Moundridge Native Stays Busy at Ashland University

2015 Apr 6

Moundridge resident Sophia Leddy, who is a triple major in international political studies, psychology and Spanish, as well as minoring in history, made her way across much of the country from her home in Kansas to attend college at Ashland University in Ohio because of its Ashbrook Scholar Program.

The Ashbrook Scholar Program interested Leddy through the achievements and reputation of the faculty members, use of primary sources and the reputation of the speakers invited to the lectures and colloquiums. Dr. Peter Schramm, professor of Political Science and former director of the Ashbrook Scholar Program, "was one of the most interesting people I had ever met," explained Leddy.

The Ashbrook Program holds an annual memorial dinner each year and the event has hosted many political leaders including Ronald Reagan, George H.W. Bush, Margaret Thatcher, Colin Powell and John Boehner. This year's dinner is April 30 and will feature Texas Gov. Rick Perry as the keynote speaker.

In addition to her rigorous academic schedule, Leddy is the founder of the Speech and Debate Club on the Ashland University campus. The first event sponsored by the club was centered on the National Forensics Association Lincoln-Douglas Debate and evidence from both sides was presented. Speeches are judged and the goal of the organization is to better communication, while simultaneously enjoying the competitive debates. The Speech and Debate Club hopes to host this event annually and compete with other universities in Ohio.

Leddy is active in many organizations on campus including Student Senate. As Freshmen Class Vice President, Leddy is a member of the Core Review Committee, which is working to create a Core Proposal to send to the faculty.

In the Marching and Concert Band, Leddy plays the clarinet and also is a member of the Clarinet Trio. She is a member of the Alexander Hamilton Society, Spanish Club and Philosophy Club. As secretary of the Philosophy Club, Leddy contributes to the group's future event planning. The Alexander Hamilton Society is mainly concerned with international politics and discusses global events and controversial issues.

Leddy is striving toward her future goal of helping Latin American immigrants in community building. "I'm really passionate about Latin America because it is the most interesting region in my opinion," Leddy said. "With my three majors, it should be feasible." After graduation, Leddy plans to attend graduate school for clinical psychology, cultural psychology or international politics.

Leddy is the daughter of Amanda Foley and Ralph Leddy of Moundridge, Kansas.

Ashland University is a mid-sized, private university conveniently located a short distance from Akron, Cleveland and Columbus, Ohio. Ashland University (www.ashland.edu) values the individual student and offers a unique educational experience that combines the challenge of strong, applied academic programs with a faculty and staff who build nurturing relationships with their students.