K-State treasures: Staff share their favorite K-State keepsakes
As Wildcats, we all have that special K-State item we hold close to our hearts: a
keepsake that brings back memories and makes us think of that spot we love full well.
In the upcoming fall issue of K-Stater magazine, we'll be featuring a variety of different memorabilia items from the collections
of K-State alumni and friends, and sharing the stories behind those items.
We've also asked some of our staff members here at the K-State Alumni Association
to share their favorite K-State keepsake and why it matters to them.
Amy Button Renz '76, '86
President and CEO
This K-State Santa Claus is among the items that will be featured in the fall K-Stater magazine. This figure was gifted to K-State Alumni Association President and CEO Amy Button Renz ’76, ’86 after the K-State Alumni Center opened in 2002. Renz said this is among her most cherished items of K-State memorabilia.
Tim Schrag '12
Editor, K-Stater magazine
"Who doesn’t love a good lapel pin? Each of these pins has a story behind it, either a group I’ve worked with or for. They sit on my shelf as a reminder that there are many different constituent groups across the university. It's important that we tell their stories and think from varying perspectives."
Alan Fankhauser '82
Associate director of alumni programs
"I like unique one-of-a-kind K-State memorabilia! Years ago, at one of the very first Powercat auctions that I attended, I discovered that there were one-off items available for purchase that were things that had been proposed as retail pieces but for whatever reason they never came to fruition. My desk lamp is one such item. I’ve enjoyed it in several locations in my home and now it resides on my desk at the office. It lights up the Darren Sproles '05 bobblehead that is displayed nearby as well as a mounted version of Willie that appeared in the K-Stater magazine a while back."
Terin Walters '05
Assistant vice president of development and communications
"This K-State jacket is my husband Kelly’s from when he was little, a gift from his grandma. His twin brother also had one and their parents saved them in their cedar closet. My daughter Kaylin loves wearing it to K-State games and it is very warm and lined with fur. My son Brooks can’t wait until it is his size and then the pressure is on me to preserve it for another 30 years for our grandchildren. Or maybe we’ll just donate it to the Memorabilia Room."
Ashley Pauls
Associate director of communications
"My grandma gave me this little purple Wildcat toy when I was a kid. At the time, I was excited because I loved cats and I loved the color purple. Now, this toy is even more precious to me because I work at K-State, and my grandmother has since passed away. My grandma's family has a proud legacy of supporting K-State, and I have this little Wildcat sitting in my office, to remind me of her."
Michelle Elkins '87
Associate director of awards and special events
"The painting is of the inside of the old auditorium on the K-State campus. My dad gave me the painting for my office and pointed to the seat where he took his college entrance exam in the 1950s. It was used for ag orientation classes and graduations."
Look for more K-State treasures in the fall 2022 issue of the K-Stater, our exclusive magazine for K-State Alumni Association members. Not yet a member? Don't miss out - join today!