In front of an audience of 50,000 fans at the Homecoming football game in Bill Snyder Family Stadium, Paige Engle and Mario Garcia learned they would become the next Kansas State University Student Ambassadors.

 

Although the election for the 2017 Student Ambassadors is now over, the announcement on the field is just the beginning of Engle and Garcia’s journey. As the new Student Ambassadors, they will spend the year attending alumni and campus activities, speaking to alumni, friends, and current and prospective students, and helping to spread purple pride.

 

“I decided to run for ambassador in order to show as many students as possible why K-State is the greatest college experience in the nation,” Engle said.

 

Garcia is also excited to share his passion for K-State. 

 

“I absolutely love K-State and believe that I’m good at representing people, places and organizations that I believe in, and I whole-heartedly believe in Kansas State University,” Garcia said.

 

Engle, a sophomore in public relations from Overland Park, Kansas, easily identified with the 2016 Homecoming theme “Growing Up Purple” — she is a fourth-generation K-Stater and remembers traveling to bowl games and wearing a lot of purple.

 

“Now that I am a student at K-State, this school means even more to me,” she said. “K-State has pushed me to be the best version of myself. I know the opportunities I have been given and friendships I have made will follow me for the rest of my life.”

 

As a Student Ambassador, she is looking forward to connecting with current and future K-Staters.

 

“Making people feel valued is what I do best,” she said. “Getting to interact with new people excites me. I am able to make a connection with anyone. I feel this is an essential quality when it comes to being ambassador.”

 

Garcia is a junior in family studies and human services from Shawnee, Kansas, and said he loves K-State because it has given him an environment where he feels free to be himself and explore his passions.

 

“It also gave me a new community of people who have become part of my own family,” he said. “The belief system of inclusiveness and emphasis on community at K-State has developed me in ways I had never imagined.”

 

As a Student Ambassador, one of his goals is making sure all Wildcats are recognized as an important part of the K-State Family.

 

“Being a part of the K-State Family means that everyone’s concern is heard and voices represented,” he said. “Also [I want] to continue the growth of diversity at our university and to ensure that there is a place in our community for all people.”

 

The Student Ambassador election was just one part of the 2016 K-State Homecoming celebration, which also included a parade, pep rally, 5K and more. See photos from other Homecoming events on Facebook, and look for extended Homecoming coverage in the winter 2016 K-Stater magazine.

 

AT&T was a proud sponsor of K-State’s 2016 Homecoming.

As legislators at the state and national level discuss higher education, Sue Peterson ’76, ’05 is hard at work, making sure Kansas State University has a voice in that discussion.

 

As K-State’s director of governmental relations, Peterson is responsible for all of K-State’s liaison activities with the Kansas Legislature, Kansas executive branch agencies and the Kansas U.S. Congressional delegation, and she keeps an eye on higher education issues at both the state and federal level. She also empowers K-State alumni and friends to stay involved in legislative issues by providing counsel and support for the Alumni Association’s Wildcats for Higher Education program.

 

For her efforts, Peterson received the 2016 Flinchbaugh Family Wildcat Pride Award from the K-State Alumni Association. The award honors a current or emeritus K-State faculty or staff member for his or her advocacy of alumni relations, with a special emphasis on support and participation in alumni programs that engage members of the Wildcat family.

 

“Sue has been a strong advocate of the Alumni Association as we partner with the university to strengthen the future of higher education in Kansas,” said Amy Button Renz ’76, ’86, president and CEO of the K-State Alumni Association. “She has dedicated her career to building invaluable ties between our Wildcat community and government officials throughout the nation and is always willing to provide assistance and leadership as we work to enhance the future of K-State. We are pleased to recognize her for her ongoing support of the Alumni Association and dedication to the university.”

 

The Alumni Association’s Wildcats for Higher Education program provides opportunities for constituents to stay informed and be involved as advocates in keeping legislators abreast of issues impacting the university and higher education. Peterson is a key ally for this program. She also has been instrumental in the development and success of expanded grassroots advocacy initiatives coordinated among the alumni associations and government relations offices of the six Kansas Board of Regents universities.

 

“Sue is well respected not only at K-State but also by her peers in the Kansas Board of Regents schools for her dedicated efforts in tracking legislation that could impact higher education,” said Alumni Association assistant vice president of communications Linda Cook ’77, who nominated Peterson for the award. “Sue is a true professional and is held in the highest regard by all who know her.  She is recognized for her ethics, values, fairness and her expertise in government relations.”

 

Peterson thanked the Alumni Association for the award and for its legislative support. 

 

“K-State is a very special place, and it is an honor and a privilege to represent our university to those who hold elected office,” she said. “The K-State Alumni Association has always been essential to communicating the university’s needs and goals to our elected officials in both Washington and Topeka.”

 

Learn how you can get involved in Wildcats for Higher Education and sign up for legislative updates. 

It’s time to pack Bramlage Coliseum with purple for Wildcat basketball.

 

The Kansas State University women’s and men’s basketball teams are officially kicking off the 2016-17 season. The men started with an exhibition game versus Pittsburg State on Oct. 28, and the women will play their first exhibition game Nov. 4 versus Washburn.

 

Although the women’s team ended their last season on a high note, with a trip to the NCAA Tournament, head coach Jeff Mittie isn’t planning to merely coast on that success.  

 

“This team has to create their own identity, and this team has to have their season,” said Mittie, who recently received the Missouri Western State Distinguished Alumni Award. “Last year was a step forward, but last year is over with, and now … we have a veteran group that has been through it. We have a veteran group that has continued to improve. I have liked the way they have worked. I have felt like, the newcomers that have come in have added some things that have given us some exciting things to take a look at on the floor.”

 

Senior center Breanna Lewis said she is excited to see what the team’s newcomers will bring to the court.

 

“I have seen a lot of great things,” she said. “They are adjusting really well, and probably better than I would have my freshman year, which is exciting to see. This is my senior season and I want that from them. They have been doing well in adjusting from my eyes, but I feel like they are going to be a great addition to the team.”

 

The men’s basketball team took a trip to Europe in August, playing several games in Italy and Switzerland. Now, they’re ready to attack the 2016-17 season — with hopes for a trip to the NCCA Tournament.

 

“It is very important for our program — our guys, especially seniors — and there is no doubt about that,” said head coach Bruce Weber, recipient of the 2016 Wartburg College Graven Award for his contributions to community, church and society. “We were very close last year. … We were probably three or four possessions away from being in the NCAA tournament, but we did not get there. Now after a year of experience, trip to Europe, adding a couple of guys, you hope that all adds up to having success and getting back in the tournament.”

 

Senior forward Wesley Iwundu said the team is working hard to make that happen.

 

“It’s high up there on our goal list,” he said. “We know what we have to do this year to get there, so we’re preparing every day to get to that spot at the end of the year.”

 

The K-State Alumni Association helps fans get ready for gameday with its Ultimate Basketball Guide, which offers information on parking, directions, K-State basketball history and more. If you can’t make it back to Manhattan, Kansas, for gameday, be sure to look for watch parties in your area. 

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As friends and families gather this month to celebrate Thanksgiving and reflect on their blessings, the K-State Alumni Association offers its thanks to the members of the Wildcat family who make our mission possible.

 

Every year, gifts from K-Staters support the work of the Alumni Association. We couldn’t do it without you! Here are some of the ways your giving impacts the Alumni Association.

 

Scholarships

Alumni Association scholarships spread purple pride and promote the K-State legacy by helping the next generation of students begin their journey at K-State. Legacy Scholarships help the children and grandchildren of K-State alumni to attend K-State, with approximately 150 scholarships awarded through this program every year. The black-tie Wabash CannonBall galas in Kansas City, Colorado, Houston and now North Texas provide scholarships for students from those areas. International student scholarships help students from across the globe attend K-State, and K-State Alumni Clubs and Catbacker Clubs raise funds for scholarships benefitting local students.

 

If you have an official K-State license plate on your car or motorcycle, you have helped provide funding for K-State Alumni Association scholarships. Since the program began in 1996, it has raised more than $3 million for student scholarships and recognition of achievements. You can watch a new video about the license plate program.

 

Through all these scholarship initiatives, the Alumni Association is able to award nearly $400,000 in scholarships to K-State students each year. 

 

Tradition Founders

Through Tradition Founders gifts, alumni and friends of K-State help support the Alumni Association’s annual operating budget and our efforts to lead and inspire lifelong involvement that will benefit K-State and all members of our Wildcat community. Donations to Tradition Founders support programs such as Alumni Club events, multicultural programming, alumni/student awards, reunions and more. In fiscal year 2016, the Alumni Association had 176 Founders Circle members — a record number of donors contributing $1,000 or more.

 

K-State Alumni Association board of directors chair Dan Yunk ’71, ’75, ’87 and his wife, Cheryl Yunk ’72, ’79, support Tradition Founders as a way to share their purple pride.

 

“We felt this was just another way we could give back to the university and the Alumni Association, which have meant so much to us and our family. Through our donation, we know we’re making a significant impact on the Association’s budget, which will provide many programs and events that reach K-Staters everywhere.”

 

Alumni Center Pavers

With the K-State Alumni Center paver program, alumni and friends can leave a permanent mark on the K-State campus. The personalized stone pavers on the grounds at the Alumni Center honor graduations, recognize accomplishments, serve as a memorial for loved ones, and more. The purchase of pavers also benefits the Alumni Center building campaign, which ensures the quality and beauty of the Alumni Center for generations of Wildcats to come.

 

Kelly and Connie ’81, ’84, ’88 Kays decided to use pavers as a special way to commemorate the graduation of their sons, Reagan ’15 and Garrett ’16.

 

“K-State has been home to members of our family who attended campus for over 70 years,” Connie Kays said. “It has always felt like home, even when we are miles away. Purchasing a paver at the Alumni Center seemed to be one of the best ways to remember our great experiences at Kansas State.”

 

If you’d like to find out more about supporting the Alumni Association through any of these programs, visit www.K-State.com or call 800-600-ALUM (2586). Every year, the Alumni Association also gives back to the university through the KSU Foundation’s annual All-University Campaign for faculty and staff; learn more.

Davy Hartman Campbell ’79, president and founder of Fulfillment Plus, Kansas City, Missouri, is the 2016 recipient of the Kansas State University Phil Howe Alumnus Entrepreneur of the Year Award.

 

Each year the Kansas State University Center for the Advancement of Entrepreneurship and the K-State Alumni Association honor an alumnus for his or her outstanding entrepreneurial spirit, innovation, personal integrity, strategic direction, market impact and social responsibility. The 2016 award was presented Oct. 3 in the College of Business Administration lecture hall, where Campbell spoke as part of the university’s Entrepreneurship Speaker Series.

 

“Davy Hartman Campbell is most deserving of the K-State Alumni Entrepreneur of the Year Award, not only because of her business acumen and entrepreneurial spirit to start and grow a small business, but also because of her limitless generosity and enthusiasm to help and inspire others to be their best,” said Amy Button Renz ’76, ’86, president and CEO of the K-State Alumni Association.

 

Campbell opened Fulfillment Plus in 1999 after working for a marketing company and realizing there was a need to assist businesses in their marketing efforts, particularly small and mid-size businesses and nonprofit organizations. Fulfillment Plus now empowers other companies by offering all-inclusive fulfillment, printing and marketing services.

 

“With a vision, a plan and determination, [Campbell] started Fulfillment Plus based on the principles of building client relationships, earning client trust, and delivering services and products that exceed client expectations in quality, creativity and reliability,” Renz said.

 

Through Campbell’s leadership, Fulfillment Plus has been a success and about a year ago she moved her business and staff into larger facilities to allow for continued growth. Her success and entrepreneurial qualities have been recognized through numerous awards: Helzberg Entrepreneurial Mentorship Program, the KC Business Journal Women Who Mean Business Award, the Kansas City Small Business Monthly 25 Under 25 Award for businesses with fewer than 25 employees, and a Flourish magazine cover story.

 

“Upon founding Fulfillment Plus, my love for the world of marketing services blossomed,” Campbell said on her website. “My passion is being able to help others — whether that is in the fulfillment arena or in our work with not-for-profits and entrepreneurs.”

 

Photo: Davy Hartman Campbell ’79 (second from left) accepts the Phil Howe Alumnus Entrepreneur of the Year Award during a ceremony at K-State. Also pictured are Chad Jackson ’99, ’10, ’14, director of the Center for the Advancement of Entrepreneurship at K-State; Phil Howe ’54, for whom the award is named; and Amy Button Renz ’76, ’86, president and CEO of the K-State Alumni Association. (Credit: Linda Cook ’77)

The Wildcats are competing against six other Kansas universities in a friendly competition to see which university can generate the highest percentage of pledges in the Kansas Insurance Department’s Don’t Text #JustDrive campaign. Alumni and friends of K-State are eligible to take the pledge and help K-State win.

 

Kansas State University, the K-State Alumni Association and the K-State Student Union Program Council are supporting the campaign to raise awareness about the dangers of distracted driving. K-State and KU are engaging in an additional friendly competition to see who can get the most participants in the campaign. You can make your pledge for K-State online at http://engage.att.com/icwkansas/ or by texting “Wildcat” to 50555.  

 

As of Nov. 1, here are the rankings. (Note: The winner will be based on percentage of pledges using current student population as the base point.)

 

1. Emporia State University

2. Pittsburg State University

3. Wichita State University

4. Kansas State University

5. Fort Hays State University

6. Washburn University

7. University of Kansas

 

K-State needs your help so we don’t fall behind in pledges! You can make the pledge daily.

 

Distracted driving is an increasing problem, and it can have deadly consequences — sadly, 3,154 people were killed in distracted driving crashes in the U.S. in 2013. In 2014, 6 percent of all crashes were attributed to texting while driving, up from 1 percent in 2013.

 

On Nov. 15, the K-State Student Union Program Council is hosting a texting while driving simulator event from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. at the Union Courtyard, on the ground floor of the K-State Student Union. Learn more.

The K-State family legacy is brimming with tradition. Year after year, alumni share their K-State stories with future students and help them discover the Wildcat Way. If you know a future Wildcat who is applying for fall 2017 admission and scholarships, we have some exciting news that we’d like you to share in addition to your memories: the priority application deadline for incoming freshmen has been extended to Dec. 15, 2016.

 

“We have extended the priority deadline for many reasons,” said Larry Moeder ’77, ’80, assistant vice president for student life, director of student financial assistance and director of admissions. “Many future students and families told us that more time for the application would be helpful, especially since there have been changes to the FAFSA process and several college fairs are scheduled later this year than in previous years. We want to make the college admission and scholarship application process as accommodating as possible in this transition year.”

 

Additionally, K-State has increased scholarship award offerings for future out-of-state freshmen. Up to $48,000 in scholarships are available, and students are encouraged to review scholarship criteria and apply by the Dec. 15 priority deadline for full consideration.

 

“We want to honor our land-grant roots and make a K-State education as accessible as possible for all future students,” said Pat Bosco ’71, ’73, vice president for student life and dean of students. “We have already seen a year marked with achievements from several national ranking authorities. The Princeton Review ranked K-State No. 3 for best quality of life and No. 6 for happiest students, among many other accolades. It’s a great time to be a Wildcat.”

 

Learn more about admission and scholarships for your future K-Stater or refer a friend to your alma mater by encouraging them to apply by the priority deadline of their senior year for full scholarship consideration. K-State also urges students to visit campus to get a feel for K-State themselves.

 

Admissions and New Student Services staff are available to assist with any questions or concerns. The university looks forward to adding another incredible freshman class to the K-State family next fall.

Many people’s lives have been touched by cancer, including Kansas State University alumnus and actor Eric Stonestreet ’95. Several members of his family have battled the disease, leading Stonestreet to publicly support the fight against cancer.

 

Combining his desire to fight cancer with his love for K-State, Stonestreet has invested in the Johnson Cancer Research Center at the university. His gift will support cancer detection research, combining two different techniques that are already showing promising results. With Stonestreet’s support, K-State researchers will be able to create a working prototype of their cancer-detection test, enabling them to compete for federal funding to organize clinical trials for the new technology.

 

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Burns & McDonnell invests $500,000 in Engineering Hall at K-State

Burns & McDonnell has pledged $500,000 to Kansas State University to support Engineering Hall, the 108,000-square-foot expansion to the engineering complex which opened last spring. The Burns & McDonnell Foundation donated $400,000, and employee-owners who are K-State alumni donated an additional $100,000.

 

Along with the monetary donation, the firm has bestowed its name upon the Burns & McDonnell Collaborative Learning Laboratory, which will facilitate a more hands-on and team-based approach to engineering education.

 

“Burns & McDonnell is committed to developing the next generation of STEM professionals,” said Greg Graves, chairman and CEO, Burns & McDonnell. “We are proud to be a supporter of K-State, a university that consistently produces some of the brightest engineering professionals in the country.” 

 

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