When Dana Weaver came to Kansas State University for orientation, the Metter, Georgia, native was feeling a little overwhelmed and homesick about being in a new place. However, she remembers how a professor she didn’t even know came up to her to comfort her, letting her know that K-State was here to help her and that “We’re your new family.”

The encounter is one that Weaver still treasures as she graduates and becomes a K-State alumnus.

“I’m super sad to leave,” she said. “These are relationships you will never forget.”

K-State’s spring 2018 graduates are part of the 151st class to graduate from the university, with nearly 3,400 students as candidates for graduation. This includes more than 2,700 bachelor’s, nearly 660 master’s, about 90 doctorates, 106 Doctor of Veterinary Medicine and three associate degrees. More than 330 students are earning degrees through K-State Global Campus distance programs.

Weaver is graduating alongside her friend and fellow kinesiology major Michelle Reznikova, Overland Park, Kansas (both pictured above). Although they didn’t know each other before coming to K-State, they later planned their schedules so they could take the same classes.

“I loved it here,” Reznikova said of her time at K-State. “The first second I stepped on campus, I knew I would love it, I just didn’t know how much.”   

Both Weaver and Reznikova said they plan to stay in touch with their alma mater after graduating, no matter where life may take them.

“I am so excited,” Reznikova said. “I love Manhattan, and I’m not ready to leave. But I’m excited to start my next adventure.”

During commencement, K-State also presented a special degree to G.P. “Bud” Peterson ’75, ’77, ’80 at the Graduate School ceremony. The president of Georgia Tech received an honorary doctorate — the highest honor the university gives. He had some parting words of reflection for the class of 2018.

“Commencement is a celebration of personal accomplishments and the power of teamwork, as well as a visible symbol of your university fulfilling its role of equipping the next generation with what it and society most needs,” he said. “It’s one of my favorite events on campus and represents both an end and a beginning. I also hope that during your time at Kansas State, you’ve collected memories and friendships that will last a lifetime.”

The K-State Alumni Association is proud to help new alumni stay connected to K-State after graduation. The Alumni Association partners with the colleges to provide all new graduates with a complimentary one-year membership to the Alumni Association. The Alumni Association also presents undergraduates with a business card holder and graduate students with a lapel pin. Learn more about Alumni Association membership, and view photos from some of the K-State Alumni Association’s commencement events below.

International Graduation Celebration honors new K-State graduates from all around the globe. Grads receive an achievement certificate and enjoy refreshments while connecting with other soon-to-be alums. View photos from the 2018 event. (Photo: David Mayes ’96, K-State Alumni Association)

The annual Ring Ceremony honors the special K-State tradition of receiving the official K-State Class Ring. Special guests included Amy Button Renz ’76, ’86, president and CEO of the K-State Alumni Association, and Michelle Anderson and Darrell Reese Jr., K-State Student Ambassadors. View photos from the 2018 event. (Photo: David Mayes ’96, K-State Alumni Association)

Rainy weather outside couldn’t dampen the spirits of soon-to-be graduates at the Alumni Association’s annual Grad Bash. The event moved inside and filled the Alumni Center with music, food and fun. Even Willie the Wildcat showed up to help students celebrate! View photos from the 2018 event. (Photo: David Mayes ’96, K-State Alumni Association)

A new group of Kansas State University alumni will be joining the K-State Alumni Association board of directors in 2018, bringing a diverse range of experiences and expertise to the organization.

Sylvia White Robinson ’71, Kansas City, Kansas, will serve as the 2018-19 chair. Dan Yunk ’71, ’75, ’87, Manhattan, Kansas, will serve as past-chair, with Kendal Frazier ’73, Centennial, Colorado, serving as chair-elect.

Get to know the five new members of our board below. They will serve four-year terms through 2022.

Lori Francis Rogge ’94
Leonardville, Kansas

Career:
She is a broker and auctioneer for Gene Francis and Associates and partner with Gavel Roads Online Auctions. Previously, she worked as a senior director of development for the KSU Foundation.

Time at K-State:
Rogge graduated from K-State with a degree in marketing and was involved with the Marketing Club.

Community involvement:
She is involved with the Manhattan Chamber of Commerce, Manhattan Association of Realtors, Kansas Auctioneers Association, National Association of Realtors, National Auctioneers Association, Kansas PRIDE and Leonardville PRIDE.

Family:
She is married to Brandon Rogge.

Rich Macha ’80
Wilmington, Delaware

Career:
He is the executive vice president for strategic accounts at Teleperformance.

Time at K-State:
Macha earned a bachelor’s degree in accounting. He was a member of Lambda Chi Alpha fraternity and served as a student senator for the College of Business Administration and later as chair of the Student Senate.

Community involvement:
Macha has been involved with the Delaware K-State Alumni Club and serves as a K-State representative at area college fairs. Macha also served on the board of directors for the National Adoption Center and Friendship House homeless shelter, of which he was treasurer.

Family:
He and his wife, Rachel, have five children: Aaron, Abbey, Ashley, Anthony and Austin.

Chancy Montera Love ’07
Denver

Career:
Love is a managing partner for Protea Investments.

Time at K-State:
She earned a bachelor’s degree in marketing. While at K-State, she was a member of Alpha Phi Omega service fraternity, Alpha Xi Delta sorority, Marketing Club, Collegiate Cattlewomen, Student Foundation, Student Finance Association and served as the first student coordinator for Wildcats Forever.

Community involvement:
She currently serves as event chair for the K-State Alumni Association’s Wabash CannonBall Colorado. Additionally, she is a trustee of the Western Stock Show Association, chair of the Young Guns Society and a board member of the Colorado Cattlemen’s Agricultural Land Trust.

Family:
She is married to Zach Love.

John Michael “Mike” Simms ’89
Kansas City, Missouri

Career:
Simms is a corporate energy engineering lead for General Mills.

Time at K-State:
He earned a bachelor’s degree in mechanical engineering. He was a member of the American Society of Mechanical Engineers, Engineering Student Council, Pi Tau Sigma honorary and served as president of the National Society of Black Engineers K-State chapter.

Community involvement:
He has served on the Alumni Association’s Multicultural Alumni Council. He also is a board member of the Kansas City Northeast Industrial Association and member of the Association of Energy Engineers.

Family:
He and his wife, Ingrid Tyree Simms ’88, have two children: Gabrielle, K-State junior in dietetics, and Maya.

Brent Wiedeman ’97, ’05
Colby, Kansas

Career:
He is president and CEO of Farmers and Merchants Bank of Colby.

Time at K-State:
Wiedeman earned a bachelor’s degree in agricultural education and a master’s degree in family financial planning. As a student, he was involved in Alpha Gamma Rho fraternity, Ag Ambassadors, Ag Council, Student Governing Association and served as a Kansas FFA state officer.

Community involvement:
Wiedeman is a member of K-State Athletics National Leadership Circle. He also is involved with the Community Bankers Association of Kansas, Kansas Bankers Association and the Northwest Kansas Catbackers.

Family:
He and his wife, Sherrie, have two children: Bryant and Brady.

Although Hale Library, a beloved part of Kansas State University history and tradition, has been damaged by a significant fire, President Richard Myers ’65 said the university is already planning how to move forward.  

On Tuesday, May 22, the Manhattan Fire Department responded to reports of smoke in Hale Library on the Kansas State University campus. While the fire was contained and no injuries were reported, the historic portion of the building, known as Farrell Library, was particularly hard hit.

“The structure is sound, but such beloved spots as the Great Room (a.k.a. the Harry Potter room), important library resources and key university data centers suffered major fire, smoke and water damage,” Myers said in a letter to K-Staters.

He said the university is currently focused on assessing the damage to the library’s structure and contents, restoring critical data systems and charting a plan forward. The University of Kansas has been assisting with data recovery.

For the time being, Hale Library remains closed; K-State is still evaluating the extent of the damage, and a timeline for reopening has not yet been announced.

“We must do everything in our power to restore operations for the fall 2018 semester, and to turn this tragic loss into an even brighter future for Hale Library,” Myers said. “We are thankful for the professionalism and courage of all the first responders who worked hard to extinguish the fire, and we are fortunate that there was no loss of life or injuries. Together, they saved our library, the heart and soul of our university. Academics, student life, research and social interaction all converge in the heart of campus. Thank you to those who responded to save our historical building and its priceless contents.”

The Kansas State University Foundation has established a special fund for those who would like to contribute to the recovery and restoration of Hale Library after the fire. Learn more.

For the most up-to-date information on the Hale Library fire and recovery process, visit www.k-state.edu.

Hale Library was dedicated in 1997 after a multiyear renovation and expansion project of the original campus library building, Farrell Library, which opened in 1927. Hale Library has more than 400,000 square feet of space and more than two million books in its collection.

This is a moment that Janee’ Kassanavoid will remember for the rest of her life.

The Kansas State University senior and member of the K-State women’s track and field team not only picked up a title in the hammer throw at the recent Big 12 Outdoor Track and Field Championship, she also got to witness Wildcat magic happening again. The women’s team matched their performance from 2017 and repeated as Big 12 Outdoor Champions for the first time since 2001-02.

“Last year was pretty awesome because it was our first, but to come back and defend the title again with a lot of the same group of girls and some freshmen coming in, it was a sweet victory this year,” Kassanavoid said. “To know that we’re back-to-back champions is something that I’ll take with me throughout my lifetime.”

The Wildcats tallied 135 points over the three days of the championship to hold off conference-power Texas in second place at 131. K-State bested its previous school record (133) for points scored in a conference meet, topping last year’s winning total by two.

“I shared this with the kids, it’s just hard to win these things. It just is. It’s hard. Whatever the circumstances are, to get one is pretty special, but to me this one is probably the most impressive,” K-State director of track and field and cross country Cliff Rovelto said of his fourth Big 12 outdoor title. “This one was, I think, probably the most impressive because the kids just did a great job of competing.”

K-State overcame its fair share of adversity to earn its second outdoor conference title in a row.

Sophomore Nina Schultz, last year’s High Point Scorer at the outdoor conference meet with 25 points, was not at 100 percent this time around and accounted for just eight points.

Still, Schultz’s teammates made up for it.

“It was a tough couple of days for me,” said Schultz. “I was really disappointed in myself but it’s really great having a team full of capable athletes who can rise to the occasion when they need to. I feel like we really had to fight for this one. It kind of hurts for me, personally, not being able to perform like I wanted to, but that’s why I feel like this year was so great, to see everyone step up for each other.”

It was a true team effort, agreed junior Ranae McKenzie, who won the Big 12 title in the 400-meter hurdles.

“We were all there, rooting for each other, cheering each other on, hoping that everybody would just go out there, do their best and get some points,” McKenzie said. “It was a great win.”

Read more about the Big 12 Outdoor Track and Field Championship.

As Andy Dueringer ’02 was growing up, he remembers listening to — and singing along with — a cappella music on cassette tapes his older sister brought back from college. The music made an impression on Dueringer — so much so that when he came to K-State and found the university’s Glee Club didn’t have an a cappella group, he knew he had to help start one.

When he arrived on campus, he started working with Jerry Polich, the director of the Men’s Glee Club at the time, and some of the other members of the Glee Club to form Cadence A Cappella.

Cadence has been making music at K-State ever since and celebrated its 20th anniversary with a Reunion Concert on May 5 in Forum Hall in the K-State Student Union. Cadence alumni were invited to join the current members on stage for several songs.

“We are extremely proud to be able to look back on a rich and wonderful history,” said Nils Peterson, Cadence president. “Throughout the years, Cadence has provided over 130 young men the opportunity to come together to make music with one another in an environment that wonderfully balances professionalism and pursuit for quality with our fun-loving nature. Centered around our mutual love for music, Cadence is a brotherhood that provides lasting friendships, support and a home for its members.”

Cadence was founded in the 1998-99 school year and covers a variety of musical styles, ranging from barbershop to popular music, classics, doo-wop and more.

Dueringer, who now lives in Lenexa, Kansas, has many favorite memories from Cadence performances over the years. He remembers singing for the Kappa Kappa Gamma Mother’s Luncheon their first year as they were still trying to figure things out (“God bless them for taking a chance on us,” Dueringer said). On Valentine’s Day every year, the group would sing all over campus and they also sang at halftime during a couple of football games with the marching band.

Paul Myers ’02, Chanute, Kansas, said he joined Cadence because he had always loved barbershop, doo-wop and R&B groups like Boyz II Men, Silk, Shai and All-4-One. He enjoyed singing at sororities and remembers beatboxing for Creedence Clearwater Revival’s song “Down On the Corner.”

And, of course, there were some humorous memories as well, from times when things didn’t quite go according to plan.

“One time we were performing for an entire high school, and the leader of our group blew the wrong note on the pitch pipe,” Myers recalls. “So when we started singing, it sounded like a song none of us had ever heard and didn’t ever want to hear! I didn’t know what was wrong at that moment, but in my head I was thinking, ‘Are we gonna just soldier on through this awful rendition?’ I decided to stop us, crack a joke and get us started again. It’s moments like that where you learn to improvise in front of an audience, and more importantly, be able to laugh at your mistakes. That is definitely a valuable skill to have in life!”

Life lessons and a sense of camaraderie are things Dueringer also took away from his time in Cadence.

“Cadence and the Men’s Glee Club was a brotherhood that helped shaped me and impacts my life even now,” Dueringer said. “I am a better teacher (I’m a middle school art teacher now) because of my time leading the group. In a similar way, K-State was always my home away from home and connected me to a family that I am proud to be a part of. I am proud to be a Wildcat and a founding member of Cadence.”

Listen to samples of Cadence’s music online and watch them sing the rarely-heard first verse of the K-State Fight Song, coinciding with the 90th anniversary celebration of the song at Homecoming last year. 

Below: Cadence A Cappella appears in the April 3, 2000, Kansas State Collegian.    

Thanks to the loyal support of K-State fans, the Wildcat baseball and soccer programs will soon be moving into brand-new facilities.

Athletics Director Gene Taylor announced the department has reached its fundraising goal for the baseball and soccer facility campaign, and he is excited to move on to the next stage of the project.

“Thanks to the generosity of some of our dedicated donors and the entire K-State nation, we are excited to move forward and break ground on these two very important facility projects,” Taylor said. “Our goal is to provide our coaches and student-athletes with the resources and facilities they need to win championships, in addition to improving upon the experience our fans have at games, and this project certainly will accomplish that.”

Learn more about the project with these fast facts about the campaign!

By the numbers

A total of $13 million — which surpassed the original fundraising goal of $10 million set back in October — has been raised for the campaign, with the remaining $2 million of the total $15 million project being paid through department revenues and resources. The project, led by BG Consultants, will be funded without incurring any long-term debt and without any state tax or university funds.

What’s changing

The Tointon Family Stadium portion of the project will consist of exterior upgrades to the facility, including a new facade and roof, as well as construction of an expansive new clubhouse along the third-base grandstand. On the ground level, the clubhouse will house a spacious lounge, locker room and team meeting room for the student-athletes, a sports medicine and rehabilitation area, a fueling station for student-athletes and renovated space for equipment and laundry. On the level above, new coaches’ offices and meeting space will overlook the field.

The soccer stadium, which will be built on the site of the existing temporary facility, will provide not only a larger and more comfortable seating area for fans along with concessions and restrooms, but also locker room, lounge, sports medicine and strength and conditioning spaces for the Wildcat team in addition to office space for coaches, equipment storage and laundry areas.

Timeline

The exterior portion of the soccer stadium and baseball clubhouse is expected to be completed in July 2019, with the interior of both projects wrapping up by Dec. 31, 2019.

Leading the way

The project is supported by lead gifts from the Tointon, Edgerley, Sunderland and John Vanier families. Learn more about these donors and how they support K-State.

How do you prevent weeds from taking over your lawn? How do you know what type of flowers to buy to add a pop of color to your landscaping? How do you keep pests away from your garden?

If you’re feeling overwhelmed with your summer gardening and landscaping projects, never fear — K-State Research and Extension has the resources you need to keep your plants blooming and your lawn looking its best throughout the year!

With 130 years of research and 100 years of extension, K-State Research and Extension has a long history of improving the quality of life and standard of living for Kansans. This statewide network connects the university to every county through locally-based educators who serve as sources of objective information on agriculture, family, health and more. You can connect with Extension agents in your area and find a variety of resources and videos online.

Check out these quick lawn and garden tips from K-State Research and Extension, and also learn how the organization is cultivating the next generation of gardeners!

How to select the best plants

There are lots of things to consider when buying plants at a garden center. First, you’ll want to inspect the plants for signs of damage, disease and insects. This includes brown spots, mushiness and visible signs of chewing from insects. You’ll also need to look for small webbing from insects like spider mites.

Make sure the plant has healthy, white roots; avoid plants with lots of roots that are starting to get root bound in the bottom of the container. Also watch out for plants that may have been overwatered, with roots that are starting to turn brown and die from a lack of oxygen.

Source: http://kansashealthyyards.org/all-videos/video/10-tips-for-selecting-plants

How to tell when your vegetable or flower garden needs watering

Watering the garden can sometimes be an anxiety-inducing process, as we fear either over-watering or under-watering our plants. But it doesn’t have to be stressful! As a general rule, beds should be watered when the top several inches of soil are dry. Dig down 2 to 4 inches with a trowel to determine if the soil needs additional water; dry soil will not hold together to form a ball.

If water is needed, thoroughly moisten the soil to a depth of 6 to 8 inches. In well amended or prepared soil, this should take 1 to 2 inches of rain or irrigation. Consider watering after a light rain to take advantage of nature’s contribution. Mulching beds also helps conserve moisture and extend the irrigation interval.

Source: https://www.bookstore.ksre.ksu.edu/pubs/MF2804.pdf

How to choose the best fertilizer for your lawn

When choosing fertilizer for your lawn, read the label carefully for nutrients. A soil test is recommended beforehand to determine what nutrients your lawn needs. Most homeowners will end up needing a fertilizer with low phosphorous.

Although phosphorous is an important plant nutrient, it binds very tightly to soil particles and doesn’t leech through the soil very quickly. This means that phosphorous can actually build up in the soil to excessive levels very easily. New research has shown that nitrogen is a more important nutrient to consider when you fertilize.

Source: http://kansashealthyyards.org/all-videos/video/choosing-the-best-fertilizer-for-your-lawn

K-State Research and Extension cultivates next generation of gardeners

As part of its mission, K-State Research and Extension also works with kids across the state to grow the next generation of gardeners, teaching them how to harvest and eat healthy meals. 

Watch this video to learn more about how Cherokee County Extension is promoting young gardeners: 

Are you planning to take a road trip this summer? Why not add some purple pride to your vacation and take the official K-State license plate on the road with you?

Official K-State license plates are currently available in Kansas, Texas and Maryland. The plates not only help K-State alumni and friends drive with pride, they also support future Wildcats. (Note: The K-State license plate is currently offered in all states where we are able to do so.)

Since the program began in 1996, the tax-deductible royalties paid on K-State license plates have raised nearly $3.6 million for student scholarships and recognition of achievements. This includes the Legacy Scholarship program for children and grandchildren of K-State alumni and the International Student Scholarship program for international students.

Many of our own staff members here at the K-State Alumni Association drive with pride; read on to find out why they love their K-State license plate!

Lynn Beier
Executive assistant to the president and CEO

Why I drive with pride:
“We were thrilled to be among the first to purchase a K-State license plate when the program started in 1996! We ‘drive with pride’ knowing that our annual donation supports the future of K-State through scholarships and student recognition and believe the plate is a true sign of our love and affinity to the university. The plate also provides a visual bond to other Wildcats. Whether we are parked in Aggieville, on the road to Dallas or driving around Kansas City, we are always welcomed with a smile and Wildcat hand-signal. That is so much fun and truly a source of Wildcat pride!”

Alan Fankhauser ’82
Assistant director of alumni programs

Why I drive with pride:
“I love supporting the K-State Alumni Association in this manner! I’m up to three plates now and have one of the first auto plates issued in Kansas many years ago as well as the first motorcycle plate issued in Finney County. It’s great to know that I am supporting scholarships with these plates.”

Crystal Danker (former student)
Assistant director of records management

Why I drive with pride:
“It’s an easy, convenient way to give to scholarships. It feels good to show K-State pride and help future Wildcats.”

Tim Schrag ’12
Editor, K-Stater magazine

Why I drive with pride:
“Knowing that the K-State plate supports student scholarships and other programming made it an easy choice. It not only shows my support of K-State on the road, but provides for a new generation of K-Staters.”

Have questions about the official K-State license plate? Contact us at 800-600-2586 or alumni@k-state.com. This program is proudly sponsored by Briggs Auto Group.

Dan ’62 and Beth ’61 Bird, Manhattan, Kansas, have been awarded the K-State Medal of Excellence, which recognizes those who have advanced Kansas State University through exceptional service, leadership and philanthropic contributions.

Dan received his degree in animal sciences and industry from K-State in 1962. Beth earned her degree in business administration from K-State in 1961. The Birds have served as past members of the Alumni Association board of directors. They are lifetime members of the Alumni Association and members of the Beach Museum Board of Visitors, of which Beth is past-chair. They are past members and volunteers with K-State Catbackers. Beth serves on the board for K-State Libraries, and both Dan and Beth serve on the College of Agriculture’s Innovation and Inspiration Campaign steering committee.

Since Dan’s first gift of $10 in 1964, Dan and Beth have established five named funds and scholarships in the colleges of Agriculture and Business Administration, and across K-State through funds for Athletics, the Alumni Association, K-State Libraries, the marching band, K-State Gardens, McCain Auditorium and the Berney Family Welcome Center.

Group effort: Six kinesiology faculty create a scholarship for their students with matching funds

Demonstrating enormous commitment to their students and department, six faculty members of the Department of Kinesiology in the College of Human Ecology have used matching funds to create scholarships for kinesiology students.

Recently, Carl ’79 and Mary ’80, ’88 Ice provided matching funds to inspire others to invest in students in the College of Human Ecology, which was just the incentive these faculty needed.

“We have been working for a while as a department on ways to increase our scholarships,” said Craig Harms, professor and head of the Department of Kinesiology. “When this opportunity came about, we were very excited about what this could mean for our students. I approached the senior members of the faculty about this scholarship to gauge interest; there was immediate support and commitment.”

With the K-State Family Scholarship Program, new gifts of $30,000 are matched with $30,000 from the seed fund provided by Carl and Mary Ice, for a total of $60,000. $10,000 goes into an expendable fund, making $2,000 scholarships available to be awarded to students immediately. The remaining $50,000 goes into the endowment, ensuring future generations of Wildcats will receive scholarships as well.

The six faculty members who each contributed $5,000 to this new scholarship are John Buckwalter, Craig Harms, Thomas Barstow, Timothy Musch, David C. Poole and Bradley Behnke ’98, ’00, ’03.

Read more