Conversations with the K-State Alumni Fellows: How K-State prepared me for my career
This year's group of Alumni Fellows work in different fields — food production; technology
research and development; higher education; aviation; and more. Their day-to-day schedules
on the job look very different from each other, filled with unique tasks and responsibilities.
They work in different geographic locations, ranging from coast to coast in the U.S.
and also internationally. Yet these Fellows all share one very important thing in
common: they can trace their start in their successful careers back to their experiences
at Kansas State University.
Since 1983, the Alumni Fellows program has brought distinguished alumni back to campus
to meet with students and faculty and to share their expertise in the classroom and
at informal settings.
We asked this year's group of honorees to share how K-State prepared them for their
careers and made a difference in their lives. You can also click the banner for each
Fellow to read their full bio.
"Graduating with degrees in flour milling science management and business marketing
as well as the grain science sponsored internships positioned me quite well to begin
my employment journey within the industry. I feel strongly that the College of Agriculture
at KSU offers a unique education, unlike any other in the world, for young people.
With the various industries continuing to support the programs, graduates in this
curriculum are almost certainly to excel in whatever career path they so choose."
"My experience of attending K-State was formative and foundational to my career and
personal development. I learned as much outside the classroom as I did inside the
classroom: how to interact with a wide spectrum of people, how to build relationships,
the importance of passion and the commitment it takes to channel that into a career.
The curriculum of APDesign was remarkably well-rounded. It integrated architecture,
interiors, landscape and research. The integration of disciplines working together
is the reality of professional practice."
"I can draw a straight line between my education at KSU and any success I've achieved
in life."
"The breadth of knowledge and research of the K-State Analytical Chemistry faculty
when I arrived provided me with a very well-rounded foundation and understanding of
analytical instrumentation. My first position after graduating from K-State was as
an analytical chemistry professor. The broad knowledge gained from KSU allowed me
to teach a multitude of analytical technologies at a high level. My current research
at Thermo Fisher is an extension of my graduate research from more than 30 years ago.
Our research group continues to develop state-of-the-art gas analysis systems based
on Fourier transform infrared spectrometers."
"On campus, K-State provided me with excellent and caring instructors, honed my thinking
and reasoning skills, supported opportunities for developing leadership behaviors
and hosted opportunities to interview with some of the best firms and companies in
the world. After graduation, K-State has been a welcome place that I have remained close to for
nearly 40 years. From recruiting for new talent to serving as an adviser to the College
of Business, my visits and ongoing relationships have helped me stay grounded and
connected to my roots."
"Kansas State University provided me with a foundation in teaching, service and relationships.
Using the outstanding preparation I received from the College of Education, I transitioned
into higher education and began a satisfying career in teaching, grant writing, and
meeting rural and tribal education needs. K-State did a fantastic job encouraging
me to give back through leadership development and joining organizations outside my
major. Now, I find serving on committees at Utah State University fulfilling my professional
journey. I encourage my students to do the same and become active in undergraduate
organizations. Lastly, the individuals who created openings for scholarships, and
summer internships, encouraged me to consider courses outside of my comfort zone and
to be a part of organizations such as the Native American Student Body. They continue
to be why I tell the story of K-State as being a part of a family that wants you to
go into the future prepared and connected."
"K-State helped to cement logical thought processes and the fortitude to see projects/problems
through to solutions."
"The numerous opportunities I was afforded during my time at K-State, an education,
Army ROTC, the Gamma Chi Chapter of Delta Tau Delta, the Pride of Wildcat Land, the
Kansas State Marching Band, working in Ahearn Field House, and working as a 'house
boy' for the Kappa Alpha Theta Sorority, I truly had the full college experience.
My vast experiences and amazing opportunities at K-State laid the foundations of emotional,
social and cultural intelligence; critical thinking; and situational awareness and
understanding opening and enhancing the aperture with which I was able to view the
world. The fundamentals of hard work, dedication, teamwork, pride, diversity, passion
and a sense of belonging served me well as I entered the U.S. Army as a newly commissioned
second lieutenant, with the tremendous responsibility of leading America’s sons and
daughters and did so for 30 wonderful years. I will forever be indebted to Kansas
State for that incredible foundation and those amazing opportunities that led to a
successful military career and continues to serve me well in my professional efforts
and service in the name of national defense and national security. 'I think of thee,
Alma Mater...'"
"I moved to K-State from India in 2002, the campus was beautiful, and the staff were
very supportive and welcoming and that made my transition very pleasant. I very much
enjoyed my time at the campus. I got lucky to get an opportunity to join Dr. Roman
Ganta's lab where I got exposed to the state-of-the-art molecular biology and also
got mentored to develop critical thinking and logical reasoning. Dr. Ganta encouraged
me to present my research at various national and international meetings. The research
training and reasoning skills developed at K-State helped me to face scientific challenges
effectively and contribute to enhancing animal health and establish as an R&D scientist/lead
in the biologics industry."
"K-State prepared me for my career by expanding my opportunities and introducing people
and resources. Like many freshmen, I wasn’t sure what I wanted to do when I grew up
but K-State allowed me to get out of my comfort zone and meet others from different
parts of the world to encourage me to continue stretching myself and learn from others
who weren’t like me. To associate with other high achievers, K-State provided access
to Silver Key and Chimes. This led to others in different industries than the one
I was in and connected me to a mentor I still meet with today. This mentor poured
into my leadership development and introduced me to the major I graduated with, leading
me into my career in financial services. This mentor also kept me well connected to
the university long after graduation which has continued to open doors and expand
opportunities."
"The world-class pilot training program at K-State Salina gave me the skills I needed
to excel as a pilot, but there were other opportunities I had there that prepared
me for the path my career has taken. While at KSU I was involved in student government
and the Entrepreneurial Club. The combination of the pilot training and the skills
I learned in those extracurricular activities helped launch my aviation business management
career."
Jay Merriam shares inspirational quotes that impacted him:
"Your patient deserves your very best."
"Be flexible and be prepared for changes in your career path." – Dr. Russell Frey
'52, '70
"If you hear hoofbeats coming around the corner in Kansas City, don't bet on zebras!
Your first instinct is probably best." – Dr. Dan Upson '52, '62, '69
"Always keep your standard high. Wear gloves and a gown for all surgeries and do your
best." – Dr. John Nordsey