Upon his arrival at K-State for the fall 2024 semester, Aiden Lyons expected the sudden weight of responsibility to feel overwhelming.

“It was incredibly freeing, but then you realize you're an adult now, and you have a mind-blowing list of things to take care of,” he said. “But after getting settled in my residence hall and becoming familiar with my schedule and surroundings, everything fell into place.”

The following deluge of activities and orientation that marks a new academic year was a bit daunting, but Lyons knew he wasn’t alone. He’s made countless new connections, and he had the added support of the Gentlemen Leadership Society.

“[Fellow GLS scholar] Paxton Etheredge and I are spending a lot of time with the other students on our floor, and I know the many GLS alumni benefactors we’ve met will be there to keep us on the right path and talk us through some of the stresses that come with college,” he said.

Education

Kapaun Mt. Carmel Catholic High School, Wichita, KS | Class of 2024 | GPA: 4.288

Lyons is an Eagle Scout who loves drone photography and distance running. In high school, he participated in robotics, track, cross country and theater, and volunteered with the Special Olympics and Wichita’s Blessed Sacrament Catholic Church. He recently completed an internship at the National Institute for Aviation Research in Wichita, assisting the machining team with the production of military aircraft.

At K-State, Lyons chose mechanical engineering because it’s broader than some engineering disciplines and allows him to keep his options open. He plans to narrow his interests for his junior year, and ultimately choose a path after completing an internship experience or two.

Thank you!

“I’m incredibly grateful for the chance we’ve been given to grow as people together and encourage each other to seize leadership opportunities around campus,” Lyons said. “It’s a point of pride to be one of the inaugural GLS scholars, and I look forward to helping our founders mold what will be the kind of organization others want to emulate.”