Walsh University has announced the recipients of two of its top honors for the Class of 2025. Isabelle "Izzy" Rammel has been awarded the T.O.W.E.R. of Excellence Award, while Samuel Krakowski has received the Outstanding Student Award.

The T.O.W.E.R. of Excellence Award, Walsh University's most prestigious non-academic honor, acknowledges seniors or recent graduates who demonstrate leadership, dedication to campus and community, and embody the core values of the university.

"Izzy" Rammel, majoring in Government & Foreign Affairs and Theology with minors in History and English, has shown significant leadership on campus as President of both the Walsh Pre-Law Club and the Student-Athlete Advisory Committee. She also supported academic excellence as an Honors Student Co-Assistant and tutor. Her Honors thesis, “Darke County’s ‘Country Lawyers’: Analyzing Rural Legal Landscapes & Cause Lawyering Classifications,” reflects her focus on legal systems and rural legal services.

Rammel has balanced her academic pursuits with collegiate athletics, competing in Cross Country, Indoor Track, and Outdoor Track. She was recognized as the Indoor Track and Field Elite 26 honoree in spring 2024. After graduation, she will attend The Ohio State University's Moritz College of Law with a full-tuition scholarship.

Reflecting on her experience, Rammel said, “During my time in the Walsh community, I’ve been inspired by the way people show up for each other. Whether in the classroom, chapel, or track, I’m blessed to be surrounded by servant leaders, and that’s definitely shaped my community-building drive.”

The Outstanding Student Award is the highest academic honor at Walsh, given to a graduating senior with a GPA greater than 3.9 who has shown interdisciplinary excellence and intellectual curiosity.

Samuel Krakowski double-majored in Finance and Business Management and demonstrated academic excellence and leadership through his participation in the CFA Institute Research Challenge. He led Walsh to victory in the Cleveland regional competition, highlighting his strategic and research capabilities.

Krakowski's Honors thesis, “The Efficiency of Price Convergence: A Historical Analysis of Value Investing Strategies,” was presented in March 2025. He transformed the Student Managed Investment Portfolio into a hub for ethical investing and peer mentorship. Krakowski accepted a role as an Associate Risk Analyst at Swagelok and plans to pursue an MBA aiming for executive leadership roles.

Reflecting on leadership, Krakowski stated, “A truly great leader not only charts the path forward but lives it daily.”