So far, 2019 has been a great year at Kansas State University. From winning a Big 12 Championship to honoring Pat Bosco’s five decades of service, there’s a lot to celebrate in this spot that we “love full well.” 

Here’s a look at the top news stories from this semester at K-State. We can’t wait for all the great things still to come! 

K-Stater Daron J. Brown ’88 has been a proud fan of K-State Athletics ever since he was a child. He can even claim a unique honor — an article in the Manhattan Mercury on March 2, 1975, credits him as the first member of what was then known as Junior Wildcat Club, organized by the K-State athletic department.

“I was 9 years old at that time,” Brown recalls. “I was a local Manhattan kid at Lee Elementary School.”

More than 40 years later, Junior Wildcats Club is still giving young K-State fans fun opportunities to show their purple pride and interact with K-State Athletics.

The program is organized by K-State Athletics and the K-State Alumni Association. Membership is open to children ages 2 to 12 and features a membership gift box (which includes a membership card with lanyard, official Junior Wildcats Club shirt and a limited-edition Junior Wildcats gift); free admission to all home women’s basketball, volleyball, soccer and baseball regular-season games; exclusive pregame events; and more.

Brown said at the time he was a member, the program did not have as many organized activities as it does today, but he still had lots of opportunities to make good memories.

“I think my favorite memories were being introduced as the first member at Ahearn Field House and being able to go down on the court during a men’s basketball game,” he said. “I loved going to K-State basketball games of course back then, and even though football struggled I enjoyed attending those also. The baseball coach also allowed me to be bat boy at some home games.”

Years later, Brown returned to K-State as a student and graduated in 1988 with a degree in marketing. He said he thoroughly enjoyed his time as a student at K-State and the friendships he made through being involved with the Pi Kappa Alpha Fraternity.

“Going to games with the guys in the house and Homecoming activities is always a fond memory for me,” he said.

He now lives in the Dallas/Fort Worth Metroplex and has been involved in pharmaceutical sales for the past 25 years. He says he attends as many games in Texas as he can and still gets home to Manhattan for a few every year.

Learn more about how to join Junior Wildcats Club. The program is sponsored by BRIGGS AUTO GROUP.

(The lead photo in this article was originally published in the July 1993 edition of K-Stater magazine.)

If an artist decided to paint a picture summarizing the Giefer family’s legacy, they’d likely use lots of red, white and blue — and plenty of K-State purple. 

The family is proud of their long K-State legacy and many years of service in the U.S. military. Both aspects of their history blend together to create a portrait that spans generations. 

The legacy began with Bernard Giefer Sr. ’62, who graduated from K-State with a degree in chemical engineering, and his wife, longtime K-State supporter Kathryn Giefer, and most recently includes their grandchildren. Three of the cousins — Isaak Giefer, Holden Giefer and Carter Nordhus — are scholarship recipients and cadets in the Air Force ROTC at K-State, and also live together in the Smith Scholarship House.

“I think this is a remarkable legacy,” said Melissa Giefer Nordhus, Carter’s mother. “I think this is a very important testimony to not only the university, but to Manhattan, Kansas, and our great country — three young men willing to strive and serve.”

Diane Fladung Giefer ’90, Isaak and Holden’s mother, said that May 17 was an extra-special day for their family, and an important moment for their K-State and military legacy.

Her son Isaak graduated Summa Cum Laude with his bachelor's and master’s degrees in architectural engineering and was commissioned into the U.S. Air Force by his father, Lieutenant Colonel Todd Giefer ’92. He received his “First Salute” from his grandfather, Bernard Giefer Sr. — who served in the U.S. Navy as a second class petty officer and was the originator of the K-State legacy. Isaak also will have the honor of retiring his father during a special ceremony July 3 at K-State’s Vietnam Memorial, where Todd’s class held their commissioning in 1992. 

“My husband was also an architectural engineer at KSU and was a weapon systems officer in an F-15E for his Air Force career,” said Diane, who studied dietetics. “Isaak has followed closely in his footsteps, and he chose the major before knowing it was his dad’s degree.” 

It was certainly a proud moment for Lieutenant Colonel Todd Giefer, and provided an opportunity to reflect on his time at K-State.

“K-State — friendly confines, beautiful campus and genuine people — offered me a place to grow and find out who I am,” he said. “I don’t think there’s another place where I would have been involved in student government, received a great education, had good times with great friends, met my future wife and had countless opportunities. This was a seed for my future and family. I love purple. I don’t know if it was because my dad graduated from K-State, because of my experiences, or if it’s just in my blood. And it’s more than just a color: it’s an attitude, it’s a lifestyle and it’s something unique to K-State.”
 

ROTC and purple pride

As a new graduate looking back on his K-State experience, Isaak Giefer is thankful for the leadership skills he gained through ROTC. He previously served as president of Smith Scholarship House and was the cadet commander of the ROTC in fall 2018.

He has now been commissioned as a second lieutenant and will report to Vance Air Force Base in Enid, Oklahoma, for undergraduate pilot training next April.

“Throughout my time I was responsible for subordinates, reported to superiors, and had to manage and prioritize so that neither my Air Force ROTC or academic standing suffered,” he said. “Lastly, AFROTC allowed me to network with other students wanting to serve their nation, and let me make lifelong friends that I hope to see throughout my career. Probably the best highlight was having my dad commission me as an officer and then receiving my first salute from my grandpa.”

This fall, Holden Giefer will be a junior at K-State, studying electrical engineering. His highlights at K-State include getting to meet friends within Air Force ROTC, serving as president of Smith Scholarship House, involvement in the St. Isidore’s community, and getting to participate in intramural teams and other clubs. 

“My involvement in Air Force ROTC means that I get to serve in the Air Force eventually and give back to the organization and country which formed me as a person, since my father served,” he said. “It also means that I get to be a part of a more tightly-knit family within the already fantastic K-State family, and aid in the development of those students and leaders which come after me. It really gives you a chance to be a positive influence on other like-minded and dedicated students.”

Carter Nordhus will be a senior at K-State next semester, and he also lists Smith Scholarship House and Air Force ROTC as his highlights at the university.

“My involvement in ROTC has meant quite a bit for me; ROTC is more or less the reason I am in college,” he said. “It is a way for me to serve my country which I love. Detachment 270 is a fantastic detachment. Our cadre are great, the cadets are great, and the training we get is great. Detachment 270 is like my second family, I feel at home there.”

Wherever the future takes the next generation of the Giefer family, they’re sure to find success. Lieutenant Colonel Todd Giefer’s career is a testament to the benefits of the K-State and ROTC experience.  

“ROTC provided me an opportunity to get an education and give something to our country,” he said. “I had a great ride in the Air Force. My family has seen firsthand what it takes to preserve the freedoms of this great nation as well as how American ideals and hospitality — no matter where you are — are contagious and spread good will. Sacrifice and selflessness go a long way.”

Carrying on the K-State legacy

The family’s K-State/ROTC legacy continues with a fourth cousin, Bernard Giefer III. Mackenzie Giefer also will be returning as a sophomore, and Helen Giefer has received a sports scholarship to K-State beginning next year (track and cross country). 

Several of Bernard Giefer Sr.’s other children also attended K-State. Bernard Giefer Jr. ’89 was an captain in the Army in the 1980s and studied chemical engineering at K-State. Maria Giefer ’87 studied secondary math education, and Brett Giefer attended his freshman and sophomore years of college (1993-95), studying mechanical engineering. An additional cousin, Evan Giefer, also attended K-State for a semester in the fall of 2007 before joining the Navy in 2008 and serving for six years.

Here at the K-State Alumni Association, it really is true that “we can’t be us without you.” 

Every magazine or newsletter that we send out, every event we host, every scholarship we give and every award we present would not be possible without the support from all of our alumni and friends. 

Thanks to this support, we’re able to make an exciting announcement: we’ve already surpassed our fundraising goal of $23 million as part of K-State’s ongoing Innovation and Inspiration Campaign!

The campaign, which concludes June 30, 2020, has a goal of raising $1.4 billion overall for Kansas State University, supporting students, faculty, research and more.

As of May 2019, the Alumni Association has raised more than $23 million in gifts, from 27, 418 donors. However, we’re not done yet — if you want to play a role in the Alumni Association’s continued success, you still have an opportunity to donate through Tradition Founders, license plates, scholarships, named spaces at the Alumni Center and more.

Learn more about how you can give back now, and keep scrolling to see examples of all the ways your support makes a difference!

 1. Scholarships = dreams come true

The K-State Alumni Association annually awards approximately $550,000 in student scholarships, with funding provided by local K-State alumni and friends and Alumni Association programming. These scholarships can help students fulfill their dream of graduating as a K-State Wildcat. Learn more about all of our scholarships and how they help students succeed.

2. Connecting K-Staters 

Whether it’s a Wabash CannonBall gala, summertime Alumni Club gathering or a Traveling Wildcats trip, we love connecting K-Staters with each other and their alma mater. Between July 2010 and May 2019, our number of alumni programs and events has increased from 270 to nearly 1,000. Alumni participation has increased from 56,000 participants to more than 100,000. Find out how you can join the fun and get involved!

3. Awarding excellence

We’re proud of all the accomplishments of our K-State alumni, students, faculty and friends. Our various awards programs allow us to recognize these accomplishments and inspire K-Staters to keep striving to be the best that they can be. Learn more about all of our awards programs.

4. Driving with pride

 

We’re so excited that there are now more than 10,000 K-State license plates on the road! Since the program began in 1996, the tax-deductible royalties paid on K-State license plates have raised approximately $4.5 million for student scholarships and recognition of achievements. Find out how you can drive with pride.

5. A spot we love full well…

When you’ve been away for a while, coming back to campus feels like coming home. The K-State Alumni Center is always happy to welcome our alumni and friends back to Manhattan, Kansas. Our supporters have helped make this place even more beautiful through their generosity. Be sure to come visit us the next time you’re in Manhattan!

On May 22, 2018 — a little over a year ago — Kansas State University’s beloved Hale Library caught fire. The building has been closed since then, and students have missed using it as a spot to study and gather with friends. 

Yet even though the doors remain closed for now, the library isn’t empty. Work continues inside the building as crews are busy renovating and restoring the facility.

Throughout the renovation process, the Hale Library Blog has kept campus and the surrounding community updated on the project, giving K-Staters a peek behind the scenes. The Dave and Ellie Everitt Learning Commons on the first floor of Hale Library will open this fall, and the second floor is scheduled to open at the beginning of spring semester, followed soon after by the fifth floor. The 1927 historic Farrell Library restoration will be the last phase completed. The entire renovation is projected to be completed by the end of 2020.

Here are some recent highlights from the blog, and be sure to check back often for updates or subscribe to the blog by email. Also, keep reading to learn how you can play a role in the reopening of Hale Library.

(Special thanks to K-State Libraries and the Hale Library Blog for providing the information and photos in this article.)

Mashed potatoes. French fries. Baked potatoes with lots of sour cream. Hash browns. Tater tots. 

There are lots of tasty ways to eat potatoes — but have you ever wondered exactly why people find this food staple so appetizing? 

Kansas State University’s Olathe campus recently shared an article about a research project that potato lovers are sure to find appealing.

Chetan Sharma is completing his doctorate in human nutrition at K-State Olathe under the guidance of Martin Talavera ’06, ’09, assistant professor of sensory analysis and consumer behavior. For his dissertation, Sharma is conducting a comprehensive, multiyear project that looks at the sensory aspects of potatoes — one of the world’s largest food crops. He is focusing specifically on the drivers behind what people like about potatoes.

“If someone says that they ‘like’ something, such as coffee or chocolate, we understand it to mean that they found that food enjoyable,” Sharma said. “But for companies that produce foods and products, a consumer saying they ‘like’ something is a vague descriptive term that doesn’t provide insight about what that means and why. This creates a knowledge gap when it comes to making products people want.”

Defining flavor

Sharma is working to decode vague concepts, such as “like” and taste, into a common language that helps sensory researchers, potato breeders, restaurants and other food producers better align potato and potato products with consumer expectations and desires.

For the first phase of the project, Sharma worked with universities in Colorado and Oregon to collect 55 potato varieties among the more than 4,000 grown worldwide. Sharma also worked with the Center for Sensory Analysis and Consumer Behavior at K-State’s Manhattan campus to develop a technical language comprised of sensory descriptors.

The language, called a lexicon, helps breakdown, standardize and streamline terminology involving the taste, smell, visual appearance, texture and mouthfeel of several potato varieties. Mustardy, cauliflower, beany, earthy, cardboard and metallic are some of the flavor nodes included in the potato lexicon.

Food producers and restaurants can use the lexicon as a reference when selecting potatoes for a food, Sharma said. For example, if mashed potatoes were being made, a potato variety that has a metallic aftertaste can be avoided in favor of a variety that has a smooth finish.

In addition to serving as a guide, the lexicon also establishes a historical record documenting the sensory profile of potatoes in 2019, which may be beneficial to potato breeders, Sharma said. Flavors tend to change as foods are bred throughout the ages and many modern foods have been bred to have a sweeter taste than their counterparts centuries ago.

Selecting the perfect potato

For the second phase, the 55 varieties were narrowed to 12 based on diversity and dynamic characteristics such as bold flavor, texture and color.

Sharma conducted consumer testing with 100 consumers to evaluate each of the 12 potato varieties on liking, taste, texture, aroma and visual appearance.

Two questionnaire types were used to collect information from participants. One questionnaire asked open-ended questions, letting participants create their own terminology to describe the characteristics of each potato sample. The second type, which was given to a new test audience, presented participants with a predetermined list of descriptor terms and asked them to check all that applied to a sample. 

The goal was to benchmark the lexicon, determine which questionnaire provided researchers with the most information and also test consumer perceptions about each of the 12 potato varieties. Additionally, questions looked at whether different consumer segments detected texture, aroma, bitterness and other characteristics differently.

Some of Sharma’s findings include that people prefer the cooked taste versus roasted or raw and a more smooth than dry texture. He also found that color deeply affects perception and opinion.

“People do not like color,” said Sharma, who included varieties of purple and canary yellow potatoes in tests. “Even though these colored potatoes had characteristics that were similar to the more familiar varieties like russet or white, they were disliked because of their color. People reported that they enjoyed them if they closed their eyes, but otherwise they said these colored varieties did not look like potatoes.”

He said this presents companies with the opportunity to advertise the health benefits of these colorful potatoes in an effort to change consumer perception.

Sharma is currently conducting the third phase of the project, which sheds light on what qualities people think about when buying potatoes and how that affects their purchase. He is looking at multiple factors that may influence decision-making, including potato variety, where the potato is grown and whether the potato is organic.

(Read the original article by Greg Tammen, K-State Olathe.)

More K-State foodie tidbits

Curious to learn more about the science behind food? Check out the K-State Global Food Systems podcast, Something to Chew On.

If you’re looking for purple pride, you won’t have any difficulty finding it at a Wabash CannonBall gala. 

The K-State Alumni Association hosted the Wabash CannonBall North Texas on June 7 at the Dallas Marriott Las Colinas, filling the ballroom with many elegant purple decorations. And of course, all the guests arrived wearing their finest purple attire.

The Association’s four Wabash CannonBall events — in Kansas City; Colorado; Houston, Texas; and North Texas — are black-tie galas that bring K-Staters together for an evening of dining, dancing and raising scholarship funds for area students to attend K-State.

So far, the North Texas event has raised $220,000. Thank you to all of the generous donors and sponsors who helped make this event possible! View a full list of this year’s sponsors, and keep scrolling to view some photos from this year’s Wabash CannonBall North Texas event.  

You’re invited! Mark your calendar, and learn more about how you can participate in an upcoming Wabash CannonBall event similar to our recent gala in North Texas. We’d love to see you there!

Pat Bosco ’71, ’73 can’t walk across campus without stopping and chatting with the many students he knows and likely helped recruit to come to Kansas State University. In his 50 years at K-State, Bosco has made it his mission to put students first, finding ways to help make college life as positive as possible for all students.

Bosco arrived at K-State in 1969 as a transfer student from upstate New York and never left. After just five months on campus, he was elected student body president. After earning his bachelor’s degree in 1971 in early childhood education, Bosco landed a position as director of student activities at K-State. From there, he rose through the ranks, always in a position to look out for the best interest of students.

Now, as vice president for student life and dean of students, Bosco is responsible for everything related to students, including admissions, career and employment services, housing and dining, student crisis, parent and family programming, and student financial assistance.

After serving 50 years helping to cultivate the K-State family atmosphere, Bosco is retiring to spend more time with his family, especially his grandchildren. To honor his many years of service and the huge impact he’s had on the lives of so many K-Staters, a generous donor has created 30 Bosco Family Scholarships through the K-State Family Scholarship match program.

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Saving students, as well as animals

From sunup to sundown for four straight years, veterinary medicine students dedicate their time to their studies. For the counseling services at the College of Veterinary Medicine, their time is completely dedicated to those students.

Mac Hafen and Adryanna Drake ’08, ’10, ’13 are available on-site to provide many different mental health services for students, faculty, staff and clientele of the veterinary school. 

Not only do they consult individuals on a daily basis, they also provide class presentations and seminars to address the human and relational aspects of veterinary medicine.

Both counselors make themselves available to talk whenever the students need, whether that be early in the morning starting at 6:30 a.m. or over their lunch break. The counselors dedicate most of their day meeting with the students who can catch them between classes, homework and studying. This can be especially hard for the fourth-year students, as their schedules can be restricting of their free time.

“Veterinary students are driven, high-achieving individuals,” Drake said. “They are accustomed to working hard and succeeding. This is what got them here, and this is what maintains their standing here. Dealing with failure, things that are outside of one’s control, can be challenging.”

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