David Nevarez Saenz
David Nevarez Saenz graduated in 2023 with a bachelor’s degree in Aerospace Engineering from Wichita State University. David’s story is about hard work, determination, and taking chances.
After graduating, he began as an engineer for Airbus where he and his team were tasked with upgrading multiple aircraft for a variety of major airlines like American, Delta, and JetBlue.
After receiving his master’s degree in Aerospace Engineering: Space Systems Design, David knew it was time for him to propel his career to the space sector. He responded to hundreds of job postings, connected with as many people as he could, and is now an engineer for NASA, supporting the Artemis program as it prepares to send astronauts back to the moon. David has learned how to turn disappointment into determination, find gratitude in what he has been given, and help others take a chance on themselves.
Lauren O'Donnell
Lauren O’Donnell graduated from Wichita State University in 2023 with a business degree. She currently serves as an Assistant Talent Development Specialist for Burns & McDonnell in Kansas City, and she has found a multitude of ways to extend her skills far beyond her job.
Lauren has served as Vice Chair of the genKC Professional Development Committee, embracing the opportunity to not only engage with other young professionals, but also organize networking events to help connect others in the area.
Lauren also teaches at a dance studio, helping develop skills and confidence in students as young as 5 years old. Through all of this, Lauren has learned the importance of making time for herself and her passions, which helps her stay personally balanced and energized every day—and to help others do the same.
Gage Farney
Gage Farney received a Construction Science degree from Fort Hays State University in 2022 and has been an employee of Crossland Construction ever since. He is a commercial construction superintendent, spearheading the building process on each of his jobsites, including managing the employees, schedules, and the process itself.
Gage’s hard work as a freshman earned him an internship with Crossland right away, solidifying his passion for the industry.
His experience through college and beyond has taught him how valuable consistent communication is when working on an important project, and he has mastered this by staying consistently informed and confident enough to make decisions that he knows will impact every part of the job. His hard work extends to his personal life, where he competes in triathlons and expending his fishing, hunting, and golfing skills.
Trinity Hartter
Trinity Hartter (Wagner) graduated from Fort Hays State University in 2023 with a BBA in Marketing. Trinity is a great example of how hard work and creativity can combine to make an impact no matter where you are.
She has been a Social Media Specialist for Dairy Farmers of America since 2024, where she gets to work directly with farmers promoting the industry through social media trends.
Trinity enjoys seeing the direct impact DFA makes on the farm families they represent, giving her the opportunity to use her creative skills to make a difference. Trinity and her husband have embraced the world of parenthood, raising a young son and proving that success takes different forms at different stages of life.
These are just a few examples of how our Rudd Scholar Alumni are looking beyond the degree to build their futures. Whether they are starting families, using their skills to land their dream job, or furthering their education, there is no shortage of hard work in this #RuddScholarFamily.
