2008 Recipients
Katie Kautza Larson
University of Wisconsin-Madison, Madison, WI
Major: Bachelor ofArts Business Administration (Specialization Marketing)
Internships: Target Corporation, Statistical Analyst
First job: Nielsen Marketing (Chicago), Analyst
Currently: My husband and I welcomed our son, Jack Arleigh Larson, on April 18, 2019. Current Job: Google - Account Executive, Apps
Fondest Memory of College: “It is hard to choose just one college memory as my fondest when I loved so many at UW! From Badger game days and studying abroad in Spain to spending evenings at the terrace and meeting my husband, it was an incredible four years!”
Currently living in Chicago area with her husband, Jared and son Jack.
“I feel truly honored to be a recipient of the Rob Koranda Scholarship Award. This scholarship, the Koranda family, and the Foundation community has had a profound impact on my life. If you ever get the opportunity to talk with someone who knew Rob you will notice that they light up when they tell you stories about him; the impact Rob had on those around him in undeniable. I hope to have that type of positive impact on the lives I touch. In Rob’s short life he accomplished so much. Whether you are a scholarship recipient, a finalist, or you just see the scholarship video, I urge you to learn from Rob. Be kind others, be kind to yourself, and know that each day is a gift. I hope to continue Rob’s legacy and I hope that, in my life, I can make Rob and his family and friends proud”.
Ben Domyancic
University of Dayton, Dayton, OH
Major: Bachelor’s of Art in Marketing/Sales
Sports/Activities: Member of U of Dayton Men’s Lacrosse team (Goalie).
Internship: Naperville Area Chamber of Commerce (Website Coordinator/Sales)
First job: TEKsystems as an IT Recruiter
Current: Liberty Mutual Insurance, Workers’ Compensation Case Manager
Favorite College Memory: ”It began with being part of the Lacrosse Team as a freshman. This was how and when I first met new friends that would become lifetime friends. During high school Lacrosse, I had played attack but assessing the opportunity to play and being an integral part of team, I knew I would have to change positions to a position I had never played before: goalie. Halfway through the season, I had an opportunity to start. After a couple of rough performances, I was able to hold the position. At season end, our #1 nationally ranked club team successfully earned a place in the National College Lacrosse Tournament. Our success continued into the final four and we reached the Semi-Final win in National Title Game. The experience of taking a risk, earning a starting spot and helping the team to reach the National Title game for the first time in Univ. of Dayton history was truly unforgettable.”
NNHS: ”Naperville North High School was a big challenge for me. Coming from a Catholic school, I only knew a handful of people. I truly believe the challenge of meeting a whole new group of friends in high school as molded my personality like nothing else has in my life.”
Ben currently lives in Chicago, IL.
“Going through the process and being a scholar has taught be that Character is the most lasting impression that you can leave on people. Rob was successful in everything he did from school, football, and his career. However, I feel like those things aren’t talked about when Remembering Rob. What is talked about is his Character. Adults that knew Rob when he was younger talk about his level of respect and maturity. Friends close to Rob when he was growing up talk about his sense of humor and upbeat personality. It seems that people where naturally drawn into him by his Character. As I start my career, I sometimes get jealous and frustrated when comparing my situation to others. But I try to remind myself about Rob. When it is all over, none of that will matter to people. What will is my Character. What my outlook on life was. How I treated others and how I positively affected other people’s lives. With all the stresses in life, it’s hard to remember that lesson. Luckily, Rob has been a great teacher to me.”