Linsey Rodas-Hernandez '24, Brylee Koontz '24 and Jenny Rodriguez '24 are three of only 78 students to be offered Orr Fellowships, out of 916 total applicants from 60+ universities
Three Marian University seniors have been awarded the prestigious and highly competitive Orr Fellowship. Linsey Rodas-Hernandez, Brylee Koontz, and Jenny Rodriguez are three of only 78 top-tier college seniors selected as Orr Fellows for the Class of 2024. Orr Fellowship, one of Indiana’s most celebrated non-profit talent programs, is a two-year post-graduate program that places high-achieving college seniors nationwide in full-time, paid positions at dynamic companies in Indianapolis.
From 916 applicants and more than 60 universities, Rodas-Hernandez, Koontz, and Rodriguez were only three of 122 students invited to interview with the high-performing partner companies in the Orr Fellowship network, as 78 received full-time job offers.
"I was shocked, but also very grateful when I found out,” Rodriguez added. “I’m thankful for this opportunity and the constant support from current Orr Fellow and Marian alumna Sandy Sledge ’22. I look forward to continued growth and learning!”
Koontz echoed her excitement. The management and marketing major said she knew she wanted to apply two years ago. “I always knew I wanted to apply my senior year, but I was nervous because of how competitive it is. I am happy I took the leap of faith and went for it!”
Koontz will work for The Heritage Group, an Indianapolis construction company. In contrast, Rodas-Hernandez and Rodriguez will work at Stitch, a marketing technology company in Indianapolis, and both are Marian University marketing interns. All will begin their new careers upon graduation in May 2024.
“As these extraordinary students embark on this impressive journey, I am confident that Koontz, Rodas-Hernandez, and Rodriguez will continue to exemplify Marian’s Franciscan sponsorship values, and contribute mightily to the Orr Fellowship community,” said Marian president Daniel J. Elsener. “Their success reflects their accomplishments and the high-caliber education and mentorship opportunities they have received at Marian.”
Orr Fellows have become successful leaders in the Indiana economic ecosystem. Many former Fellows are now company leaders or founders of their businesses. Some former Orr Fellows have also reconnected with Orr to become Partner Companies themselves.