Communications. Veterinary medicine. Architecture. The healthcare system. Google. 

The new members of the K-State Alumni Association board of directors represent a variety of careers and bring a diverse array of expertise with them to their new roles. 

In addition, Kendal Frazier ’73, Centennial, Colorado, will serve as our 2019-20 board chair. Sylvia White Robinson ’71, Kansas City, Kansas, will serve as past-chair, and Nabeeha Kazi Hutchins ’96, Washington, D.C., will serve as chair-elect.

Get to know the five new, incoming members of our board below. They will serve four-year terms through 2023.

Graduation is always a bittersweet occasion — filled with hellos and goodbyes, and beginnings and endings. It’s a time to reflect on the past, and dream about the future. 

In May 2019, more than 3,000 students earned their degrees, moving the tassel on their graduation caps from right to left and symbolizing their transition from K-State students to alumni.

As part of the commencement festivities, the K-State Alumni Association helped sponsor a First-Generation Graduation Reception, honoring students and their families. K-State’s Office of First-Generation Students supports students who are the first in their families to graduate from a four-year college.

The K-State Alumni Association asked three first-generation students to share their experiences on campus and how K-State made it possible for them to succeed.

Byron Lewis IV

Elementary Education with an emphasis in Spanish
Call Me MISTER president
EDCATS squad leader
United Black Voices Gospel Choir parliamentarian

A transfer student and a first-generation student, Lewis said he was inspired to come to K-State by his younger sister, who started attending here as a freshman. He sensed there was something special about K-State.

“I wanted to come here too,” he said, adding that he was also impressed by the university’s education program.  

Lewis will be graduating in December after a semester of student teaching this fall. He wants to travel to Latin America after graduation, before returning to Topeka, Kansas, to teach in the school district he grew up in. He also wants to earn a master’s degree in the future, continuing his education.

Lewis’ passion for teaching is inspired by his desire to help get kids excited about learning and to promote diversity in the teaching profession.

“I love working with kids and I love working with people,” he said.

As he looks back on his time at K-State, he credits the Office of First-Generation Students and the College of Education for standing beside him and helping him to succeed.

“They have been really supportive,” he said. “They were so passionate. They really care about their students. They gave me a sense of belonging. I’m just really grateful for all the opportunities and programs K-State has had to offer.”

As he walks across the stage at graduation, he knows he’ll feel a sense of pride — as well as the support of his family in the audience. He said as a student, it can be difficult to balance studies, work, and taking care of family back home. But in the end, it is worth it — and he hopes other first-generation students will join him in the journey.

“You are here for a reason — you belong here,” he said. “I’ve worked really hard for this. It was a long, hard-fought road. I did this. No can take this away from me.”

Olivet Martinez

Biology, Pre-Medicine
Kappa Delta Chi vice president
Research Scholar, Developing Scholars Program

Martinez said that she was drawn to K-State based on opportunities for undergraduate research. The Developing Scholars Program and Kansas Louis Stokes Alliance for Minority Participation, or KS-LSAMP, allowed her to gain research experience, network with professors and acclimate to campus.

“K-State’s investment in undergraduate research gave me the opportunity to reach out into a field outside my major,” she said. “My research experience allowed me to discover a passion for lifelong learning and disease prevention.”

After graduating from K-State, she plans to attend medical school at the University of Kansas School of Medicine. Her goal is to become a primary care physician and eventually practice medicine in her hometown of Dodge City, Kansas.

Martinez said her experience at K-State has taught her many life skills that she will continue to use throughout her career.

“I have grown professionally and personally as I learned to push out of my comfort zone with the many extracurricular activities K-State offers,” she said. “Most notable was my experience in chartering a Latina-founded sorority on campus, which strengthened my determination and quickly taught me leadership and interpersonal skills.”

Scott Millar

Human Development and Family Sciences
McNair Scholar
Undergraduate teaching assistant, undergraduate research assistant
Phi Sigma Pi National Honor fraternity

When Millar first applied to K-State, he had a definite goal in mind. He intended to pursue a bachelor’s degree and then continue on to physician assistant school, eventually working for the VA caring for veterans.

However, over his first few semesters, he began to struggle with that plan. He had been in some form of the medical field for nearly 20 years, and he said he was starting to doubt if becoming a P.A. was really the right choice. He still wanted to help people, especially veterans and military families, but maybe not as a P.A.

Thanks to an adviser, who pointed him in the direction of Family Studies and Human Services (now known as Human Development and Family Science), he found his passion again.

After his time at K-State wraps up, he plans to attend the Brown School at Washington University in St. Louis, Missouri, which is one of the premier schools for social work in the country. He is pursuing a dual degree with a master’s in social work and a master’s in social policy. When he nears completion of these degrees, he also plans to apply to Ph.D. programs in the field of social work.

Millar said he was initially drawn to K-State because of its proximity to Fort Riley. He was leaving active duty and had a slot in a Reserve unit in Topeka, Kansas. He knew he wanted to go to school using his Post 9-11 GI Bill, and K-State seemed to be a good fit.

Looking back, he’s very glad he came.

“We hear an awful lot about ‘family’ here at K-State, but it actually felt like being a part of a large family while I was here,” he said. “I am not only a first-generation student. I am also a combat veteran, a transfer student and very non-traditional — I will turn 55 shortly after graduation. I worried that I would struggle to fit in, but I have felt so welcome and included that those fears seem ridiculous now. K-State also helped me to overcome a high level of imposter syndrome, motivating me to excel, and allowing me to stand out as a high-quality student.”

In the future, he hopes to use the skills he has learned to help others.

“I have identified a need for continued coordinated research into the issues and needs of our nation’s veterans,” he said. “Ultimately, I would love to develop a Veteran Studies program that holistically explores topics such as veteran suicide, homelessness, trauma recovery, and the transition from military to civilian life.”

Kansas State University is excited to welcome a new vice president for student life and dean of students to campus! 

Thomas Lane is a highly experienced student affairs administrator who currently serves as associate vice president for student affairs and dean of students at Missouri State University. His appointment follows a national search to replace Pat Bosco ’71, ’73, who is retiring after nearly 50 years of service in student life administration at the university.

Lane will provide executive-level leadership, strategic planning, oversight and coordination of all units in the Division of Student Life, which includes the Office of Student Life, Housing and Dining Services, Recreational Services, K-State Student Union, Career Center, Lafene Health Center, Counseling Services and many other key services and programs essential to student success.

He also will provide leadership for the development and implementation of high-quality and student-centered approaches to support student success in nonacademic dimensions of student university experiences, and he will respond to student crises and issues and concerns, among many other duties.

“I am truly humbled and excited to be joining the K-State family,” Lane said. “During my time on campus, it was clear to me the university is deeply committed to students’ personal and academic success. I am greatly looking forward to working with students, faculty, staff, administration and alumni in ensuring a Wildcat student experience that is welcoming, inclusive and changes lives for the better.”

Lane will start his new position on July 14. Learn more. (Note: K-State will have a separate vice provost for enrollment management.)

Many of us take for granted the fact that whenever we get hungry, there will be food to eat. 

However, in order for us to eat that food, it has to be grown or produced. And not everyone on this planet has equal access to safe, sustainable food. 

Agriculture impacts everyone, and it’s vital to discuss the opportunities, challenges and issues within agriculture, and how they will affect our future.

Two K-Staters helping to lead these important conversations are Andrew Lauver ’17 and Mindy McBee ’12. Lauver and McBee were recently honored as part of the AgGrad 30 Under 30 Awards, a program created to celebrate the young professionals shaping the future of agriculture.

Get to know Lauver and McBee, and hear more about their ideas for moving the profession forward.
 

Andrew Lauver

Andrew Lauver, West Des Moines, Iowa, is a graduate of K-State’s online Master of Agribusiness program. He serves as an industry relations manager for Syngenta. His professional background includes experience with seed and precision agricultural services.

What were your thoughts on being named to the 30 Under 30 list?

Growing up on a family farm engrained in me the importance of hard work, community involvement, personal tenacity, time management and negotiation skills to enhance the lives of others. This recognition sets great expectations and provides motivation as I continually look forward to pursuing opportunities to serve others through consistent leadership and commitment.

What brought you to K-State, and how has your K-State experience impacted your career?

I started looking at graduate schools during my junior year as an undergrad. I searched far and wide, but kept coming back to Kansas State as a premier option for a master’s in agribusiness. My time and education at Kansas State has created a platform and network of relationships to reach my goals and aspirations. I remain in touch with my classmates on a weekly basis and still communicate with faculty and staff as I navigate both personal and professional life as a K-State alum.

What motivated you to pursue a career in agriculture?

From the time I was 3, farming the carpet with my tractors, I only wanted to be one thing, and that was to be just like Dad and Grandpa: a farmer. My continual interest in following in their footsteps was enhanced at a young age when I became engaged in livestock chores and walking fields with Grandpa and Dad. Caring for livestock who “eat breakfast before I do” and developing a servant leadership approach through 4-H, FFA and college empowered me to believe I can create considerable change to enhance rural quality of life.

What are the greatest challenges, and greatest opportunities, right now in agriculture?

Market development and export growth for agricultural products is critical to ensure a vibrant rural economy across America. Policy actions continue to influence the trajectory of global export relationships and growth potential. It is essential to be at the table advocating for growers by addressing concerns and seizing opportunities. 

How do you envision the future of agriculture? What are some of the reasons it’s so important for upcoming generations to focus on this field?

America’s future in this competitive global landscape hinges on our ability to nurture and improve the cultivation of corn, soybeans and care of livestock on our family farms that make up the fabric of a strong U.S. economy. Our crops and livestock are some of the greatest national resources our country has, celebrated through the knowledge and understanding by youth engaged in agriculture that 4-H and FFA provide. The stronger our youth programs are, the stronger the future of our family farm and American economy will be.  

Mindy McBee

Mindy McBee, Fairway, Kansas, earned a degree in agribusiness from K-State. She started her career with Cargill in grain merchandising in Minneapolis, Minnesota, and today she leads pricing and formulation for Cargill’s U.S. feed business, and is based in Olathe, Kansas.

What were your thoughts on being named to the 30 Under 30 list?

It was a humbling and exciting moment! It’s an honor to be named among these great young leaders. I love that AgGrad is focusing on recognition within our industry, and highlighting a diverse group of individuals, who all chose varying career paths. It shows how diverse your career path can be, as well as how much diversity is needed in our industry.

What brought you to K-State, and how has your K-State experience impacted your career? 

I grew up on my family’s farm in Westphalia, Kansas. I was drawn to K-State by a fantastic experience I had visiting campus. I remember feeling that everyone I met really wanted me to join the “family.” My K-State experience has made a huge impact on my career. I felt prepared for the technical work from my classroom experience. Even more importantly I was prepared to lead and navigate the organization successfully thanks to my time in student organizations and working experiences while in school. The opportunity to lead in student organizations like Student Alumni Board and Blue Key were amazing opportunities to test my leadership style and skills before entering the workplace. Balancing workload of organizations, work and school, all prepared me for the different hats I wear on any given day at Cargill.

What motivated you to pursue a career in agriculture?

I chose the College of Agriculture at K-State to get an education from a well-known and respected program. I knew I would gain great connections and have a positive experience with my adviser. I wanted a degree in an impactful and dynamic space, that would be flexible as to what I actually did with it. I had no idea what I wanted to do in the field of agriculture until I started my internship at Cargill. Once I started my grain merchandising internship, I could immediately see the impact we had each day on local farm economies. I felt super connected to our customers due to growing up on my family farm. I was hooked by how engaging it was to come to a challenging job each day that had a real impact on a space I cared deeply about.

What are the greatest challenges, and greatest opportunities, right now in agriculture?

The global trade war; consumer demands for more natural, organic, transparent products; food insecurity; food waste… we could go on. One huge opportunity we have is our ability to tell our story. We need to tell the story and vision of production ag better. There are some awesome examples of producers and organizations doing this via blogs and social media that I think we can continue to learn from and evolve our approach as an industry.

How do you envision the future of agriculture? What are some of the reasons it’s so important for upcoming generations to focus on this field?

I envision an even more complex and transparent supply chain as we meet today’s consumer demand. I also expect we will see some fairly large disruptors through technology advances. If you think about all that has changed in our demands for food in the last 100 years, I think we will see even more changes in the next 50. A career focused in agriculture will continue to put you at the forefront of these changes and trends. A career in agriculture can be anything you want it to be. We need thinkers, dreamers, doers and, most importantly, people who care about nourishing the world!

— Special thanks to Grant Guggisberg ’10 with K-State Global Campus for his assistance with this article. 

When it comes to keeping yourself safe during the warm summer months, you’re probably already aware that you need to apply sunscreen, stay hydrated and watch out for bug bites. 

But it’s also important to remember that you need to keep your pets safe, too. As we head into summertime, Kansas State University veterinarian and clinical professor Dr. Susan Lind Nelson ’89 shares several safety tips to keep your pets healthy and happy throughout the season. 

1. Protect against bug bites

Nelson recommends that it’s time to get your furry friends started on a flea, tick and heartworm preventative to protect against the buzz and bites of fleas, ticks and mosquitoes.

According to Nelson, ticks bring many tick-borne illnesses, such as Lyme disease, Ehrlichiosis and Rocky Mountain Spotted Fever for dogs, and a most often deadly disease for cats called cytauxzoonosis. Fleas can cause flea bite anemia, flea allergy dermatitis, plague, tapeworms and Bartonella Henslae, which is the cause of cat scratch fever in people. 

With mosquitoes comes heartworm disease for both dogs and cats, which is often fatal if left untreated, she said.

“Year-round protection against all these parasites is recommended and there are many choices available for both dogs and cats,” Nelson said. “Many of the heartworm preventives deworm against several intestinal parasites as well, which are also more prevalent during warmer weather.”

2. Warm up before working out 

With an increase in time spent outside, Nelson advises reintroducing dogs slowly to exercise if they have been less active over the winter months, or they may succumb to injury. If you take your dog to the dog park, make sure they are current on recommended vaccinations for your area and review dog park etiquette prior to going, Nelson said.

“It is important to watch your dog closely when interacting with other dogs as play can often turn too ‘ruff’ at times,” she said.

Make sure your pet is properly identified with a tag and collar and a microchip to ensure, if lost, they will be returned to you. Even if your pet is kept indoors or not prone to wandering, Nelson said proper identification is always a good idea as there are many reasons why a pet can become lost or displaced.

3. Hitting the road 

For owners who plan to travel with their pet, Nelson recommends protecting pets’ eyes from injury by not allowing them to stick out their heads while driving. Keeping pets buckled up or secure in a crate also will help avoid injury should there be an accident and to keep them from getting under the foot of the driver, she said.

Also, avoid having them ride in the bed of a pickup as many dogs have been known to jump out or be ejected out in the case of an accident.

When temperatures are high, it is important to remember to never leave your pet confined to the car as heat stroke is too often a fatal consequence, Nelson said.

4. On the water

Many people and dogs are drawn to water activities during the warmer months. As pools reopen for use, make sure they are properly gated to keep out curious pets — and children — and avoid accidental drownings, Nelson said.

Nelson suggests additional safety precautions if taking your dog boating or fishing.

If you take your dog boating, make sure they wear a life jacket if they cannot swim or if you will be far from shore. Also ensure your dog is vaccinated against Leptospirosis, a potentially deadly disease caused by a type of bacteria often found in lakes, ponds and standing water.

“While fishing, keep baited and unbaited hooks and lures out of reach as many dogs have been known to swallow them or have them get stuck up in a lip, both situations often ending up with a trip to the veterinarian,” Nelson said.

5. Plant hazards 

Summer also means that plants will be blooming and people will be out working in their yards.

“Many plants are toxic to your pets, including Azaleas and Rhododendrons; and all parts of lilies, including the pollen, are toxic to cats,” Nelson said. “Herbicides, fertilizers and insecticides should be kept out of reach from your pets, and instructions for use and when pets can be allowed back onto the lawn should be followed.”

Pets also see their allergies peak during this season, Nelson said. This can lead to itchy skin, sneezing and watery eyes.

“Speak with your veterinarian about options, as there are many new products that can help your pet combat seasonal allergies,” Nelson said. 

Grass also produces grass seeds, or awns, which often get caught up in the coat, ear canals or between the toes, and can migrate a great distance in the body and cause serious infections. Nelson recommends checking your dog’s body and feet daily for these annoying, and possibly deadly, pieces of plant material.
 

6. Severe weather safety 

This time of the year also brings with it an increased chance for severe weather with thunder, which is particularly traumatic for many dogs. 

Nelson said there are several nonprescription options to treat mild anxiety caused by thunder and other loud noises, but if your dog has severe phobias, speak to your veterinarian about prescription medications to help alleviate your pet’s anxiety.

— Special thanks to the K-State College of Veterinary Medicine (original article: https://www.k-state.edu/today/announcement/?id=42278) 

Matthew Schindler recently rode 700 miles across the state of Kansas on a bicycle. 

While the mileage is impressive, that isn’t what the ride was really about. 

Schindler, of Manhattan, Kansas, organized the bike ride to raise awareness for Parkinson’s disease. It honors the legacy of his father, former K-State professor Dale Schindler ’53, ’60, who was diagnosed with Parkinson’s at age 29 and passed away in 1994. Schindler also was diagnosed with young onset Parkinson’s in 2002, and he wants to give others hope.

According to Mayo Clinic, Parkinson’s disease is a progressive nervous system disorder that affects movement. More than 10 million people worldwide have Parkinson’s, and about 60,000 people are newly diagnosed with Parkinson’s in the U.S. each year, Schindler said.

Finding hope

Schindler was born and raised in Manhattan. His father was a professor at K-State and finished his career at K-State Research and Extension.

“I grew up a K-Stater,” Schindler said. “My dad just loved this university. It’s a wonderful place.”

Sadly, Schindler’s father had to take medical retirement at age 45. At the time, there wasn’t much support for those with young onset Parkinson’s, Schindler said.

After Schindler also began to experience balance issues, he was diagnosed with familial Parkinson’s. He had to leave a job he enjoyed and retired in 2014. His health continued to spiral downhill.

However, Schindler refused to accept that as the final answer. He began a new treatment plan, changing his medications, diet and exercise habits, and he is now able to work again, as a self-employed trim carpenter.

Biking to raise awareness

The idea for the Parkinson’s bike ride sprouted after Schindler decided to try riding his bike again one day. He said he rode for 3-4 miles, and the exercise felt great.

The Dale Schindler Memorial Bike Ride lasted from April 8-26, and passed through cities such as Wichita, Kansas City and Topeka, ending in Manhattan. Although Schindler was biking by himself, his wife followed behind him in a van.

As part of the bike ride, Schindler spoke to various groups about the importance of exercising and being part of an active support group for Parkinson’s.

He said he was touched by the outpouring of support both within Manhattan and across the state.

“We met some really good people,” he said. “I’m really happy. It was amazing, unbelievable to me.”
 

Moving forward

Beyond the bike ride, the work continues. Schindler said that Manhattan has the only dedicated young onset Parkinson’s group in the state of Kansas that he can find, and he wants to continue raising awareness. He’d also like to see the bike ride become an annual event, though in a slightly different format.  

He also treasures his time with family. He has two children: a daughter, Nicole Schindler Rush ’06, who graduated from K-State, and a son, Michael Schindler; and three grandchildren.

He’s not planning to slow down anytime soon.

“I’m going to go down fighting,” he said. “That’s my mission now. Anything I can do to help, I’m going to do it.”

Learn more about the Speedy PD Race for Parkinson’s disease in Manhattan, Kansas. 

Looking to pick up some locally-sourced eggs or honey? How about some fresh-baked pies or cookies? 

When people hear the phrase “farmers market,” fresh fruits and vegetables are often the first products that come to mind. However, produce is merely one part of the wide array of goods brought to the Downtown Farmers Market of Manhattan, Kansas, every week.

K-State alum and Manhattan farmers market president Andrea DeJesus ’01, ’02 said that local farmers, crafters and bakers bring all kinds of products with them to the market, ranging from meat to wind chimes to homemade dog treats. The market has become a well-loved community tradition that is celebrating its 40th year.

“You never know what you’re going to find at the market,” DeJesus said. “When I’m walking around, I find things I didn’t even know were there.”

The market started in 1979 with a few booths. DeJesus said that her mother was a founding member of the market, and she’s excited to carry on her mother’s legacy. DeJesus graduated with bachelor’s and master’s degrees in accounting from K-State, and is putting that education into action at the market.

The appeal of the market is that it allows producers to sell directly to consumers, DeJesus said. 

Anyone is welcome — whether it’s backyard gardeners looking to sell surplus produce or a community group hosting a fundraiser. The farmers market can even provide a way for people to start and grow a business.

“It is very open,” DeJesus said.  

The market also is a great educational opportunity for kids (and even adults!), demonstrating how food gets from the farm to your table. Visitors to the market can ask producers about the products and how they’re grown/made. DeJesus said studies have shown that when kids pick out their own produce, they’re more inclined to eat it.

“In this day and age, there’s a big disconnect between consumers and farmers,” she said, adding that at the market, “people can get a little bit closer to where food comes from. It doesn’t just show up on the grocery store shelf.”

Farmers markets also offer environmental benefits (cutting down on transportation), and they provide a way for vendors to earn a living.

“Your produce is grown very, very local,” DeJesus said. “It keeps a lot more money local.”

The Downtown Farmers Market of Manhattan is open from 8 a.m. to 1 p.m. on Saturdays, located at Third and Leavenworth (near Dillard’s at the Manhattan Town Center mall). It’s also open Wednesdays from 4-7 p.m. in the Ascension Via Christi Hospital parking lot, located off Kimball. Watch for various special events and activities throughout the year, like Easter egg hunts for the kids. You can also listen to live music in the form of an open jam session every Saturday, where anyone is welcome to come play music.

Want to see for yourself what the farmers market experience is like in Manhattan? Check out our video tour from a recent Saturday:

There are lots of benefits and opportunities that come with being a K-State Alumni Association member! 

New life member tumbler

Life members can now purchase an exclusive 20 oz., purple and silver K-State Alumni Association tumbler. 

This life members-only merchandise is stainless steel, double-walled and includes a slide-to-close lid. 

Learn more about how to purchase this exclusive tumbler. 

Save more at the K-State Campus Store

K-State Alumni Association members now receive a 15% discount at the K-State Campus Store (previously, members received a discount of 10%).

You can receive a discount in-store — at both the Manhattan and Polytechnic locations — by showing your membership card (you can show your card on the Link for Life app or your physical card). Discount applies to apparel and gift items only.

You can also use the discount online. Learn more about how to receive the online discount.

Alumni Association football ticket discount

Single game football tickets will go on sale soon, starting June 5-9 online exclusively for Ahearn Fund members and June 10 on sale to the general public.

K-State Athletics is offering a discount exclusively for Alumni Association members this year:

$55 discounted tickets to the Homecoming game against Oklahoma on Oct. 26, while supplies last.

(Note: Fans will need to be members of both the Alumni Association and the Ahearn Fund to order the discounted tickets June 5-9.)

Learn more about how to become a member of the K-State Alumni Association. Benefits include the award-winning K-Stater magazine, annual wall calendar, nationwide Wildcat Discounts program and more! 

Most people want to feel like what they do makes a difference, but it can be daunting when the world is facing big problems like disease, hunger and poverty. As a public land-grant university, Kansas State University is tasked with addressing these problems.

In this issue of Good for K-State magazine, we share five inspiring stories of K-State students and faculty who are making a difference in big and small ways, addressing global issues through research and helping people one-on-one.

Read more

 

The power of one: How one K-Stater paved the way for her family to create opportunities for themselves and others

From the time Mary Emma “Mamie” Alexander Boyd set foot on campus 120 years ago, five generations of her family have attended Kansas State University.

Mamie was the first in her family to earn a college degree. She worked her way through what was then Kansas State Agricultural College, selling her heifer for $17.50 and working other jobs. She worked at the college printing press where she met her husband, Frank Boyd.

Mamie graduated in 1902, then she and Frank began a career in newspaper publishing — a tradition that is carried on by several family members today.

Fourth-generation Boyd family K-Stater Steve Logback ’90 was the epitome of a Wildcat. “Steve wore purple every day. His dream job was to work for the university,” said Lydia Logback Graham ’87, Steve’s sister. “Steve had that incredible passion and love for K-State.”

Steve Logback passed away unexpectedly in 2017 at the age of 49. He was vice president of communications and marketing at K-State and had previously served as director of communications for the K-State Alumni Association.

To honor Steve and his love of K-State and journalism, his family and friends participated in the K-State Family Scholarship match program by creating the Wildcat Way Scholarship for journalism students.

Read more