2022-2023 Executive Board Members

Honors Board Members

Honors Board Members

All Executive Teams
Laurie Law - Administrative Director

Laurie Law 

Administrative Director

Hi! My name is Laurie Smith Law, and I joined the staff of the University Honors Program as the Administrative Director in 2007. I served on the Board of Directors for the National Collegiate Honors Council from 2011 through 2014, and am currently co-chair of the organization’s Professional Development Committee. My primary responsibilities as the administrative director are to work in conjunction with the Honors staff and Honors Student Board to provide members of the Honors Program with an enriched academic experience.

Photo of Leisha Estep

Leisha Estep

Staff Advisor

I am the University Honors Program Coordinator and the advisor for the Honors Student Board. I am from East Tennessee but my husband and I recently moved from Oklahoma. I completed graduate work in Gender/sexuality, medical, and 20th century US History at the University of Georgia. Some of my favorite things are reading cozy mysteries, traveling, eating at new places, board games, and escape rooms. If you want me to talk non-stop, ask me about my 2 new rescue dogs- JoJo (Dorgi) and Bentley (Standard Poodle).

Taras Butrie - President

Taras Butrie

President

Hello! I’m Taras Butrie, a Senior in Aerospace Engineering with a minor in Mathematics and I'm from Grand Blanc, Michigan. Besides being the President of HSB, I’m also the President of the Orthodox Christian Fellowship, a tenor in the Statesmen men's choir, and a clarinet in the Cyclone Hockey Pep Band. When I'm not working on classwork in Howe or working on HSB stuff in Jischke, I'm either binge-watching something, playing video games with my roommates, cheering on the Cyclones, or making some Slavic comfort food.

Julia Litecky - Vice President

Julia Litecky

Vice President

Hey everyone! My name is Julia Litecky and I am a junior from Minneapolis studying Political Science and Journalism with a Criminal Justice minor. I am so excited to be serving on the board as Vice President! Beyond HSB, I am the secretary of DubH Hip Hop Club and I work at a law firm. I love to dance, roller blade, paint, and shop. I am excited to bring you all the Jischk each week and make this another fabulous year in the honors community!

Frances Jackson - Treasurer

Frances Jackson

Treasurer

Hi everyone! My name is Frances Jackson, and I am currently a sophomore getting a double degree in Agricultural Business and Accounting. I am from a farm near Garwin, Iowa, and I am this year's treasurer. Besides being involved in HSB, I'm active in the Agricultural Business Club, Collegiate Women in Business, Kairos, and as an RA in Frederiksen court. In my free time, I enjoy keeping busy by sewing, crocheting, and being outside with livestock. A fun fact about me is I have my own honey bee hive. If you see me around campus, please say hi; I would love to get to know you! 

Morgan Simms - Secretary

Morgan Simms

Secretary

Hi everyone! My name is Morgan Simms, and I'm the Secretary for HSB this year. I'm a design major focused on interior design and am pursuing a minor in sustainability. My dream job is to help design stadiums worldwide and raise mini goats on a farm. If you have any questions about events or how to get involved, my student email is msimms@iastate.edu.   

Keith Urmie - UHP Chair

Keith Urmie

UHP Chair

Hello! My name is Keith Urmie. I have the honor of serving as this year's UHP Chair, and I could not be more excited! I am also a Sophomore majoring in Agricultural Engineering. I am passionate about agriculture and hope to someday work to feed a growing world population as an Agricultural Engineer!

Sirius Xaedax-Stanley - Transfer Student Representative

Sirius Xaedax-Stanley

Transfer Student Rep

Hi, y'all! My name is Sirius, and my pronouns are they/them. I'm the Transfer Student Representative for HSB, and I'll be leading the new Transfer Student Committee.

I'm a senior with a double major in Sociology and Psychology, with a minor in Women's & Gender Studies. I also work as a Peer Academic Coach at the Academic Success Center, a Research Assistant in Dr. Cross' Social Self and Culture Laboratory, and I hold the "Green" Position (Program Director) for the Pride Alliance. 

Among many identities, I'm proudly Queer, Disabled, and Neurodiverse. In my free time I enjoy spending time with my spouse and our many fur babies. I also enjoy playing video games, writing, doing research, attempting to learn new languages, and creating art!

Email me if you're interested in getting involved with HSB as a transfer student, or if you'd like to participate in the Transfer Student Committee! Whatever the reason, don't hesitate to reach out! My email is sirius@iastate.edu

Phoebe Ditrinco - Events Co-Chair

Phoebe Ditrinco

Events Co-Chair

Hello! My name is Phoebe and I am from Boulder, Colorado. I am majoring in Animal Science on the pre-vet track and hope to take care of all sorts of animals including reptiles and poultry. I am super excited to be a co-chair of the events committee. My hobbies include hiking and watching horror movies. Halloween of course is my favorite holiday and I tend to celebrate for the whole month of October. Before taking this role I was a member of the events committee, a FHP leader, and an Honors Ambassador. I hope to see you guys at our events! 

Jazmin Terrell - Events Co-Chair

Jazmin Terrell

Events Co-Chair

Hi! I’m Jazmin Terrell. I am a third year student studying integrated studio arts. My hometown is Urbandale, Iowa. I am the University Print Society president, an officer for the College of Design Art Club, and an honors ambassador. In my free time I love to read and binge CSI episodes with my roommates. If I’m not at the studio or hanging out with friends, you can find me making elaborate spontaneous meals in my apartment.

Suryansh Mishra - Philanthropy Co-Chair

Suryansh Mishra

Philanthropy Co-Chair

Hello! My name is Suryansh Mishra and I'm from St. Louis, Missouri. I'm a freshman pursuing Environmental Engineering. Aside from being the 2022-23 Philanthropy Co-Chair, I'm also a part of State Storm (piccolo) and the President's Leadership Class. I love producing music, reading, playing water polo/table tennis, and conversing in my free time. I'm looking forward to an amazing year as an HSB member!

Hamelynn Harzman - Philanthropy Co-Chair

Hamelynn Harzman

Philanthropy Co-Chair

Hello! My name is Hamelynn Harzman and I'm a freshman double-majoring in biology and Spanish. I'm originally from Montgomery, IL, and I'm one of this year's philanthropy co-chairs. In my free time, I like to hang out with friends, play games, or grab a bite to eat. I'm excited to plan engaging events to serve the community!

Jordy Pauly - Webmaster

Jordy Pauly

Webmaster

Hey! My name is Jordy and I am a junior from Maple Grove, MN studying Actuarial Science. Outside of being the Webmaster for the Honors Board I am on the Women's Club Soccer Team and I work at Northwestern Mutual. I love doing anything active such as playing sports, going to the gym, and doing outdoor activities. As a recent comedy college graduate, I love jokes and making people laugh. If you are looking for people to do fun activities with add me on snapchat jordypauly. I am looking forward to making new memories this semester!

Sean Mulcrone - Harwood House Representative

Sean Mulcrone

Harwood House Rep

Hi, my name is Sean Mulcrone, and I am the Harwood House Representative. I am a sophomore in Mechanical Engineering, minoring in Computer Science. Being from LaGrange, Illinois, I love my Chicago sports, mainly the Cubs, but also the Bears and Northwestern Wildcats. Here at Iowa State, I enjoy playing intramural sports, hanging out with the best dorm on campus as well as being a proud member of the ISU Horticulture Club.

Kylie Feilmeier - FHP Chair

Kylie Feilmeier

FHP Chair

Hello! I'm Kylie Feilmeier, and I am a sophomore in Architecture with a minor in Urban Design. I am from a tiny town in west central Iowa not too far from Ames. My hobbies include painting, running, baking, and playing with my dog, Morgan (Husky/Lab/Collie mix). I am excited to serve as the FHP Chair for the 2022-23 HSB, and I hope you will join the FHP committee!

Emily Hodges - Starbuck House Representative

Emily Hodges

Starbuck House Rep

Hey y’all! My name is Emily Hodges, and I am the Starbuck House representative for HSB. I am a Freshman majoring in Animal Science with a certificate in Equine Science and Management. I am passionate about the equine industry, and I love spending time outdoors!

Thaddeus Zenk - Anders House Rep

Thaddeus Zenk

Anders House Rep

Hello! My name is Thaddeus Zenk, and I am from Sheboygan, Wisconsin. I am a freshman majoring in Environmental Engineering. In my free time, I love to watch the Vikings and Timberwolves play, watch Survivor, go for runs, and play board games with my friends.