WILLISTON, N.D. - Selected based off his excellent academic standing, sophomore Brandon Kayter has a rare opportunity to represent Williston State College in the International Scholar Laureate Program (ISLP) in Australia this May.
Nominated by Maren Furuseth, WSC's Phi Theta Kappa (PTK) Advisor, to the All North Dakota Academic Team, Kayter's name was then added to a pool of students for academic achievements and was selected by the ISLP.
In her eight years as an advisor for WSC's honor society, Furuseth has never had a student selected for this honor.
According to its website, the ISLP provides students a chance to further their career development and strengthen their leadership skills while engaging in culturally-enriching experiences that increase their knowledge and preparation for a specific career while providing a global understanding of the career field.
"We will spend three days in Melbourne and four days in Sydney," Kayter explained. "The program is centered on the marketing and advertising part of business, which I am super interested in. My dad is a car salesman and I have been helping him with his marketing for a bit and most recently have helped a local relator with their social media and websites."
Kayter will graduate from WSC on May 11 with an AA and AAS in Business Management.
"Technically with my degrees from WSC, I could start right away in the workforce, but I want to get my Bachelor's degree in either Business Administration or Marketing," stated Kayter. "This trip will be so beneficial for my future career goals. I am honored to be considered."
Between May 20 and May 27, Kayter and the other students will meet with a top Australian advertising agency and visit local universities for lectures and meet with entrepreneur speakers.
"Brandon received a scholarship and WSC Foundation graciously donated $2,000 for him to attend," explained Kim Weismann, WSC Arts and Human Sciences Department Chair. "He still needs to raise more funds because he is a Canadian student who is unable to work while he is student here."
WSC hosted a potluck to help him fundraise. Now, Kayter is shy of his overall goal by $800 and is continuing his fundraising by going around town selling snack sticks recommended by WSC Professor Ken Quamme.
"I am so grateful to Maren, Kim, and Ken for all their help with fundraising. I wasn't going to apply initially because I didn't think I could afford it, and quickly with their help, I am close to my goal," Kayter said. "Thank you to everyone who has supported me whether it be with fundraising or just reaching out with a congratulations. Everyone's support has meant the world to me."
In addition to being a PTK member, Kayter works in the Communications Lab, is part of WSC's Teton Activity Board (TAB) and Diversity club, and has played for the Teton Hockey team for the past two years. Kayter hopes to continue collegiate play next year at Minot State University or travel back home to Canada to attend the University of Regina.
If interested in donating to Kayter for this trip or purchasing any snack sticks to help him get to Australia, please contact Maren Furuseth, PTK Advisor, Business and Trades Technology Department Chair, Associate Professor and Program Coordinator of Accounting at 701.774. 4298 or maren.furuseth@willistonstate.edu
For information on WSC please visit www.willistonstate.edu
call 1.888.863.9455, or stop by 1410 University Avenue, Williston, ND.