Finalists for the 2015 Man and Woman of the Year competition have been selected by a panel of Wichita State University faculty and staff.

The finalists came from a pool of 45 applicants, 20 of whom moved on to the interview round. Though there were many deserving candidates, only four men and four women are selected as finalists.

The 2015 Man and Woman of the Year will each receive a $650 scholarship and the remaining finalists will each receive $300 scholarships. The finalists will be introduced at Songfest on Saturday, Oct. 24. The winners will be announced at the Man and Woman of the Year Finalist Banquet on Friday, Nov. 6.

Man of the Year finalists

Taben Azad is a senior from Wichita, double majoring in mechanical engineering and political science. Azad is vice president of the Muslim Student Association and is involved with the Global Awareness Student Project, American Society of Mechanical Engineering, Bangladesh Student Association, Model UN, Asian Student Conference and the Student Government Association, where he serves as engineering senator. Azad has been active in leadership programs, including the Summer Leadership Institute, Emerging Leaders and Evolving Leaders. He has received the Gold Star Leader Award and is the first winner of the Convocation Shocker Spirit Photo Competition. Azad has volunteered with the United Nations International Children’s Emergency Fund, Wichita Bangladesh Youth Committee and the Islamic Society of Wichita.

Jerad Rogers is a junior from Wichita, double majoring in biomedical engineering and physics. He is the president of the Biomedical Engineering Society and is involved with the National Society of Leadership and Success, Beta Theta Pi and Order of Omega. Rogers is an undergraduate research assistant in the Biomedical Engineering Department. He is a recipient of the Cessna Engineering and the College of Engineering Undergraduate Research Scholarships. Rogers has volunteered with Big Brothers Big Sisters and St. Vincent de Paul Catholic Church.

Joseph Shepard is a senior from San Diego, majoring in criminal justice. Shepard is the president of the Student Government Association and has held multiple leadership positions within Alpha Phi Alpha, currently serving as the president. Additionally, Shepard is involved with the Black Student Union, Ambassadors for Diversity and Inclusion, Asian Student Conference and Multicultural Greek Council. He is the recipient of many awards, including the Dream Chasers Award, Alpha Phi Alpha Brother of the Year, Greek Unity Award and the Advocate Award. Shepard serves the community by being involved with organizations such as Young People’s Division, Wichita Urban Professionals and CORE Inc.

Reid Williams is a junior from Lawrence, majoring in nursing. He has held several leadership positions within Sigma Phi Epsilon and is vice president of programming. Williams is involved with the Interfraternity Council, Order of Omega and the College of Health Professions Dean’s Leadership Council. Williams was a finalist for the Distinguished Scholarship Invitational and the Panhellenic Servant Award. He has volunteered with Big Brothers Big Sisters and the Boy Scouts of America.

Woman of the Year finalists

Kiah Duggins is a senior from Wichita, double majoring in economics and international business. Duggins is chief of staff for the Student Government Association and has been involved with the Student Ambassador Society, Ambassadors for Diversity and Inclusion, Barton International Group and the Clinton Global Initiative. She served as a peer academic leader and was a winner of Wichita State University’s Miss Black and Gold competition. Duggins was a Wichita State University Phenomenal Women nominee and the recipient of the Clay Barton Endowed Scholarship. She is the founder of The Princess Project and volunteers as a dance teacher for Tabernacle Bible Church and DREAMS Dance Ministry.

Amanda Johnson is a junior from Wichita, double majoring in finance and economics. She is vice president of communications for Delta Gamma Fraternity and has been involved with the Barton International Group, Student Government Association and Student Ambassador Society. Johnson has been on the Dean’s List and is a Harry Gore Memorial Scholar. She is a peer financial consultant and has served as a Shocker Navigator. Johnson has volunteered with the Miss Kansas Pageant Inc., Youth Entrepreneurs of Kansas and DECA.

Gracie Palmer is a senior from Hesston, majoring in general studies of chemistry. She is a member of Delta Gamma Fraternity and has been involved with Shockerthon, Pre-Medicine Student Association, Mortar Board, Golden Key Honor Society and the American Red Cross Club. Palmer was a WSU cheerleader and is on the Dean’s List. She has volunteered with Envision Rehabilitation Center and Heather’s Camp.

Emry Woelk is a senior from Wichita, double majoring in management and human resource management. She is president of the Panhellenic Council and is a member of Student Ambassador Society, Order of Omega, Delta Gamma Fraternity and Society for Human Resource Management. Woelk has served as a Summer Leadership Institute mentor, freshman and transfer peer mentor and marketing intern with the Wichita State Athletics Department. She was a finalist for the Distinguished Scholarship Invitational and is on the Dean’s List. Woelk volunteers with Envision Rehabilitation Center, Heather’s Camp, Big Brothers Big Sisters and Habitat for Humanity.