Kayla Will ’25 receives the Dr. Christopher C. Joyner Memorial Award

Luther College graduate Kayla Will, class of 2025, won the Dr. Christopher C. Joyner Memorial Award as a student participating in the Lutheran College Washington Semester (LCWS), where she interned at the Death Penalty Information Center.

Kayla Will, of Lake Mills, Wisconsin, received the Dr. Christopher C. Joyner Memorial Award.

The Dr. Christopher C. Joyner Memorial Award recognizes students who excel academically, demonstrate an inquisitive nature in their studies and are committed to learning. The award is named for the late Dr. Christopher C. Joyner, former LCWS faculty member and professor of international law at Georgetown University.

Will, of Lake Mills, Wisconsin, was nominated by her fellow LCWS students and faculty members.

“Being selected for the Dr. Christopher C. Joyner Memorial Award feels truly amazing,” Will said. “Exploring new experiences, engaging with communities, supporting others and having meaningful conversations have always been central to how I learn and grow. And that’s exactly what Lutheran College Washington Semester embodies, and what the Dr. Christopher C. Joyner Memorial Award recognizes — dedication, curiosity, thoughtfulness and enthusiasm for learning — and I am so grateful to my peers for recognizing me in these qualities. This is an honor I will always remember.”

During her semester in Washington, D.C., Will interned as a data researcher and archivist at the Death Penalty Information (DPI) Center. Her primary role involved maintaining and updating the database of all individuals on death row in the United States. She had the opportunity to attend events with the DPI team, such as a gathering at the German Embassy for World Day Against the Death Penalty and a lecture on wrongful convictions at Georgetown University Law Center.

“I learned so much — not from textbooks or lectures, but from the daily realities of working in a real office and supporting projects that have a tangible impact,” Will said. “I gained firsthand experience in meaningful, purpose-driven work and developed a deeper understanding of both the research process and the broader impact of informed policy analysis.”

Will recently graduated from Luther with a degree in political science. She transferred to Luther for the 2023 fall semester and immersed herself in campus life. She played center for the Norse women’s basketball team and was president of the Luther Democrats.

Will is grateful for her LCWS experience.

“Participating in the program has strengthened my confidence, broadened my perspective and made me feel ready, prepared and excited for my job search,” she said.

Will is passionate about “helping people stay informed, bridge differences and work together toward fair and effective solutions.”

“I want to support a government and society where understanding and collaboration drive meaningful, positive change. I’m especially interested in issues like criminal justice reform, education, veterans’ benefits, women’s rights and freedoms, and civic engagement,” Will said. “Moving forward, I hope to pursue work that allows me to combine these passions.”

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