Impact Scholarship Winners Announced - Cascade Collegiate Conference Skip To Main Content

Cascade Collegiate Conference

General Courtney Blumer, CCC Director of Communications

Impact Scholarship Winners Announced

CORVALLIS, Ore. – Ty Kishen of Bushnell University and Keylee Wilson of The College of Idaho were named the recipients of the 2025 Cashell Family Impact Scholarship.

Established in 2023 with a gift from Robert (CCC Commissioner), Heather, and Elizabeth Cashell, the fund provides two scholarships awarded annually to one female and one male from among the student-athletes attending CCC schools who have displayed a significant and positive “impact” on their respective campuses.

Kishen, a senior from Cottage Grove, Ore., has left a lasting imprint on Bushnell University through his servant leadership, character, and commitment to building others up. A member of the men’s track & field program, he serves as a team captain, chaplain captain, and peer mentor, while consistently modeling excellence on the track, in the classroom, and throughout the campus community.

When Bushnell implemented its peer mentor program, Kishen eagerly stepped into the role as a junior and has continued for a second year despite an increased workload as he prepares to graduate. The program pairs upperclassmen with incoming freshmen, providing guidance and support in academics, personal development, and faith. Kishen’s intentional investment in his mentees has helped set the standard for the program and the team’s culture.

In addition to mentoring, Kishen has provided leadership in team study halls, helping teammates remain accountable and succeed academically. His impact extends beyond his program, as he served this year on the Orientation Team as a group leader and worked more than 75 hours as a Peer Mentor, co-instructing a First-Year Seminar class and supporting first-year students across academic, social, spiritual, and personal transitions.

Kishen has also been instrumental in the men’s track & field team’s culture of service. The team was honored as the CCC Male Team of Character and the NAIA Bruce Brown Champions of Character Team of Character for the 2024-25 season, a recognition driven in large part by his leadership. The program exceeded its goal of 20 service hours per athlete, volunteering with organizations such as Food for Lane County, Springfield Youth Gardens, Embrace the Community Day, Christmas Adopt-a-Family, the Eugene Marathon, and other community initiatives.

On the competitive side, Kishen is part of Bushnell’s jumpers crew, which has earned conference-wide recognition for its sportsmanship. The group regularly leads prayers for competitors, energizes crowds for all athletes, and intentionally encourages fellow competitors throughout meets.

“Ty embodies what it means to be a man of character,” said teammate Sayer Pescosolido. “He chooses to lead every moment, treats everyone with respect, and inspires those around him to be better. Our team culture and the recognition we’ve received would not be possible without his influence.”
 

Wilson, a junior from Melba, Idaho, has made a profound impact on The College of Idaho campus through her resilience, compassion, and servant leadership. A member of both the volleyball and beach volleyball programs, she served as a team captain this season and as an Association of Student Athletes (ASA) representative, earning admiration well beyond competition.

Early in 2025, Wilson underwent two surgeries to repair both hip labrums, sidelining her for the beach volleyball season. Despite being unable to compete, she remained fully engaged with her teams, attending every practice, offering encouragement, and consistently putting the needs of others first.

“Keylee’s impact on our program cannot be measured,” said College of Idaho head volleyball coach and Senior Woman Leader Liz Mendiola. “In my 25 years of coaching, I have truly never seen an athlete put her team first the way she does. She has experienced a year filled with challenges, yet you would never know it by the grace, positivity, and genuine joy she brings every day.”

Wilson’s leadership extends beyond athletics. She attended a Jae Foundation retreat focused on mental health and suicide prevention, an experience that shaped her approach to leadership and teammate support. Throughout the season, she helped foster open conversations and a safe, supportive environment for student-athletes.

She also participated in the Be the Match campaign and learned she was a compatible stem cell donor. In August, Wilson completed the donation process, demonstrating extraordinary selflessness and compassion.

“Keylee is more than just a teammate; she is a mentor who puts everyone before herself,” said teammate Abigail Flerchinger. “Her joy, strength, and integrity have made a lasting impact on me and everyone around her.”

A junior majoring in elementary education, Wilson consistently exemplifies leadership, service, and character. Together, Kishen and Wilson embody the spirit of the Cashell Family Impact Scholarship through their unwavering commitment to uplifting others and making a meaningful difference on their campuses and in their communities.

"Congratulations to Ty and Keylee," stated Robert and Heather Cashell. "Our sincere thanks to the selection committee for their efforts in reviewing the nominations and making what we are sure was a difficult decision, as every nominee has impacted their campuses and is worthy of recognition."

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