LSU’s 2026 Tiger Twelve Share Contributions that Inspired Service, Innovation and Community Change

May 15, 2026

Each spring, LSU recognizes 12 outstanding seniors as the Tiger Twelve. These individuals, in keeping with the university's Commitment to Community, contribute positively to the life of the campus, the surrounding community, and society, and demonstrate commitment to intellectual achievements, excellence, leadership on campus, and service. 

Group of 12 students honored as part of the Tiger Twelve

Through excerpts from their Tiger Twelve applications, these outstanding students share how LSU helped shape their passions and strengthen their commitment to serving their communities.

IBRAHIM ALAM


portrait of ibrahim alamMajor: Computer Science - Software Engineering 
Minor: Mathematics 
College: College of Engineering, Roger Hadfield Ogden Honors College 
Hometown: Lafayette, La. 

“Machine Learning Software Engineering Intern for MikeGPT through LSU’s Office of Academic Affairs became the experience that best represented my contribution to LSU and the broader community.”

Turning Research into Impact

“Watching students and faculty use something I built to solve real problems taught me that the most meaningful technical work is work that helps people.”

MIHIR BABBAR


portrait of Emily Demps

Major: Biological Sciences (Pre-Medicine) 
Minors: Psychology, Honors 
College:: College of Science, Roger Hadfield Ogden Honors College 
Hometown: Mandeville, La. 

“One of my most empowering experiences in college was founding and leading the Red Cross Club of LSU as president for over three years.”

Making an Impact

“By the end of each campaign, we had installed alarms in more than 400 homes. Leadership means empowering others and adapting under pressure while safeguarding the mission.”

NIA BELLE


portrait of nia belleMajor: Electrical Engineering 
Minor: Computer Engineering 
College: College of Engineering
Hometown: Kalinago Territory, Commonwealth of Dominica. 

“The experience that best represented my contribution to LSU was serving as Assistant Director of International Student Affairs within LSU Student Government.”

Finding a Voice

 “I wanted to ease the burden on students from similar backgrounds by addressing gaps in transportation and access to resources. The inclusion of this department ensured that all communities on campus were represented.

“It fostered a greater sense of belonging while making international students’ lives more efficient and comfortable.”

Chandler collins


portrait of chandler collins

Major: Textiles, Apparel & Merchandising: Apparel Design
College:: College of Agriculture 
Hometown: Baton Rouge, La. 

“Serving as Vice President and Chair of Programming for the Eta Kappa Chapter of Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority, Incorporated, represented my most impactful contribution to LSU and the broader community.”

Making an Impact

“We raised over $3,000 through philanthropic efforts directly supporting charitable organizations and community partners. Serving in this role sharpened my leadership, organizational, and collaborative skills.”

henry hanks


portrait of henry hanksMajor: Sociology, Anthropology  
Minor: Health Sciences 
College: College of Humanities & Social Sciences, Roger Hadfield Ogden Honors College
Hometown: Zachary, La.

“Serving as chair for a community advisory board focused on STI research in Baton Rouge became one of the most rewarding experiences of my time at LSU.”

A Pivotal Moment

“LSU instilled in me a deeply rooted passion to use research and education to build healthier communities. Serving as chair of this project has been one of the most rewarding experiences as a student.”

ANNA KATHLEEN JACKSON


portrait of anna kathleen jackson

Major: Marketing
College:: E. J. Ourso College of Business 
Hometown: Natchitoches, La. 

“Serving as President of the LSU Panhellenic Council best allowed me to make my mark on campus and use my talents to serve those around me.”

Making an Impact 

“We created the Freshman Class Connector and revamped New Member Presentations. My proudest achievement was improving our election process.”

AVERY CORNELIA McLAUGHLIN


portrait of AVERY CORNELIA McLAUGHLINMajor: Psychology
Minor: Fine Art, Honors
College: College of Humanities & Social Sciences, Roger Hadfield Ogden Honors College
Hometown: Covington, La.

Serving as President of the LSU Student Philanthropy Council and leading efforts to address student food insecurity has been profoundly impactful on my campus community.”

Commitment to Service

“I truly believe SPC has helped create a more supportive campus environment that makes a tangible difference in students’ lives. SPC raised more than 3,000 pounds for the LSU Food Pantry in only ten days by launching a new initiative that united 22 on-campus organizations.”

“If my time at LSU has taught me anything, it is that impact is measured not only in outcomes but also in whether a community becomes more attentive and responsive because you were part of it.

EMMA CAROLINE MONROE


portrait of EMMA CAROLINE MONROE

Major: Political Science: International Politics & Law, American Government 
College:: College of Humanities & Social Sciences 
Hometown: Baton Rouge, La. 

 “My time as an Eric Voegelin Institute Research Scholar taught me that democracy flourishes when intellectual curiosity is paired with meaningful action.”

Expanding Opportunity

“In 2024, I organized LSU’s first Women’s Professional Development Workshop.
The event reflected my belief that mentorship and access to role models are essential.”

Commitment to Service

“I chaired a city-wide 5K race that generated more than $93,000 for Preventing Child Abuse. I will always remember the moment we delivered the check to the Baton Rouge Children’s Advocacy Center.”

KUNTA KINTE MOSBY J.R.


portrait of KUNTA KINTE MOSBY J.R.Major: History - Secondary Education 
College: College of Humanities & Social Sciences 
Hometown: Griffin, Ga. 

“The experience that best represents my contribution to the broader community is the ‘Classroom Ready’ Back to School Drive.”

Inspiring Change

“We were able to raise over $2,000 and provide teachers and students with the materials they needed.... I felt like I was in the position to make a real difference. This drive is something I consider the biggest effort I’ve made during my time at LSU.”

MADELYN FAITH PHILLIPS


portrait of madelyn faith phillips

Major: Nutrition Pre-Med 
Minors: Biology and Louisiana Service and Leadership (LASAL) Research 
College:: College of Agriculture, Roger Hadfield Ogden Honors College 
Hometown: McComb, Miss. 

“Helping establish LSU’s chapter of the Food Recovery Network became the experience that best represented my contribution to LSU and the broader community.”

Creating Community

“Food insecurity hides in plain sight, and it quietly affects those we would least expect. We immediately knew LSU needed its own chapter of the Food Recovery Network. Last semester alone, we recovered 2,996 pounds of food and distributed 3,045 meals. I am so proud of everything Food Recovery Network is, and what it will become.”

JONATHAN RUSSELL


portrait of jonathan russelMajor: Coastal Environmental Science - Coastal Meteorology, Climatology, Disaster Science Management, GIS 
College: College of the Coast & Environment, Roger Hadfield Ogden Honors College 
Hometown: Waxhaw, N.C. 

“My research in coastal meteorology and hurricane forecasting became the experience that best represented my contribution to LSU and communities across the Gulf region.”

Research & Innovation

“From day one at LSU, I began my involvement in research. I helped develop the first Gulf of America hurricane model. I hope to continue helping others through my passion for meteorology while inspiring the next generation of meteorologists.”

Finding a Passion

“From a young age there was always a drive to understand what was going on around me. It became clear my interests in meteorology could be used to help grow understanding for the world.”

RACHEL ELIZABETH STONE


portrait of rachel stone

Major: Industrial Engineering 
College:: College of Engineering, Roger Hadfield Ogden Honors College 
Hometown: Metairie, La. 

“Serving as Kappa Alpha Theta Vice President of External Affairs and coordinating philanthropic initiatives became one of the most meaningful ways I contributed to LSU and the Baton Rouge community.”

Building Community

“I oversaw three major philanthropy events, raising awareness and more than $25,000 in funding for CASA. My goal was to show members that passionate service will always carry an impact. I developed relationships with CASA volunteers who participated in our events.”


Together, LSU’s 2026 Tiger Twelve represent a commitment to scholarship, leadership and service that extends far beyond campus. Through research, advocacy, mentorship and community engagement, these students have left lasting impacts on LSU and the communities they serve while preparing to shape the future in Louisiana and beyond.