual who expects a tremendous amount of success from my self and others. I have a passion for athletics and love to compete in every aspect of life. My goal in life is to be the best at what I do and, to have a positive affect on those who surround me.

CommunityProject:
I am working with the Bailon brothers to introduce Native American high school students to ASU and college life.  My focus will be on athletics and planning events in which they can participate and gain confidence through sporting events.

Jeremy Rudy
I am from Bozeman, Montana. I moved to Arizona last year to attend ASU, and I’m now a Barrett Honors sophomore double majoring in Marketing and Global Studies. I stay involved on campus through my duties as the Executive Vice President of the Business School Council. I’m fascinated with peak performance psychology, international development, and the extraordinary power of youth to change the world. These interests have led me into public speaking to youth audiences, which I begin doing this fall. Outside of that, I love extreme sports, playing music, and frequent travel.

Community Project:
Mr. Rudy is the Co-Founder and Chief Executive Officer of the newly formed corporation: Inspire Productions LLC. Inspire Productions produces Inspire Magazine, a revolutionary new product which seeks to be a powerful new source of influence for today's young adults. Inspire is in pre-development stage and plans to launch in 2008.

Lauren Tassiello
A driven, yet fun-loving girl, Lauren Tassiello was born and raised in Las Vegas, Nevada. She is a sophomore at the W.P. Carey School of Business, looking to major in Marketing and focus on social marketing. Lauren seeks to raise awareness of social issues amongst young teens using the powerful influence of mass media. Lauren also thrives on being involved; whether it is with business clubs and presentations, athletics (especially synchronized swimming and boxing), social events, or community service. And with all that she carries with her the idea that life is lived best when people rise up to their full potential and at the same time don’t take themselves too seriously.

Personal Mission Statement:
To fulfill my life's purpose, live happily, and be a catalyzing force for positive change.

Community Project:
Currently she is working on a leadership development program for girls transitioning from 8th grade into high school. The program empowers the girls through focus on personal development, leadership development, and mentorship, giving them the resources for success.

Megan Tollefson
I am a lifelong ASU fan from Mesa, AZ. I am a junior majoring in Painting and Marketing and working on my certificate in International Business. As a member of the Barrett Honors College, I was able to study abroad to Latin America and be involved in numerous service organizations. I enjoy working as a Resident Assistant on campus during the school year as well as serve as a member of several committees representing on-campus students' interests. An energetic and goal-oriented person, I love playing tennis, traveling, learning about different cultures, working out, and trying new things. I plan to combine some of these passions as I gear up to hike the Grand Canyon this summer.

Personal Mission Statement:
To live everyday with personal integrity and high character equity; to live with nature and be a positive force; and to enjoy the journey and make a difference in the world. Go Sun Devils!

Community Project:
Currently, I am working on my Tillman project that targets financial literacy for the college community. As a means to
combat the record-low savings rates, towering amounts of credit card debt, and poor budgeting habits, I am working on a campaign to educate college students about financial basics and how they can effectively manage their money.

Kimberly Upham
Kimberly Upham from Chandler, Arizona, is an honors junior at ASU studying Political Science and Journalism. Kimberly teaches freshmen seminars on Academic Success for the College of Liberal Arts and Sciences, is a member of the Pi Sigma Alpha and Phi Eta Sigma Honors Societies, a Political Science Junior Fellow and Research Assistant, and a member the ASU Chapter of the Society of Professional Journalists. Kimberly works at a small Tempe law firm as a Special Projects Assistant, and plans to attend law school after graduation from ASU in May 2008 with Bachelor's and Master's degrees in Political Science, as well as a certificate in Philosophy, Politics and Law.

Personal Mission Statement:
My mission is to find happiness, value and fulfillment in living, both personally and professional, and to follow my values and utilize my passions as a means of finding direction in life.

Community Project:
The Reaching Higher! program, partnering with Shirlene Yee. Reaching Higher! is dedicated to assisting high school and young adult refugees enter and succeed in higher education.

Shirlene Yee
I am a sophomore double majoring in political science and global studies, on the international law track. I was born and raised in Tucson, Arizona, but I've had an avid interest in traveling, having the opportunity to study abroad during a summer in Lindlar, Germany. Languages are one of my passions, particularly Chinese, Japanese, German, and Spanish. Coupled with my international interests is a passion for public speaking and law. Consequently, I am highly involved with a variety of organizations. I am a program coordinator with Community Outreach & Advocacy for Refugees, have served as a captain for ASU's Sun Devil Mock Trial, am Secretary for the Asian Business Leaders Association, and am a member of the Barrett Honors College. I hope to intern in Washington DC in the summer of 2007 and then spend a year abroad in China before graduating from ASU. Outside of the global arena, I also love painting, web design, martial arts, and Argentine tango.

Personal Mission Statement:
To remember that what impassions people are people. Taking from two individuals, OS Card, and Goethe, remember that “it is impossible to really understand somebody, what they want, what they believe, and not love them the way they love themselves,” as well as to “dream no small dreams for they have no power to move the hearts of men.”

Community Project:

Community Outreach & Advocacy's Reaching Higher Program is a five-part workshop series teaching high school refugee students the skills for higher education. In addition to assisting refugee tackle the challenges in obtaining higher education, Reaching Higher also networks participants with refugee alumni and a pool of mentors who work with students one-on-one, cultivating a network of support and community.

 

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