From the 2024 Ambassadors
Avery and Andrew were elected by the student body to serve as the 2024 Student Ambassadors and have shared their experience below.
Avery Johnson
In one word, how would you describe your experience as a K-State Student Ambassador?
If I had to describe my experience as a K-State Ambassador in one word, it would be relationships. Serving in this role allowed me to form lifelong friendships with individuals who share a deep passion for Kansas State University. The connections I built within the K-State community have enriched my life in countless ways and will remain an integral part of my journey. These relationships were more than just friendships; they were a network of support, inspiration and shared dedication to representing K-State with pride.
Beyond the friendships, being a K-State Ambassador allowed me to meet and engage with people from all walks of life who share a common love for the university. It was truly inspiring to connect with alumni, prospective students and faculty who all contribute to the legacy of K-State. Through these interactions, I gained a greater appreciation for the university's impact and felt honored to play a role in sharing its story. The relationships I established as an Ambassador exemplify the sense of community that makes K-State so special.
What surprised you the most about your experience?
What surprised me the most about my experience as a K-State Student Ambassador was gaining a deeper understanding of and appreciation for the tireless efforts of the K-State Alumni Association. While I thought I had a good foundational knowledge of their work, serving as an Ambassador gave me a bird's-eye view of just how much they do to support and advance Kansas State University. From organizing countless events to fostering meaningful connections between alumni, students and the university. Their dedication and commitment to K-State's success is truly inspiring.
Andrew and I were incredibly fortunate to work closely with Alan Fankhauser '82, who played an instrumental role in balancing our busy schedules with the demands of the Alumni Association. Alan and the rest of the Alumni Association staff went above and beyond to create memorable experiences for current students and alumni. Their passion for K-State and the energy they pour into every initiative left a lasting impression on me. It was a humbling and rewarding experience to witness firsthand the hard work and genuine care they bring to every aspect of their work.
Do you have a favorite event you attended?
My favorite event of the year was, without a doubt, the hometown stops in Hutchinson and Beloit. These visits were incredibly meaningful because they allowed Andrew and me to share what we love most — Kansas State University — with the people who mean the most to us. Seeing the excitement and pride of our hometown communities as we represented K-State was a unique and unforgettable experience. It felt special to bring the spirit of the university back to the places where our journeys began and to connect with others who share a passion for K-State.
These hometown stops also gave me a deeper appreciation for the way K-State fosters a sense of community that extends far beyond Manhattan. It was heartwarming to witness how our shared love for the university brought people together in celebration and support. Whether we were speaking with prospective students, alumni or longtime Wildcat fans, the opportunity to represent K-State in such a personal and meaningful way made these events stand out as my favorite moments of the year.
How do you feel you made a difference as a K-State Student Ambassador?
As a K-State Student Ambassador, I believe Andrew and I made a difference by fostering stronger connections between the Ambassadorship and the student body. We worked hard to ensure that students recognized us as familiar faces and understood the significance of our roles. By being present, approachable and active in various events, we aimed to create a sense of accessibility and transparency. This helped students see the Ambassadors not just as representatives but as advocates for their experiences, making the ambassadorship more relatable and impactful.
Additionally, we focused on showcasing the importance of the ambassadorship to the university as a whole. Through our efforts, we highlighted the value Ambassadors bring in promoting K-State’s culture, traditions and opportunities. By embodying the spirit of K-State and consistently demonstrating the positive influence of our roles, we helped strengthen the visibility and legacy of the ambassadorship. I’m proud of the work we did to connect with students and to leave a lasting impression on the K-State community.
What advice would you give the 2025 K-State Student Ambassadors?
My advice to the 2025 K-State Student Ambassadors is to fully embrace every moment and soak in every single experience this incredible role has to offer. Take time to enjoy the journey and have fun with your fellow Ambassador—it's a partnership that will leave a lasting impact. I didn't know Andrew Bergmeier before we began this journey, but after a year of traveling across the state and sharing our passion for K-State, he has become one of my very best friends. The memories you'll make, the people you'll meet, and the bond you'll form with your co-Ambassador will make this experience one of the most rewarding chapters of your time at K-State.
Is there anything you wish you would have known at the beginning of your term?
Looking back, I wish I had known two key things at the start of my term as a K-State Student Ambassador. First, I didn't fully grasp the magnitude of this role's impact on my educational experience at K-State, my future career opportunities, and, ultimately, my life story. Being an Ambassador isn't just about representing the university—it's about being embraced by the K-State Family, who invests in you, supports you and deeply appreciates the work you do for the university. The connections, personal growth and opportunities that come with this role are unparalleled and have shaped me in ways I couldn't have imagined.
The second thing I wish I had known is that no matter how often Alan told Andrew and me "no" during our term, he's always ready to celebrate with an ice cream treat after every event. Those post-event moments of celebration were some of my favorites, giving us the chance to reflect on what we had accomplished, share a few laughs and create lasting memories. Those little traditions and lighthearted moments made the experience even more special and reminded us to enjoy the journey.
Andrew Bergmeier In one word, how would you describe your experience as a K-State Student Ambassador?
Transformative is the word that comes to mind when reflecting on my experience as a K-State Student Ambassador. It made such a deep impact on me that I have decided to pursue a career in higher education. This role allowed me to grow both personally and professionally, as I gained confidence in public speaking, networking and representing Kansas State University. I was able to connect with alumni, students and prospective Wildcats, learning from their diverse experiences and perspectives. Most importantly, the opportunity to share the spirit and traditions of K-State deepened my appreciation for this university and its community.
On the busiest and longest days, it was the encouragement and passion of the people I met that kept me going. It was a reminder of how fortunate I am to have this opportunity. Seeing the pride alumni have for this university and the excitement of prospective students reminded me why I love K-State. Their energy and support fueled my commitment to represent our community with enthusiasm and authenticity. It’s their contagious spirit that made even the most challenging moments deeply rewarding.
What surprised you the most about your experience?
What surprised me most about my experience as a K-State Student Ambassador was how little I knew about K-State as a whole. Despite being a dedicated student and lifelong fan, I was amazed by the depth of the university’s history, traditions, and the unique programs and resources available to support the vastly diverse student body. Connecting with alumni and learning their stories showcased to me the lasting impact K-State has on its community. This experience broadened my understanding and deepened my appreciation for the institution I am proud to represent.
Another aspect that surprised me was how efficient the Alumni Association was run, and by a small number of people who wear many hats! The dedicated group at the Alumni Association exemplifies teamwork by bringing together passionate individuals to create impactful events and initiatives. Through collaboration, they host meaningful gatherings, celebrate university traditions and build connections between students, alumni and the broader community. Their collective efforts also play a vital role in raising funds that support scholarships, programs and the continued excellence of Kansas State University.
Do you have a favorite event you attended?
Reflecting on the unforgettable year Avery and I had together, my favorite event was the Catbacker Tour and many long car rides with Alan Fankhauser '82. The Catbacker Tour gave me the opportunity to see the lasting connection a university can have on its communities. We were fortunate enough to hit numerous towns and vastly different people along the journey, but one thing remained the same: passion, energy and stewardship. These trips along the way were instrumental in showcasing to Avery and I the true community connections that we always speak about.
Additionally, over the past year, Avery and I had the opportunity to join the Alumni Association on visits to our hometowns, Beloit and Hutchinson. It was a meaningful experience to witness the communities that shaped each of us and to understand how those environments influenced our personal growth. Watching my family and friends connect with members of the Alumni Association felt like a true full-circle moment, reflecting the profound impact K-State has had on my life.
How do you feel you made a difference as a K-State Student Ambassador?
I feel I made a difference by connecting people to the essence of K-State—its spirit, traditions and the incredible sense of community that defines this university. Through our involvement in events and interactions with alumni, I was able to share the stories and experiences that make K-State unique, fostering a deeper connection between current students and alumni. Additionally, by engaging with prospective students and showcasing the opportunities K-State offers, Avery and I helped them envision themselves as part of this incredible institution. Whether it was through small conversations or large events, I hope I was able to leave a lasting impression that reflected the warmth and enthusiasm that K-State has instilled in me.
What advice would you give the 2025 K-State Student Ambassadors?
To the new Ambassadors, my advice is simple: enjoy every moment and soak it all in. This year will fly by faster than you can imagine, and the excitement and joy of the role make it feel like anything but a “job.” Embrace every opportunity with enthusiasm and an open mind—it’s those experiences that make this journey unforgettable. The connections you’ll make with people will shape your time at K-State in the most meaningful ways, and seeing every corner of campus will give you a deeper appreciation for how K-State transforms lives.
Take the time to truly listen to the people you meet; their stories and connections to K-State are nothing short of inspiring. Lastly, cherish the time you have with your co-Ambassador and learn from one another. My co-Ambassador, Avery, has become one of my closest friends and an integral part of what made this role life-changing. Together, we created memories that I will last a lifetime and I know you’ll do the same.
Is there anything you wish you would have known at the beginning of your term?
At the start of my term, I wish I had known just how much this role would teach me about myself and the K-State community. I underestimated the value of slowing down to truly soak in the experiences and connections that came with the position. What surprised me most was how much the people at K-State—students, faculty, staff and alumni—invest in you and your growth. They genuinely care about your success and work alongside you to make a meaningful impact daily. I also wish I had known how vital it would be to lean on others—whether it was my co-Ambassador, the Alumni Association team or the incredible Wildcats I met along the way. Understanding the depth of the impact we could make would have allowed me to approach every moment with even greater intentionality and appreciation.