Annapolis, Md.—Former Navy football players Parish Gaines ('15) and Jude Akpunku ('16), former women's lacrosse midfielder Katrina Nietsch ('11), former men's soccer player Michael Lemonick ('15) and former women's track & field athlete Maressa Guynn ('14) were named 2024 Tillman Scholars by the Pat Tillman Foundation.
Tillman Scholars are military service members, veterans and spouses with a high potential for impact as demonstrated through a proven track record of leadership, the continued pursuit of education and the commitment of their resources to service beyond self.
Gaines, a Smyrna, Tenn. native, exemplifies the power of hard work, resilience, vision and a commitment to lifelong learning. Determined to give back, he focuses on empowering the next generation through scholarship, mentorship, and athletics. As a first-generation college graduate, Parrish's journey began at the United States Naval Academy, where he earned a B.S. in Political Science in 2015. Throughout his college career, he was a dedicated FBS football player, starting in 46 consecutive games and serving as team captain in 2014.
After graduating, he coached football at the Naval Academy Prep School in Rhode Island before moving into the Human Resources Community. As a Human Resources Officer, he found fulfillment in helping others achieve their potential. During his service in the Navy, Parrish furthered his education, obtaining a master's degree in Human Resource Management from Troy University and another in Sport Administration from the University of Louisville. He also established the Create Your Own Path Scholarship.
After leaving the Navy, Parrish had the opportunity to coach football at the University of Cincinnati, where his players greatly benefited from his military background. The discipline he instilled contributed to the team's appearance in the 2021 College Football Playoff. Currently, Parrish is a middle school teacher and high school football coach while also pursuing an MBA at Vanderbilt University. He plans to found a nonprofit aimed at transforming the lives of young people from disadvantaged backgrounds, guiding them toward bright futures.
"Overcoming adversity has strengthened my resolve and deepened by capacity to serve as both a mentor and leader," said Gaines. "It is a privilege to guide others as they seek success."
Akpunku, a 1L at Syracuse Law School, is a dedicated public servant with a deep commitment to public service and a strong background in defense and data analysis. His academic journey began at the United States Naval Academy, where he earned a Bachelor of Science degree, followed by a Master of Science from the Naval Postgraduate School in 2021.
In his current role as a Congressional Fellow, Akpunku has proven to be a trusted advisor on defense policies, actively contributing to legislative drafting and providing essential guidance on national security matters. Notably, he has championed diversity and inclusion through his consultation and lobbying for the H.R.8248 – Diversity in Military Leadership Act. Akpunku's outstanding military career in the United States Navy includes positions as a Personnel Officer, Action Officer, and Operations Intelligence Officer. He consistently demonstrated strong leadership and analytical skills, managing critical systems and facilitating diplomatic relations. His role as a personnel specialist was vital to the success of Operations Allies Refuge.
Recognized for his dedication and excellence, Jude has been honored with two Navy Commendation Medals, two Navy Achievement Medals, and the Outstanding Thesis Award from the Naval Postgraduate School. Jude's aspirations are rooted in creating a more inclusive and equitable world. With his legal education, he intends to continue serving and advocating for positive change in his communities, reflecting the values and spirit of the Pat Tillman Scholarship.
"I understand the importance of standing up for our nation in times of need," said Akpunku. "I strive to be the voice that fights for justice and equity."
Nietsch served in the Navy for 11 years before trading in her flight suit for a white coat. She is currently a medical student at the Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai in New York City. A native of New Canaan, Conn., she was drawn to a life of purpose from a young age. Her pivotal moment came on 9/11, propelling her into the military. She graduated from the Naval Academy in 2011 with a degree in Quantitative Economics.
Following in her grandfather's footsteps, she served as a Navy pilot and deployed on aircraft carriers worldwide. It was during a transformative MEDEVAC mission, caring for a critically-ill patient, that she discovered her calling to medicine. As she transitioned from military life, Nietsch was struck by the systemic challenges uniquely impacting the health of women veterans. This ignited efforts to elucidate barriers to high-quality healthcare, particularly in the realm of fertility care, an area where accessibility remains a pressing issue. She centered her research endeavors around understanding trends among this fast-growing demographic.
Nietsch is equally committed to empowering women in medicine. She serves as an advocate for supporting medical trainees who wish to build a family of their own. Beyond academic pursuits, Nietsch dedicates her time to volunteering with the Mount Sinai Human Rights Program and mentoring veteran applicants to medical school in partnership with the non-profit organization Service to School. She also advises applicants to the Naval Academy, furthering a legacy of service to others.
"The military taught me to put my team before myself and to relentlessly invest in people," said Nietsch. "As a doctor, I will dedicate my practice to the future of my patients."
Lemonick is a medical student at the Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai and a former Surface Warfare Officer in the Navy. A Philadelphia native, Lemonick is a graduate of the Naval Academy and holds a master's degree in international public management from Sciences Po in Paris, France.
Inspired by the determination of his parents and four grandparents to overcome their individual bouts with cancer, as well as the lifesaving, compassionate care he witnessed in their physicians, Michael has long desired to treat patients through a career in medicine. However, it was important to him to serve his country before beginning his medical training; Michael completed five deployments on a Navy destroyer, three of which as the ship's Navigator, and was the first Navigator to sail an American warship to the Faroe Islands since the Cold War.
Most importantly, Michael learned to lead Sailors at sea, away from their homes and loved ones, assume responsibility for their concerns, and coalesce a team to overcome obstacles and complete the mission at hand. Michael pursues his medical education with the goal of becoming a surgeon to treat and research diseases of the nervous system and spine, one of the most common sites for tumor metastasis. Recalling his family's battles from oncology suites and leadership challenges he faced during trying deployments, Michael aims to treat patients suffering from advanced-stage cancer and imbue them with the strength to persevere, overcome, and heal.
"At sea, I learned to judge our ship's success by the well-being of sailors," said Lemonick. As a surgeon, I'll assume responsibility for my patients' care and measure achievement by equivalent standards.
Guynn's voyage to the Naval Academy, initially fueled by a thirst for adventure, scholarly growth, and athletic prowess, became a powerful awakening. She discovered her calling as a vital voice in environments where her achievements defied expectations.
As a Naval Flight Officer and recruiting officer in the Navy, Guynn encountered firsthand the hurdles black students faced, mirroring her challenges. This experience sharpened her resolve for inclusivity, igniting a fervent desire to uplift these students, becoming a guiding light and champion for their triumphs. Her mission became clear: to shatter the daunting obstacles blocking the path of America's Black youth.
Her commitment led her to the hallowed halls of Carnegie Mellon University's Tepper School of Business. Prestigious fellowships like Consortium, Management Leaders for Tomorrow, and Reaching Out MBA (ROMBA) broadened her worldview on diversity in professional realms, equipping her with the tools needed to drive meaningful change.
These interactions with a kaleidoscope of leaders and cutting-edge leadership philosophies armed her for the battles ahead. Embracing the philosophy that a rising tide lifts all boats, Guynn's dedication to lifting individuals from underrepresented communities is unwavering. Her journey is more than a career path; it's a passionate crusade against systemic racism, a determined effort to level the playing field, ensuring everyone has a fair chance to realize their dreams. Her story is not just one of personal achievement but a vibrant, relentless pursuit of a future where diverse voices participate and lead the way.
"With a vision rooted in resilience, I aim to transform business into a vehicle for social change, advocating for equitable opportunities for America's diverse talent."
