Marc and Jana Elkins have deep K-State roots, pay it forward through Wabash CannonBall
Marc ’79 and Jana ’78 Elkins are strong supporters of K-State, the Alumni Association and the Wabash CannonBall Kansas City.
“The original inspiration for the Wabash was to create an event that was fun, that would give an opportunity for K-State alumni to get together and just have a good time,” Marc said. “We wanted to create opportunities for others in the Kansas City metro area to become part of the K-State family. It's more than just a fundraiser. It's a time to renew old acquaintances, and to make new acquaintances that are all part of the K State family.”
They’ve attended the gala for many years, first with Marc’s previous role with the Cerner Corporation, then later as table sponsors for the past eight years. They’ve also been members of the Wabash CannonBall Steering Committee. In 2024, they served as the chair couple of the committee, helping make decisions leading up to the Feb. 23 event.
“If people are unhappy with the menu, they can blame us,” Marc said. “It's been a really fun part of it and the other fun part is just the opportunity to interact with other alumni of all ages.”
The Wabash CannonBall galas are an annual evening full evening of dining, dancing and cocktails to raise scholarship money for students from the respective areas to attend K-State. Through the years, the galas have raised more than $3.9 million for student scholarships.
“We have been honored with this responsibility,” Jana said. “As chair couple we have had the opportunity to get to know the other committee members better, work with Alumni Association staff, and hopefully make a positive impact insuring scholarships for area students.”
Both Marc and Jana said they enjoy the evening because of the connections they get to make through the galas.
Some of those connections reunite old friends and classmates.
“A great example is our friend Greg Musil ’80,” Marc said. “He does an amazing job as emcee, and he is absolutely merciless, with jokes about our friends down the river in Lawrence… And that's always enjoyable.”
Some help them make new friendships with fellow K-Staters.
“Attending the Wabash CannonBall is always a good time,” Jana said. “Everyone leaves the event with a table gift as a memento of a wonderful evening with good food, plentiful beverages, an opportunity to dance and catch up with friends, and most importantly an opportunity to make a difference in the lives of future Wildcats.”
However, the ability to leave a lasting impact and provide for the next generation of Wildcats is what the night is all about, the Elkinses said.
They have deep K-State roots.
Marc’s father, Dick Elkins ’56, ’63, was director of admissions at K-State for many years. His grandfather played on the football team in the 1920s. He has plenty of other relatives who also attended K-State. As a student, Marc was involved in Steel Ring; was a member of Theta Xi fraternity, later serving as its vice president; was on the Union Governing Board, later serving as its chair; and a member of student government.
Jana’s father, John Blythe ’40, was a member of the meat judging team. As a student she worked for the dean of the College of Agriculture and was a member of Delta Delta Delta sorority, later serving as its president.
“K-State provided me not only with a great education but also with opportunities for personal growth,” Jana said. "I learned to manage my time while making life-long friends and further developed leadership skills.”
The Elkinses have been football season ticket holders for many years. Both of their children, Jeffrey Elkins ’07 and Jeni Elkins Houser ’11, are K-State graduates. They are life members of the Alumni Association and have frequented Traveling Wildcats trips.
“Staying involved with the university has been an exercise in paying back what I got from my K-State experience,” Marc said.