Whether they now serve as president of a company, manage a school district, participate in groundbreaking research, or are pursuing another career path, the 2018 Alumni Fellows all have one thing in common — they started as students at Kansas State University. In April, the Fellows had a chance to come full circle by returning to classrooms across campus. They spoke with students and shared how they became successful in their careers, encouraging those students to also reach for their dreams. 

“Don’t just follow the normal path,” College of Agriculture Fellow Chuck Warta ’91 told students. “Push yourself out of your comfort zone. You’ll be glad you did.”

The annual K-State Alumni Fellows Program is sponsored by the Deans Council, the President’s Office and the Alumni Association. The Fellows are selected by K-State’s nine colleges, along with Global Campus and the Graduate School. In addition to returning to campus and visiting classrooms April 11-13, the Fellows also were honored at an awards banquet.

The Fellows had a variety of insightful tips to offer students on how they can succeed once they graduate from the classroom to their career.

When Warta started his career, he told his company he was willing to travel and try different experiences. After 13 moves in 27 years and four different continents, he appreciates the diversity of experiences he can now draw from as president of Cargill Premix and Nutrition.

“How can I develop something that will make me unique?” he told students to ask themselves.

Graduate School Fellow Rolando A. Flores ’89 echoed that advice.

“When you’re a student, take challenges,” said Flores, who is the dean and chief administrative officer in the College of Agricultural, Consumer and Environmental Sciences at New Mexico State University. “Take many opportunities. This is the only time in your life where you have the opportunity to learn without being punished for your mistakes.”

Although College of Arts and Sciences Fellow Lori T. Healey ’81, ’84, CEO of the Metropolitan Pier and Exposition Authority, was unable to return to campus due to an unforeseen conflict, she encouraged students to find a career they are passionate about.

“Pursue your interests and your career will be most rewarding,” she said.

College of Education Fellow Fred Van Ranken ’87, ’94 advised students to look towards the future and find ways to innovate.

Van Ranken, who has spent nearly 30 years in education, started his career as a high school science teacher and is now superintendent of Twin Valley Public Schools. He shared his vision for the future of education with students at K-State and encouraged them to be a part of that future.

“I want to have the capacity to change the culture of schools,” he said.

About the 2018 Alumni Fellows
The complete list of 2018 Alumni Fellows is:

• Chuck Warta ’91, College of Agriculture
• Tom Phillips ’80, ’83, College of Architecture, Planning and Design
• Lori T. Healey ’81, ’84, College of Arts and Sciences
• Kenneth W. Sewell, Ph.D. ’86, College of Arts and Sciences
• Robert M. Knight Jr. ’80, College of Business Administration
• Fred Van Ranken ’87, ’94, College of Education
• Michael R. Wiegers ’82, College of Engineering
• Julio Manso ’12, K-State Global Campus
• Rolando A. Flores ’89, Graduate School
• Lawrence Ganong ’74, College of Human Ecology
• Robert Wood ’80, College of Technology and Aviation
• Michael Whitehair, DVM ’72, ’74, College of Veterinary Medicine

You can read more about each Fellow in the April issue of @K-State.

During their time at Kansas State University, many students take advantage of opportunities to give back to the campus and community, whether it’s serving as a leader in student organizations, contributing to innovative research, or finding a way to help other students in need. These students exemplify the K-State spirit of “family” and make the university a better place.

The K-State Alumni Association recently recognized a number of these students for their leadership, service and academic excellence with a series of annual awards. Read on to learn more about these awards and the students who received them this year.

Anderson, Graduate and Jurich Awards
The K-State Alumni Association recognized nine graduating students for outstanding achievements throughout their college careers during an awards luncheon April 25, honoring them for the legacy they will leave at K-State.

The Anderson Senior Award recognizes graduating seniors for academics, leadership, inspiration and service. The award was established in 1998 and pays tribute to K-State’s second president, John Anderson, who served from 1873 to 1879.

• Jack Ayres, chemical engineering and biological engineering, Overland Park, Kansas, Anderson Senior Award for Outstanding Leadership
• Bryan Davis, management information systems, Topeka, Kansas, Anderson Senior Award for Outstanding Leadership
• Samantha Estabrook, community and regional planning, Buhler, Kansas, Anderson Senior Award for Outstanding Inspiration
• Faith (Mi Ge) Kim, biology and pre-medicine, Wichita, Kansas, Anderson Senior Award for Outstanding Academics
• Geordy Williams, computer science, Prairie Village, Kansas, Anderson Senior Award for Outstanding Service

The Graduate Student Award, established in 2010, recognizes outstanding graduate students for academics, service and leadership.

• Lauren Ruhlmann, couple and family therapy, Edmund, Oklahoma, Graduate Award for Outstanding Academics
• Bhupinder Sandhu, chemistry, Punjab, India, Graduate Award for Outstanding Leadership and Service

The Tony Jurich Community Commitment and Leadership Award was established in honor of the late K-State professor Tony Jurich, who taught in the College of Human Ecology for more than 39 years. It recognizes both graduate and undergraduate students who have demonstrated a commitment to community leadership and service through Jurich’s core leadership tenets: strive for resonance; assume value and be respectful; be compassionate; do what is right; seek out, affirm and utilize diversity; and lead by example.

• Mary Abounabhan, management with an undergraduate certificate in international business, Zahle, Lebanon, undergraduate award
• James Krotz, college student development, Belleville, Kansas, graduate award

Learn more about the recipients of these awards and view more photos from this event.

International Leadership Awards
K-State is proud to host students from all over the globe, helping to spread purple pride worldwide.

Every year, the K-State Alumni Association honors four outstanding international graduating students for service and leadership within the international K-State and Manhattan communities, through the International Leadership Awards program.

The following students were presented with 2018 awards at the International Graduation Celebration on April 25:  

• Siba Khojah, political science and gender, women and sexuality studies, Helsinki, Finland
• Jehu Mette, economics, Abidjan, Cote d’Ivoire, Africa
• Bhupinder Sandhu, chemistry, Punjab, India
• Nannan Shan, chemical engineering, Beijing, China

Learn more about these awards and view more photos from this event.

Robinson Family Multicultural Leadership Awards
Personal integrity and equity — those are the core values that came to mind as Roy ’70 and Sylvia ’71 Robinson endowed the annual Robinson Family Multicultural Leadership Awards. The awards recognize outstanding students who embody these values and enhance multicultural engagement at K-State through their leadership, leaving a legacy that will touch the university for many years to come.

The following students were presented with 2018 awards at a luncheon April 26:

• Mary Abounabhan, management with an undergraduate certificate in international business, Zahle, Lebanon
• Maxamillyan D. Badgett, aeronautical technology, Valley Falls, Kansas
• Bryan Davis, management information systems, Topeka, Kansas
• Jackie Huynh, hospitality management, Salina, Kansas

Learn more about these awards and view more photos from this event. 

Kansas State junior defensive back D.J. Reed’s phone buzzed on the Saturday afternoon of the NFL Draft and the area code was from California. If this was the call, it was from an NFL team in his home state, a poetic entrance into the professional world of football.

Indeed, it was the San Francisco 49ers on the other end. They informed the two-year standout at K-State that they would be selecting him in the fifth round of the NFL Draft, No. 142 overall.

Reed believes his time as a Wildcat will help him succeed in the NFL.

“I grew up tough, but playing at K-State is definitely different because I feel like we work the hardest in the nation,” he said. “K-State definitely helped me. I think it helped with my mental toughness the most, just grinding through anything. Even when your body hurts, just making it through. Coach Snyder, he also was very influential. He’s very disciplined, and I learned that while being at K-State, to be more disciplined with my life outside of football.”

Reed, a native of Bakersfield, California, extended K-State’s NFL Draft streak to 25 years, which leads the Big 12 and is tied for the 12th longest in the nation. He will play just four hours north of his hometown and joins another former Wildcat in linebacker Elijah Lee, who just completed his rookie season in San Francisco.

In his first season at K-State, Reed was a First Team All-Big 12 pick and the conference’s Defensive Newcomer of the Year after recording a league-leading 19 passes defended to go with three interceptions and 75 tackles.

Last season, Reed maintained his dominance at corner while adding in a game-changing boost on special teams. 

Voted a team captain, the junior averaged 34.2 yards per kickoff return, third in school history and fourth in Big 12 history. On punts, he averaged 14.9 yards a return to rank second nationally and lead the conference. By the end of the season, he had earned Second Team All-America honors as both a returner and a corner.

In a spring football press conference, K-State head coach Bill Snyder applauded Reed’s dedication to his “craft” as a corner, adding that his return abilities should increase his chances of making his career in the NFL a long one.

“D.J., in particular, is a guy that is truly focused on his craft and how to do the things and to be fundamentally as good as he possibly can,” Snyder said, hoping Reed takes some of K-State’s core values with him to the NFL. “We’ve talked so many times about young players that we’ve had that have been able to maintain their time in the NFL because of some intrinsic values beyond athletic skills. Hopefully that has an impact as well.”

More Wildcats are expected to sign with NFL teams as undrafted free agents. Stay up to date on K-State football news.

• Former Kansas State place kicker Matthew McCrane ’16 is an undrafted free agent with the Arizona Cardinals.
• Former Kansas State receiver Byron Pringle ’17 is an undrafted free agent with the Kansas City Chiefs.
• Former Kansas State quarterback Jesse Ertz ’17 has been invited to participate in the New Orleans Saints’ rookie camp.
• Former Kansas State defensive tackle Will Geary ’17 has been invited to participate in the Philadelphia Eagles’ rookie camp.

Football ticket discounts for Alumni Association members
K-State Athletics is offering two football ticket discounts exclusively for Alumni Association members this year. Mark your calendar for these discounted tickets, on sale in July:

• $45 discounted tickets to the Homecoming game against Oklahoma State (savings of $30), while supplies last.
• $75 Two-Game Alumni Combo package that includes both Oklahoma State (Oct. 13) and Texas Tech (Nov. 17), while supplies last.

K-State football single game tickets will go on sale starting July 9-11 online exclusively for Ahearn Fund members; July 12 on sale to the general public, online only; and July 13 on sale in person and by phone. (Note: Fans will need to be members of both the Alumni Association and the Ahearn Fund to order the discounted tickets July 9-11. Alumni Association members who are not members of the Ahearn Fund can access the discount starting July 12.)

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!

No matter where you end up, you’ll always have a home in Manhattan.

That’s how Sara ’04 and Tyler ’03 Darnell feel about Kansas State University, a spot that they “love full well.”

The Darnells are both life members of the K-State Alumni Association and enjoy sharing their love for the university with their friends and family.

The K-State Alumni Association has 23,800 life members who have committed to a lifetime of sharing their purple pride. Life members receive the same great benefits as all members — like the K-Stater magazine, nationwide Wildcat Discounts program, the annual wall calendar and more — and also will be able to participate in an exciting upcoming giveaway. In May, life members can get a sneak peek at and register to win a one-of-a-kind Charlie Hustle K-State shirt, available exclusively through the Alumni Association. The shirt will be available for all Alumni Association members to purchase in July. Watch your email and our social media accounts for more information! 

You can learn more about the benefits of being a member of the K-State Alumni Association, but don’t just take our word for it! Get to know the Darnells, and hear why they’re proud to be Alumni Association life members.

Alumni Q&A: Sara Darnell ’04, life member

What inspired you to become life members of the K-State Alumni Association? 
Tyler and I have always been supporters of Kansas State University and KSU athletics. We appreciate having the opportunity to stay in touch with the university, and spread our love for all things KSU to our children.

What are some of your favorite Alumni Association membership benefits?
We appreciate hearing all the events and happenings at Kansas State University. Being Alumni Association members helps us to stay in touch, while continuing to support our alma mater.

Why would you encourage other K-Staters to become life members? 
It’s simple to get caught up in the daily chaos of life, but it’s nice to know that no matter where you end up, you’ll always have a home in Manhattan. Becoming a member helps keep you connected to the university and other alumni.

What’s your favorite memory that you like to look back on from your time at K-State?
My husband and I met while attending Kansas State University. Together we had a strong group of friends, many of whom remain involved in our life today. Without KSU, that connection would not have existed.

What makes you proud to be a K-State alumnus?
Being Kansas State University alumni means being a part of a family. Attending athletic events, university activities, and seeing the constant presence of students helps make Manhattan feel like home. 

What are some of your favorite K-State or Alumni Association events?
We love attending KSU basketball, football and baseball games. Our families attend also, giving our kids a chance to build memories with their grandparents, aunts, uncles and cousins. It is our hope that when they have families of their own, they will look back on the fondness of these memories, and begin building this experience for their children.

Finally, what’s your favorite Call Hall ice cream flavor?
Chocolate Brownie Delight!! 

Photo credit: Gold Image Photography

You can bring conversations with Kansas State University President Richard Myers ’65 into your home, office or wherever you choose, thanks to a new video series called “Minutes with Myers.”

President Myers will use this series to host unique conversations that are central to the university’s values, covering the most relevant topics in higher education and highlighting K-State experts.

“I’m here to introduce you all to a new tool we’re going to use to communicate with our faculty, staff, students, friends, alumni and others on important topics at Kansas State University,” Myers says in the video.

The first episode features a discussion about diversity and inclusion with Bryan Samuel, chief diversity and inclusion officer, and Adrian Rodriguez, associate vice president for student life, diversity and multicultural student affairs, in front of the Beach Museum’s “Fronteras/Frontiers” exhibition. The exhibit, which closed April 12, explored the complexity of cultural, political and physical borders through the work of two nationally-recognized artists, Artemio Rodriguez and Fidencio Fifield-Perez.

In the video, Myers explains how the Beach provides a unique collegial atmosphere, where people can look at one object and have diverse opinions. He says that students not only learn about the object that they are discussing but about each other.

K-State recently hired Samuel, who started in March, and Rodriguez, who started in December 2017. They are working together to strengthen the university and the KSUnite movement.

Watch the latest Minutes with Myers video to hear where each of these influential K-State leaders think the university is headed and how K-Staters can improve the family atmosphere to help all students succeed.

Are you dreaming of an afternoon spent relaxing on a pristine beach in a tropical paradise? Or would you rather encounter history while visiting a medieval monastery and significant sites from World War II? Or maybe exploring the natural wonders and wildlife in Yellowstone National Park is more your style.

Whatever kind of trip you’re imagining, the K-State Alumni Association can help you add another stamp to your passport and create memories that will last a lifetime. The Traveling Wildcats program allows you to travel with fellow K-Staters on guided excursions that make your vacation fun and stress-free.

Take a virtual tour of some of our upcoming 2019 trips in the photo gallery below, or view the complete schedule of Traveling Wildcats excursions.

Have questions about Traveling Wildcats? Contact Terin Walters ’05, assistant vice president of development and communications, at TWalters@K-State.com or 800-600-ALUM (2586).

Wolves of Yellowstone
Jan. 28 - Feb. 3, 2019

Amidst crisp air, bare trees, frosted earth and brilliant thermal features of Yellowstone National Park, the wildlife viewing in winter is better than any other time of year. Learn historic and ecological aspects of the successful reintroduction of the gray wolf to the Yellowstone region, and enjoy a private after-hours museum visit along with other exclusive experiences, and overnight in atmospheric hotels and authentic park lodges.

Sparkling South Pacific
Jan. 31 - Feb. 10, 2019

Settle into laid-back island life as you encounter the South Pacific’s pristine beaches and glistening lagoons aboard the luxurious Marina. Explore a tropical paradise with volcanic peaks overlooking lush rainforests, black-sand beaches and cascading waterfalls.

Dutch Waterways
April 8-16, 2019

Glide through the waterways of the Netherlands and Belgium during a seven-night cruise and discover Old World cities, picture-perfect towns and centuries of history and culture. Choose from a selection of included excursions, which range from cycling to exploring art museums to chocolate tasting to, of course, tiptoeing through tulips.

Stunning Scenery of Alaska
June 12-19, 2019

Explore astounding glaciers, native traditions and awe-inspiring scenery on this cruise along the Alaskan and Canadian Pacific coast. Experience a stunning waterway edged by verdant forests, mountains and glaciers, and dotted with countless islands.

Circumnavigation of Iceland
July 24 - Aug. 1, 2019

Discover the ethereal “Land of Fire and Ice” — one of the world’s most enchanting and distinctive destinations — on this specially designed seven-night circumnavigation cruise of this stunning Nordic island nation. Look for orca, humpback whales and rare migratory birds; see landscapes of ancient Viking ruins and crystalline glaciers atop simmering volcanoes; and touch ice fragments calved from one of Europe’s largest glaciers.

Normandy (75th Anniversary of D-Day)
Sept. 13-21, 2019

From rolling, green hills to the beautiful sea, discover the essence of Normandy as well as its pivotal role in history. Explore Mont-Saint-Michel, where a medieval monastery seemingly rises out of the sea, and see the Bayeux Tapestry, the embroidered story of William the Conqueror’s Battle of Hastings victory. As the world marks the 75th anniversary of D-Day, spend two full days visiting Omaha and Utah beaches, Normandy American Cemetery and other sites associated with this crucial World War II battle.

If there’s one thing most student-athletes have a lot of, it’s shoes. If there’s one thing they do not have much of, it’s free time.

The combination of these two factors made the K-State Student-Athlete Advisory Committee’s latest initiative of a shoe drive the perfect idea.

In just over a month’s amount of time, K-State’s student-athletes donated 428 pairs of shoes to Soles4Souls, a non-profit that distributes gently-worn shoes to people in need in 127 countries and all 50 states in the U.S.

“It’s just nice that one of our little ideas got some good response from the athletes because sometimes a lot of us are really busy and it’s hard for us to spend a lot of time at one certain area, doing an event or something like that,” K-State track and field senior Lukas Koch said. “This one seemed to be pretty popular.”

K-State’s total collection roughly equates to one shoe donated per student-athlete. The shoes will be driven to a location in Kansas City in early May.

“It’s such an easy way to give back,” said K-State rowing’s Aubrey Gilchrist, who donated more than 10 pairs of shoes after going through her garage at home. “It was really cool to be able to do a small part and know it would affect someone’s life so substantially, just to have a pair of shoes.”

Each K-State team collected donations for the drive, with the Wildcats’ rowing team running away with the friendly philanthropic competition by giving more than 200 pairs to the cause.

When K-State rowing senior captain Laura Clement first saw the collection box in her team’s locker room, she was shocked by the overflowing amount of shoes pouring out of it.

“One day I walked in and there were two huge boxes filled,” Clement said. “People kept bringing bags and bags. It was insane.”

The exact motivation behind donating depended on the student-athlete.

The inspiration for Koch, who gave away four pairs, stemmed from the dislike of waste, one of the missions of Soles4Souls. According to its website, its donations have helped keep 42 million pounds of shoes and clothing out of landfills since 2006.

“I think these shoes are certainly going to a place where it’s going to benefit someone more than we could ever imagine. They are definitely going to be put to good use,” he said. “I think it really helps people get on their feet. That’s the main thing I think about, personally.”

Gilchrist referenced the rare times she walks around barefoot as her spark to give back. Not everyone has access to something as simple as shoes to protect their feet.

“To know that some people out there don’t and their feet could be cut up and who knows what just because they don’t have a basic, almost necessity in a pair of shoes, I think it’s really important that every person has access to that pair of shoes,” she said.

Like the many other philanthropic endeavors K-State’s student-athletes take part in, this one provided an emotional boost in their busy lives.

“Events like this lift your spirits a little bit because you’re, like, ‘At least I’m helping someone. Maybe I missed this and maybe I didn’t get to do that but hopefully this helps someone,’” Koch said. “It just feels good to give sometimes.”

A true gem! That’s how many in the Kansas State University and Manhattan community refer to McCain Auditorium. Since 1970, McCain Auditorium has hosted music, theater and dance performances from around the world, bringing a variety of cultural experiences to K-State students and the greater Manhattan community. Now, to better serve its patrons, Todd Holmberg, executive director of McCain Auditorium, and the KSU Foundation are working to raise funds for a necessary expansion of the facility.

“We haven’t seen any updates since McCain was built in 1970, and back then, arts organizations thought differently about their interactions with patrons than we think now,” Holmberg said. “Now we think about how we can further engage the public beyond what they see on stage.”

The expansion will add onto the lobby, providing a modern and inviting entry, more accessible spaces and much-needed patron amenities. In addition, the expanded lobby will provide a space for collaborative arts education and other campus and community engagement activities.

“There are all types of missed opportunities when an artist comes to town because we lack the space to put them together with the campus and community members in an enriching setting that’s not related to the performance,” Holmberg said. “Enhancing McCain Auditorium will give us more of a chance to provide enriching activities to K-State students so they can deepen their learning and discover new ways of thinking about their studies or issues. It will give us the space to engage with community members of all ages and backgrounds, more than we’re doing now.”

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Judy and Gary Wurdeman establish their first scholarship as part of the K-State Family Scholarship matching program

Gary Wurdeman ’74 and his brothers were the first generation in their family to graduate from Kansas State University. Since then, Manhattan has become a home base for their family gatherings and a place they enjoy supporting. Now, through the K-State Family Scholarship Program, Gary and Judy Wurdeman have taken the opportunity to grow their support for K-State by creating their own scholarship in the College of Engineering, with a matching gift from the Carl ’79 and Mary ’80, ’88 Ice family.

“K-State is definitely part of our family, and the opportunity to partner with the K-State Family Scholarship Program was a perfect fit,” Wurdeman said. “Judy and I feel we can make a significant and positive impact for future generations of Wildcats.”

Learn more about how you can take advantage of matching opportunities through the K-State Family Scholarship Program at ksufoundation.org/family, or contact John Morris, senior vice president of development, via email or 785-532-7587.

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