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Oreon E. Scott Legacy Award
Oreon E. Scott was a former Drake governing board member who turned his success as a St. Louis real estate businessman into a lifetime of philanthropy for the Disciples of Christ Church, which founded Drake in 1881.
Given annually since 1949, the Oreon E. Scott Legacy Award recipient is considered to be the most exemplary graduating senior at Drake University. Excellence in scholarship, leadership, service, and involvement are hallmarks of the Oreon E. Scott Award winner. As part of their honor, the recipient will have the opportunity to speak at commencement in May.
Each student nominated for this award must be enrolled as a full-time undergraduate student at Drake University graduating in 2026, and must have a minimum 2.5 cumulative GPA.
NOMINATOR: Please compile the materials listed below in one email and send them to Kristin Economos at kristin.economos@drake.edu by April 12, 2026.
Submission Requirements:
- A minimum of three letters of nomination from faculty, staff, and/or students. Nomination letters should highlight the senior’s achievements in four areas: scholarship, leadership, involvement, and service
- A copy of the nominee’s current resumé
- A 250-word statement from the nominee describing evidence of their leadership values and impact as a student leader at Drake University.
2025 Recipient: Ashley Dyson
We were pleased to award Ashley Dyson as the 2025 Oreon E. Scott Outstanding Senior Award on May 3rd at the Drake Student Leadership Award ceremony. Ashley received an unprecedented 25 letters of support, all indicating her contributions to our campus community.
Ashley maintained a 3.64 GPA while pursuing a rigorous academic path in Politics and History. Professors describe her as a critical thinker who uses learning not just to succeed, but to create meaningful change. One faculty member shared, “Ashley's enthusiasm for learning and her desire to use those skills for the betterment of others make her a worthy recipient of this award.”
As Student Body President, Ashley led with clarity, empathy, and conviction—revising Senate election procedures, restoring academic traditions, and launching the “Help Your Shelf” resource hub to meet students’ basic needs. One nominator wrote, “She doesn't just set a standard—she is the standard. Most students get frustrated with push back and critique, but Ashley listens patiently, calmly, and maintains incredible maturity. Her commitment to ethical and equitable leadership is evident in her approach and decisions.”
Ashley's service extends far beyond campus. She clerked in the Iowa House of Representatives, interned at the World Food Prize Foundation, and volunteered with organizations committed to community advancement. One state legislator described Ashley as “strategic, humble, and an active listener who remains calm and thoughtful —traits I often find lacking even in professionals twice her age”.
As you can see, Ashley's presence can be felt across nearly every corner of our university. From Student Senate and the Adams Leadership Institute to the Student Activities Board, she uplifts, empowers, and inspires those around her. As one peer shared, “Ashley leads with grace and purpose, creating a legacy of strength and kindness—and we are all better for it.”
Ashley excels in all categories of scholarship, leadership, service, and involvement, not only at Drake University, but also within her surrounding community. She truly represents everything that defined Oreon E. Scott.
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