For K-State students, an internship offers an opportunity to take the skills they’ve learned in the classroom and apply them in a real-life, on-the-job setting. 

Marone Shimekt, a senior studying human resource management at K-State, got a chance to put her major into action during an internship with the company WaterOne. 

“During my internship, I was able to screen applications and conduct interviews, clean and mine data in preparation for their new HRIS system implementation, and my personal favorite: developed and presented a business case on diversity and inclusion for the senior staff.”

If you’re a K-State alumni or friend with a business, the K-State Career Center encourages you to consider offering an internship to current K-State students. You could help them get a head start in their future career.

“I believe my time as an intern will positively impact my future career,” Shimekt said. “Being able to take on challenging initiatives was an experience that has cultivated my personal and professional growth in ways beyond measure.”

Marlaina Markwart, a senior also majoring in human resource management, has benefited from two HR internships: one at MMC Corp and one at Westlake Ace Hardware.

Markwart said in her first internship, she focused mainly on talent acquisition: registering for career fairs, posting jobs, updating recruitment presentations and preparing recruitment materials. She also created and managed a month-long, company-wide competition using an online financial wellness tool called SmartDollar, including a prize system, tracking employee points, sending weekly emails and coordinating prize distribution.

In her second internship, she processed more than 400 background checks and more than 350 Form W-4s and "change in direct deposit" authorization forms. She also observed how the company handled COVID-19 cases, helped with four store acquisitions and apprenticed the recruiting cycle for a corporate role.

“My internships have already impacted my career,” she said. “I accepted a full-time position in December and I look forward to starting in the Human Resources Leadership Development Program at Parker Hannifin in June. These opportunities helped me learn how to be a young professional, allowed me to apply classroom information to the workforce and establish great contacts in my field.”

Employ K-Staters

Share your career knowledge as a mentor

Are there lessons you’ve learned throughout your career that you’d love to share with a current K-State student? Why not sign up to be a WildcatLink mentor!

WildcatLink is a networking program that connects K-State students with alumni and friends for career-related mentoring.

K-State Alumni Association board of directors member Rich Macha ’80 says he has “thoroughly enjoyed being a mentor in the WildcatLink program,” and he encourages other K-Staters to consider participating.

“I hit the jackpot with my first mentee. I was paired with K-State varsity basketball player Pierson McAtee ’19, ’20. He is on the Big 12 Conference Commissioner’s Honor Roll and was selected three times as Academic All-Big 12 First Team. I assisted Pierson to understand the wealth management field he was pursuing as a career and introduced him to leaders in wealth management. It was a true pleasure getting to know him and assist him achieve his goals. Pierson is now working at a Kansas City wealth management firm.

“I’m now assisting my second mentee, Meghan Splichal. We’ve now had two meetings and have discussed the pros/cons of immediate employment after graduating versus pursuing law school. She is a very bright student with a tremendous future in front of her. It’s been a delight getting to know Meghan. 

“In both cases, it’s been rewarding to assist these K-Staters achieve their career goals. It is a wonderful feeling to share advice and help them achieve success. I enjoy the stimulating conversation and having a connection to a K-State student.”

Be a mentor

Stop student hunger

The goal of Cats’ Cupboard — the K-State student food pantry — is to prevent food insecurity from being a barrier to student success.

In a Campus Climate Assessment Project, 39.4% of the students who reported financial hardship indicated they had difficulty affording food.

In a financial stress study conducted by the Office of Student Life, 14% of student respondents indicated they did not have enough money to meet their basic necessities. Furthermore, 51% indicated they didn’t have enough money for groceries at least once in the three preceding months.

It’s easy to make a donation to Cats’ Cupboard and help stop student hunger, with options for giving online or dropping off items in person. 

Donate to Cats' Cupboard

Help students help other students

Even while they’re still students, K-Staters learn how to give back. K-State Proud is a student-led, nationally-recognized fundraising campaign for K-State. Guided by the leadership of Student Foundation, the campaign encourages students to show their K-State pride through philanthropy. In the first 13 years of the campaign, students have raised more than $1.35 million for their peers who are struggling financially.

Support K-State Proud

Drive with pride…and support scholarships

Did you know that something as simple as purchasing an official K-State License Plate can help you invest in future generations of K-Staters?

Since the program began in 1996, the tax-deductible royalties paid on K-State License Plates have raised more than $5 million for student scholarships and recognition of achievements.

K-State License Plates are currently available in Kansas, Maryland and Texas. Find out how you can get your plate today:

Drive with pride

Patrick Moran ’16 did not set out to pursue a career in history. 

In his late teens/early 20s, he was a musician and spent his time traveling around the country. However, he ultimately decided that wasn’t the right career path for him long-term and he started brainstorming other options.

“What’s the only other thing that has been an interest of mine when I was a child?” he remembers thinking. “It’s history.”

That interest eventually led him to Kansas State University, where he earned a Bachelor of Science in history. Although he didn’t always enjoy it at the time, he’s now embraced his experience as a nontraditional student. He started at K-State in his late 20s and graduated when he was 29.

“When I got out, I realized K-State had done a lot and had a lot of resources for nontraditional students,” he said. “I could sing the praises of K-State all day.”

Many schools have history departments, but K-State’s stood out to him as something special. The quality and intensity of the educational experience made him feel like he was studying almost at a grad school level.

“Our history department made me more prepared than other schools,” he said.

More than ‘digging in the dirt’

Moran spent the first part of his career working as an archeologist for the federal government.

When people hear the word “archeology,” their thoughts often jump to fictional characters like Indiana Jones, or they picture massive digs at ancient sites depicted on documentaries.

While that’s certainly part of archeology, the field encompasses many other kinds of work. As a federal archeologist, Moran would be brought in as a consultant by the government before a major development project such as building a new road or repairing a dam.

“They have to make sure they’re not destroying an archeological site,” Moran said. If an item of interest is found, either the project location will be moved, or the artifact will be safely extracted.  

Moran chuckles at one of his first memories at an archeology “dig.” He showed up with a shovel and a trowel, ready to start digging in the dirt, and then was informed digging was not actually needed for this type of job.

Based on the soil and type of artifacts found in the western United States, Moran spent more time simply walking around and looking at the ground.

“It’s a very different type of archeology than people are aware of, but it’s still important,” Moran said.

One of the best parts of the job was making a discovery and uncovering a bit of history that might otherwise have been lost in time.

“I’m holding something that is 500 to 1,000 years old,” Moran said. “It’s just sitting there on the ground.”

Exploring natural resources

Moran is currently based in Las Vegas, Nevada, and now works an interpretive Park Ranger for the Lake Mead National Recreation Area, near Hoover Dam.

“While archeology was fun, this more aligns with what I’m passionate about,” he said.

As an interpretive ranger, his job is to help history and nature come alive for park visitors.

“I'm able to take what may seem to some of the public as dry, boring concepts, and make them be interesting and immersive to a visitor,” he said.

A normal year for an interpretive ranger includes giving talks, guided tours and nature hikes. However, the COVID-19 pandemic brought a need for social distancing and forced alterations to the type of programming offered at National Park sites. Moran spent much of the summer at Lead Mead walking along the beaches, encouraging safety and accident prevention.

2020 was actually one of the busiest years for the National Parks system, Moran said. Lake Mead on average gets 7 million visitors a year, but there was an increase of 750,000 visitors in 2020. Moran hopes the public’s increased interest in National Parks continues.

When people talk about the National Parks in the United States, they often focus on the largest parks, such as Yosemite or the Grand Canyon. However, there are more than 400 properties included in the system nationwide — including several in Kansas. Tallgrass Prairie National Preserve near Manhattan protects one of the planet’s most threatened ecosystems.

Moran encourages others to explore all the resources the National Parks system has to offer.

“There is probably some sort of National Park unit that is within three hours of you,” he said. “They all have a reason for being created and protected.”

Photo descriptions:
1) Carrying survey gear, preparing to collect exact GPS points of an archaeological site. 
2) Holding a projectile point discovered while surveying for a government project, Elko County, Nevada.
3) Moran in his "summer uniform," overlooking Boulder Beach at Lake Mead National Recreation Area.

When Kelli Lucas ’16 joined a robotics team in high school, she ended up loving the program so much that even after she graduated, she knew she had to find a way to stay involved. 

“I just never stopped,” she chuckles. “I’ve been volunteering in some capacity since 2007.” 

The K-State Global Campus grad volunteers in the Kansas/Missouri region with the global nonprofit For Inspiration and Recognition of Science and Technology (FIRST). She serves in different roles at robotics events, including judging the student competitions and making sure the robots are being operated safely.

The robots at these competitions are serious machines, clocking in at 120 pounds and 6 feet tall.

“There’s a lot of moving pieces,” Lucas said.

For the uninitiated, robotics programs challenge teams of students to build and program robots, which they then take to competitions.

Lucas first learned about robotics from her aunt, who is also a K-State graduate. Lucas joined a team of 12 other students at her high school, and was one of two girls.

Lucas said there’s a misconception that you have to already know a lot about engineering and technology to join a robotics team. The program actually offers many ways to get involved, and part of the experience is learning new skills.

“This program really is for everyone,” she said. “There’s something everyone can do. There’s so many aspects that people just don’t think about.”

Since high school robotics teams must do a lot of their own fundraising, a team also needs students with a knack for business. Lucas served as a treasurer for her team.

“It functions as a mini business,” she said.

When Lucas was on a robotics team, students were limited to a six-week build cycle; when the deadline was up, you had to stop tinkering with your robot. That system led to a lot of stress for students — and many late nights.

To reduce pressure, teams are now allowed to work on their robot from the announcement of the competition all the way up to the day of the event.

A K-State connection

Lucas currently works as a claims adjuster at Farm Bureau, and she said her involvement in robotics provided her with business skills and mechanical knowledge that are helpful in her career today.

She studied as an undergrad at K-State before transferring, and then she returned to pursue a master’s degree in youth development from K-State’s Global Campus, graduating in 2016. She’s currently enrolled in the data analytics program at Global Campus.

She said Global Campus was a great option for her as an adult learner trying to earn a degree while also working a full-time job. Global Campus provided her with the flexibility she needed.

She encourages other K-State grads to look for opportunities where they can use their skills and passions to help others.

“There’s lots of volunteer opportunities,” she said. “Getting involved, people just don’t realize the avenues they can. It’s just finding your spot.”

Faculty and students at the Kansas State College of Veterinary Medicine are sharing their passion for shelter medicine with the Riley County Humane Society by providing veterinary care and finding homes for homeless animals in Riley County and beyond.

Dr. Lisa Pohlman (pictured at right), associate professor of clinical pathology, and Dr. Jessica Meekins (left), associate professor of ophthalmology, serve as president and vice president of the humane society, respectively.

After earning her Doctor of Veterinary Medicine from the Ontario Veterinary College in 2001, Pohlman worked in small animal practice for several years providing discounted veterinary services to a county shelter and developing policies and procedures for disease control.

"There was just so much need, and not enough resources or awareness of the massive problem of pet overpopulation," Pohlman said. "I think from that time on, I knew I'd always have to volunteer my time and skills to help."

Pohlman became involved with RCHS shortly after joining the College of Veterinary Medicine faculty at K-State, and upon spending time with the organization, she took on the role of president.

"I felt an obligation to offer to help local organizations, so I started volunteering for the Riley County Humane Society," Pohlman said. "At first, I was a foster parent. Then, I ran their community microchip and vaccination clinics. Then in 2012, the organization went through upheaval and was going to fold because there was no one willing to run it. So, with much trepidation, at the last minute, I volunteered for the job."

In 2013, Meekins joined the humane society as vice president. Despite the struggles of running the organization, she says the hard work is more than worth it.

"Every time a foster animal finds a forever home, we save a life and make an impact," Meekins said. "I am also excited that we have the ability to provide quality medical care to animals with special needs, as many shelters and rescue groups are unable to do this due to limited resources. We are able to rescue dogs and cats that would otherwise face humane euthanasia for health problems that are manageable and often curable."

🐶 Compassionate care 🐱

In addition to Pohlman and Meekins, many veterinary students have volunteered their time with the Riley County Humane Society assisting with fostering and veterinary care. Among them are Stephanie Helmer, second-year student, and Amanda Bennett '18, third-year student.

While working in the intensive care unit in the Veterinary Health Center, Helmer's involvement with the humane society began when a stray animal was brought in for care.

"This injured kitten immediately stole my heart, and when asked for a volunteer to foster her, I jumped on the opportunity," Helmer said. "I ended up adopting that foster kitten, but I've since fostered other cats with special medical needs. I love that I get the opportunity to be involved in the care of these sick animals. Not only is it extremely fulfilling and rewarding to observe their healing process, but it also allows me the opportunity to further develop my veterinary skills and knowledge."

Bennett started out fostering dogs with RCHS and has been involved with new dog/cat intake and vaccinations for new rescues for about a year.

"My favorite part has and always will be the feeling you get when an animal finds a new home or comes to the Riley County Humane Society from a place of need," Bennett said. "Seeing the changes that happen to these animals and the trust that they have in us makes it all worth it. I absolutely love using the skills I have learned in veterinary school and applying them to these incoming animals."

🐾 Pet food pantry 🐾

RCHS has recently developed an emergency pet food pantry for owners who are experiencing financial hardship during the COVID-19 pandemic. The missions of the pantry are 1) to keep pet owners from having to choose between feeding themselves and their pets, and 2) to keep loved pets in their homes and out of over-crowded shelters.

Started with the help of major donations from Sunflower Natural Pet Supply and the Caroline Peine Charitable Foundation, the pantry is located at the west entrance of Colony Square at 555 Poyntz Ave. in Manhattan, Kansas, and occurs on the first and third Saturdays of the month from 9 to 10 a.m.

Article and photo courtesy of:
Piper Brandt
K-State master’s student in mass communications
College of Veterinary Medicine - Marketing and Communications graduate assistant

Derby Dining Center has been a hub for campus residents in search of food and fellowship since its construction in 1966. Employees at “The Derb,” as it’s lovingly called, have served made-from-scratch meals and Call Hall milk in the building’s mid-century design since that year as well. That is, until a couple of months ago.

When students returned to campus for a new semester on Jan. 25, those living in the residence halls on the east side of campus also returned to a new Derby. Though the $16 million renovation project isn’t fully complete, the Derby dining experience has fundamentally changed to one that’s more modern, efficient and user-friendly. Areas still under construction — The Bakery, classroom and conference room space, administrative offices and a welcome desk — were placed at the end of the timeline to allow students to take advantage of the main service and seating areas for the full spring semester.

🚧 The process

The Derby renovation process began in November 2019. To allow the contractor, Coonrod and Associates Construction Co. Inc., to proceed at full speed and adhere to the timeline projecting a reopening for fall 2020, the building was closed following the university’s 2020 spring break. But as the COVID-19 pandemic progressed through the summer, construction supply chain delays and other complications arose and forced K-State’s Housing and Dining Services to make the difficult decision to postpone the opening for another semester. At this time, a definitive date for total project completion has not been set.

"We will continue to wrap up the project this semester and into the summer," said Derek Jackson ’93, ’15, associate vice president for student life and director of housing and dining services. "The finishing touches are slowed down now that we’re open, so some of the work necessary to complete the project can only be performed when the dining center is closed at night and during the summer."

While Derby devotees waited patiently, HDS implemented a number of additional service options to provide all residents with the range of options necessary for their varied, busy schedules:

• Located across the parking lot from Derby, Van Zile Dining Center welcomed students with expanded service options and hours of operation.
• Shuttle services transported students to and from the Kramer Community, with its new dining center that was built along with the construction of K-State’s newest residential facility, Wefald Hall.
• Again, the pandemic prompted a pivot: Increased visitor density was out of the question. So for the first half of the fall 2020 semester, HDS partnered with Kansas-based food trucks Smokin Willies BBQ (Wamego), Vista (Manhattan) and Tacos Food Truck (Marion) to serve students.  
• Read more about K-State Dining Services’ pandemic response.
  
  

🍕 The improvements

The renovation includes a new entrance and other cosmetic improvements on the southeast corner of the building; new classroom, meeting spaces and hall entries on the first floor; and a new single-staircase entry to the food service area on the second floor. A new open dining experience full of natural light surrounds the production and service areas. Students needing food accommodations have access to an enclosed space with foods and serviceware that supports enjoyable dining experiences. A dedicated breakfast space with waffles, toast, cereal and other self-service options will open when community health guidelines permit. Wildly popular, not surprisingly, is the beautiful new wood-fired pizza oven.

"Opening state-of-the-art Kramer Dining Center four years ago has helped guide Derby’s design and concept choices," said Mary Molt ’95, associate director of K-State Housing and Dining Services. "We chose to duplicate Kramer’s popular Asian, Southwest, pizza, crepe, and deli cooking and service platforms, and of course the grill where we serve more than 35,000 pounds of hamburger patties from K-State’s Weber Hall Meat Lab per year."

Molt continued, mentioning that a few features were simply tweaked.

“The classics area is adaptable to serve the tried-and-true, from-scratch recipes that for many have been popular since Derby opened, but now in a space that shows chickens and other meats rotating in a rotisserie oven and being carved to order.”

The renovation also allows Derby to showcase the ways it adapts to rapidly changing trends in the foodservice industry and adds an educational component to campus dining.

“Creative plant-forward menus have become easier to prepare and serve in full view of the customer,” Molt said. “The service design makes it easier to connect students with Kansas plant agriculture in ways such as serving sorghum recipes developed through a joint effort between menu and recipe development coordinator Kelly Whitehair ’01, ’04, ’11 and Kansas sorghum producers and researchers.” 

Don’t fret: The Bakery will return to its former location in the first-floor lobby soon, but with a new customer service counter for those who love its cinnamon rolls, cookies, giant Rice Krispies treats and other sweets. Its online ordering service popular among parents, campus partners and the Manhattan community will return as well, with free deliveries to the residence halls and Jardine Apartments community.

Updates to the fire safety systems and the heating, ventilation and air conditioning systems, while less visible, were top priorities nonetheless.

💜 The future of campus dining at K-State

With the opening of Derby, Van Zile Dining Center has closed for an undetermined amount of time. Currently, Derby is sized to accommodate both the Derby (Ford, Haymaker, Moore and West halls) and Strong (Boyd, Putnam and Van Zile halls) communities. The staff of Van Zile Dining Center will simply transfer their talents to Derby.

“Our goal was to retain the community traditions and good food that are fondly remembered over many generations of K-Staters and to do so in an environment that supports the changing foodservice industry and the natural evolution of students’ tastes and expectations,” said Molt. “We believe we have done that exceptionally well.”

It’s hard to imagine The Derb capable of improvement, but Housing and Dining Services and campus residents are happy to see that the warm, community feel of the old building is alive and well among the technological advancements and attractive new features. If anything, it’s enhanced by the dining area’s more connected, continuous layout. We hope you’ll stop and see for yourself on a future visit to campus!