A decade ago, the K-State Alumni Association and Ron ’62, ’70, ’73 and Rae Iman partnered to find a way to build a deeper connection between the Alumni Association and the faculty at Kansas State University. They created the Iman Awards, and every year since, the Association and the Imans have honored two outstanding K-State faculty members for teaching and research.

 

On Sept. 26, the Association and the Imans celebrated 10 years of Iman Award winners while honoring two new award recipients, P.V. Vara Prasad and Dr. Robert L. Larson ’85, ’87, ’92.

 

“This is always one of my favorite events,” Amy Button Renz ’76, ’86, K-State Alumni Association president and CEO, said during the event. “We’re celebrating the 10th anniversary of this very special program. We’re excited that we have such distinguished faculty members who are recognized.”

 

Prasad, who received the Outstanding Faculty Award for Research, is a university distinguished professor and director of the Feed the Future Innovation Lab for Collaborative Research on Sustainable Intensification in the College of Agriculture. He is an internationally recognized researcher who focuses on understanding responses of food grain crops to changing environments, and he is committed to innovative, collaborative research and capacity-building activities that enable families of smallholder farmers to become food and nutritionally secure and improve their livelihoods.

 

College of Agriculture Dean John Floros nominated Prasad for the award and said Prasad has secured more than $60 million in grants and contracts in less than 15 years at K-State. He is helping K-State reach its goal to become a top 50 public research university by 2025.

 

“This is a huge success for us as a university, this is a huge success for us as a college, and this is a huge success for him as a researcher,” Floros said. “Dr. Prasad is an outstanding faculty member.”

 

“It’s been a great pleasure working with K-State, and I hope to contribute more as I go along,” Prasad said.

 

Larson, who received the Outstanding Faculty Award for Teaching, is a professor and Edgar E. and M. Elizabeth Coleman Chair of Food Animal Production Medicine in the College of Veterinary Medicine. After spending some time in private practice, he decided to try academia before going back to practicing veterinary medicine. However, he loved working with students so much he decided to stay.

 

Dr. Bonnie Rush, executive associate dean and professor in the College of Veterinary Medicine, said Larson’s students describe him using words like innovative, gifted, energetic and enthusiastic. He is a critical part of the College of Veterinary Medicine and is board certified by the American College of Theriogenologists, the American College of Animal Nutrition and the American College of Veterinary Preventative Medicine - Epidemiology specialty.

 

“You have certainly earned this award, and I appreciate all you have done for our students,” Rush told Larson.

 

“I really feel honored to receive this recognition,” Larson said. “I’m just one of many dedicated faculty at this great university.”

 

Learn more about the Iman Awards program. 

Kansas State University has a proud history of athletic excellence, and many Wildcat student-athletes have gone on to distinguished careers. Several of these K-Staters are being recognized this month by the Kansas Sports Hall of Fame, along with recognition for K-State basketball great Bob Boozer ’59 by the National Collegiate Basketball Hall of Fame in November.

 

The National Collegiate Basketball Hall of Fame in Kansas City is posthumously inducting Bob Boozer, a former K-State forward and two-time All-American. He averaged 25.6 points as a senior, leading the Wildcats to a 14-0 Big Eight record and the final No. 1 ranking in the Associated Press poll. He also was a member of the gold medal-winning 1960 U.S. Olympic team.

 

The Kansas Sports Hall of Fame Class of 2016 includes four inductees with K-State connections: Steve Anson ’76, ’78, former K-State baseball player and Washburn University baseball’s career coaching wins leader (to be honored posthumously); Jaime Mendez III ’94, K-State All-American football player and three-time All-Big Eight selection; Austra Skujytė ’03, four-time K-State All-American and four-time Olympian; and Jerry Kill, three-time national football coach of the year and current K-State associate athletics director for administration.  

 

Steve Anson began his baseball career in Kansas in 1972 when he enrolled at K-State. He lettered for the Wildcats all four years in Manhattan and set career and single season marks that still stand today. Anson was named head coach at Washburn University in Topeka in 1980. He guided the Ichabods to five NAIA National Tournaments and was named the 1994 MIAA Conference Coach of the Year.

 

Jaime Mendez III helped form the foundation of K-State football during the early 1990s. A four-year letterman for the Wildcats, Mendez’s impact was immediate as he led the team in interceptions and interception return yardage as a freshman, both marks setting school records. Mendez was named the Big Eight Newcomer of the Year in 1990 and also earned All-Big Eight Conference honors in 1991, 1992 and 1993. Mendez was inducted into the K-State Football Ring of Honor in 2002.

 

A four-time All-American track star at K-State, Austra Skujytė from Biržai, Lithuania, rewrote the K-State record books on her way to Olympic history. The first woman to win two NCAA National Championships at K-State, Skujytė won back-to-back outdoor heptathlon titles in 2001 and 2002. Following her collegiate career, Skujytė competed for her home country in the 2000, 2004, 2008 and 2012 Olympic games, becoming the only woman to compete in the heptathlon in four different Olympic games. Skujytė won the silver medal in the heptathlon in 2004 and finished fifth in the same event in 2012.

 

Now serving as K-State’s new associate athletics director for administration, Jerry Kill boasts a football coaching career spanning parts of three decades and numerous conference and national honors. In 2010, he was named head coach at the University of Minnesota. During his career, Kill won four conference championships while posting a career coaching record of 152-99.

 

Stay up-to-date with other K-State Athletics news at www.k-statesports.com. Learn more about Bob Boozer in the winter 2016 issue of the K-Stater magazine. 

 

Photo courtesy of Royal Purple archives.

Growth was the dominant theme in Kansas State University interim President Richard Myers’ 2016 state of the university address. Over the past several years, the university has seen growth in the areas of fundraising, research, campus construction and more.

 

“[We have] lots of things to be proud of,” Myers said during his address Sept. 23 at the K-State Alumni Center. “This is my alma mater. I always thought it was a great place to be. The longer I’m here, the more I’m absolutely convinced that it’s better than I ever thought it could be. This is truly a great institution.”

 

In fall 2016, K-State celebrates its most diverse enrollment ever, and this year’s freshman class boasts the highest composite ACT score in the university’s history. Multicultural enrollment continues to increase, with multicultural students now making up more than 15 percent of the K-State student body. The freshman-to-sophomore retention rate of 85.11 percent also is a record this year, up from 83.45 percent in fall 2015. 

 

Although budget uncertainties will continue as state funding remains up in the air, Myers thanked the university’s many generous donors who support the mission of K-State. Fundraising brought in $150.6 million in fiscal year 2016, up from $84.9 million in fiscal year 2010. So far, K-State has raised $894.7 million towards its $1 billion Innovation and Inspiration Campaign.

 

“This is good news for the university,” Myers said. “It helps us achieve our 2025 goal.”

 

In line with the university’s goal to become a top 50 public research university by 2025, research continues to expand at K-State. K-State has seen record increases in the area of research: 2,000 research proposals and a 40 percent jump in grant awards, along with 11 patents.

 

Campus also has been busy with new construction, designed to provide better places for students to learn, collaborate and enjoy the K-State experience. K-State has added or renovated 2.5 million square feet of academic-related space, resulting in a $397 million investment. Recent construction has included the new Berney Family Welcome Center in Memorial Stadium, Engineering Hall, the College of Business Administration building and the K-State Student Union. Wefald Hall also added new housing space for students. 

 

Myers said exciting things aren’t just happening at K-State’s Manhattan campus: the Polytechnic campus, K-State Olathe and Global Campus also have experienced growth. The Polytechnic campus is now ranked as the No. 2 unmanned aircraft systems program in the nation. K-State Olathe has introduced 10 graduate degrees and four graduate certificates. Global Campus is celebrating 50 years of providing education to adult students across the state, the country and the world.  

 

All these factors add up to create a great student experience at K-State. The Princeton Review recently ranked K-State in 13 different categories in the 2017 edition of The Best 381 Colleges. Among the rankings are No. 2 for students love these colleges, No. 3 for best quality of life, No. 4 for best athletic facilities and No. 6 for happiest students.

 

Myers offered his thanks to everyone who helps make K-State a great place to study, work or visit.

 

“It does take a team to get the job done,” he said. “Everybody’s important.”

 

Watch the complete 2016 state of the university address. 

Although it may only take a few seconds to send a text message while driving, those few seconds of distraction could be enough to cause a serious accident. When you’re behind the wheel, you should always keep your eyes on the road — no text message is worth risking your life.

 

To help raise awareness about distracted driving, Kansas State University, the K-State Alumni Association and the K-State Student Union Program Council are joining six other Kansas universities in promoting the Kansas Insurance Department’s Don’t Text #JustDrive campaign. The campaign encourages drivers to make a pledge to not text and drive. A friendly competition is also involved; the university with the highest percent of pledges compared to 2016 enrollment by Nov. 22 will win.

 

“We think this is a great way to promote a worthy goal of saving lives,” said Ken Selzer ’75, CPA, Kansas Commissioner of Insurance. “You pledge to not text and drive, you pick your school, and you cast your vote. Alumni, supporters and students of these Kansas schools show their support for the campaign and participate in a friendly competition at the same time.”

 

Distracted driving is an increasing problem. Seven in 10 people have reported engaging in smartphone activities while driving. Nearly four in 10 smartphone users tap into social media while driving, while almost three in 10 surf the net and one in 10 video chat. 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. In 5 seconds — the average time your eyes are off the road while texting — you could drive the length of a football field while blindfolded at 55 mph. 

 

All K-Staters are encouraged to show Kansas that Wildcats don’t text and drive by taking the following pledge:

 

“No text message, email, website or video is worth the risk of endangering my life or the lives of others on the road. I pledge to not text and drive and will take action to educate others about the dangers of texting while driving. No text is worth the risk. It can wait.”

 

Take the pledge online or text “Wildcat” to 50555. 

 

“All Kansans can be winners through this campaign,” Commissioner Selzer said. “We can show pride in our universities and make a statement at the same time by using this phrase: ‘Eyes up. Phone Off. Save Lives.’”

 

As part of the campaign, AT&T’s texting and driving simulator will visit K-State’s Manhattan campus Nov. 15. Stay tuned for more information.

The K-State Alumni Association has developed a free mobile application for members and nonmembers of the Alumni Association, called Your Link for Life.

 

The Your Link for Life app connects users to the Alumni Association, bringing a user-friendly and personalized experience to their mobile devices. With the app, users are able to find nearby alumni events and activities through location-based settings, receive the latest Alumni Association news through mobile alerts and social media posts from an easy access portal, and join the Alumni Association or renew their memberships.

 

“We designed this app to make our programs and services easier to access,” said Megan Jurgensmeier ’11, associate director of membership for the Alumni Association. “This app is also a great way to stay current on alumni news and find ways to connect with K-State’s alumni and friends.”

 

Alumni Association members also gain easy access to their membership benefits, including their mobile membership card, the digital version of the K-Stater magazine and various member discounts.

 

The app is available for download on iOS and Android devices through the App Store and Google Play. To find the app, in your device’s store use the search terms “Your Link for Life” or “K-State Alumni Association.” Additional information about the app can be found on the Alumni Association’s website, at www.k-state.com/app.

In 139 combined years of attendance at Kansas State University, the Spare family has been involved in academics, campus activities, athletics and overseas learning. Now, they will continue their legacy as the university’s Family of the Year.

 

The Spare family was recognized as the 2016 K-State Family of the Year on Sept. 24. Chimes, the junior honorary, selects the university’s Family of the Year based on three criteria: how the family is affiliated with the university; the way family members show loyalty and pride in the university; and how they define family and fit the description.

 

“A record number of Family of the Year applications was submitted this year, so it was tough for us to decide between all of the applications,” said Bailey Porter, junior in biochemistry and pre-medicine, Overland Park, Kansas, and Chimes co-vice president of event planning. “Chimes selected the Spare family because of their representation of K-State’s family values over the many years they have been a part of the university.”

 

The Spare family represents three generations of K-Staters, beginning with the late Neva Jean Fleener Spare ’47 and Richard Spare ’50, who returned to Kansas after serving overseas in the U.S. Army during World War II. A Spare family member has attended K-State in every decade since the 1940s.

 

The Spares’ eight children and seven of their spouses are K-Staters, as are 13 of their grandchildren and four spouses. Two grandchildren are currently enrolled at the university in the College of Veterinary Medicine and in the College of Engineering.

 

“The Spare family is large, but there has always been room for one more at the table whether it was a neighbor, K-State friend, an international student, a visiting missionary, a hired hand or the new people that just moved in down the road,” said former student Kathie Weigand Spare, who nominated her family for the award.

 

Members of the Spare family have shared their purple pride in 21 countries for research, on mission trips, work and other humanitarian efforts.

 

“I was amazed to read how their family has contributed in spreading K-State values around the globe,” Porter said. “Family members have helped pump water to remote mountain areas in Nepal, served as a veterinary medicine consultant in Russia, worked remotely for a U.S. firm while living in Sydney, Australia — giving back to the community at large just as much as they have given back to the community at home.”

 

“This is a wonderful honor to share with Richard, now age 92, who started the Spare K-State tradition so many years ago,” Weigand Spare said. “The Spare family embraces the K-State tradition and plans to be a part of K-State’s future. Go ’Cats!”

 

Learn more about the Spare family and the Family of the Year award.

In the past, visitors to Kansas State University didn’t have a centralized place to experience and appreciate art. The university’s art collection was scattered across campus public spaces and offices. That changed in the fall of 1996 with the founding of the Marianna Kistler Beach Museum of Art, made possible by many generous donors and a lead gift from the late Ross Beach ’40 and Marianna Kistler Beach ’41.

 

This year, the museum is celebrating 20 years of operation, and K-State alumni and friends are invited to help commemorate the occasion by attending several special events.

 

To celebrate the 20th anniversary of its opening, the Beach Museum is unveiling a new look for the permanent collection galleries. Drawing on the 20th anniversary celebration theme “You Gotta Have Art,” the galleries will feature works from a range of periods, displayed together to highlight particular themes and stimulate dialogue. The displays will feature gallery favorites and works re-emerging from art storage after a long hiatus, as well as new acquisitions.

 

The Beach Museum will also host several 20th anniversary events that are free and open to the public.

 

20th Anniversary Celebration and Open House

2-6 p.m. Sunday, Oct. 9

Help the museum celebrate its 20th birthday and the theme “You Gotta Have Art.” There will be activities for all ages, party favors and, of course, cake. Cash bar opens and music begins at 4:30 p.m.

 

20th Anniversary K-State Student Night at the Museum

5:30 p.m. Thursday, Oct. 27

Everything comes to life during this celebration of the museum’s 20th anniversary. Co-sponsored by 91.9 KSDB, the event includes art activities, snacks and live music.

 

Film Screening: Temple Grandin

5:30 p.m. Thursday, Nov. 10

Enjoy this Oscar-winning biopic starring Clare Danes as the famous animal scientist who has worked to make humane practices more prevalent in the handling of animals raised for food. Complimentary snacks provided.

 

Temple Grandin Book Signing and Reception

6 to 7:30 p.m. Tuesday, Nov. 29

Dr. Temple Grandin, groundbreaking animal scientist, advocate for people on the autism spectrum and author, will sign books at a reception in her honor.

 

The Beach Museum’s collection has grown from less than 1,500 pieces of art when it opened in 1996 to over 7,000 objects. The collection continues to focus on the art of Kansas and the region. In addition to free gallery displays and special exhibitions, the museum presents public programs and educational programs for audiences of all ages. Annual attendance exceeds 30,000 visitors. Learn more. 

 

The K-Stater featured additional Beach Museum content in the summer 2016 issue.

David Woods Kemper Veterans Foundation supports K-State’s Office of Military and Veterans Affairs

 

The David Woods Kemper Veterans Foundation of Overland Park, Kansas, has given $300,000 to the Office of Military and Veterans Affairs at Kansas State University.

 

With this gift, the foundation partners with K-State to advance military and veterans research and programs that will result in industry best practices for helping former military service personnel reintegrate into the workforce.

 

“The David Woods Kemper Veterans Foundation was founded with the purpose of supporting veterans in Kansas and Missouri. A partnership between our foundation and K-State is a natural choice,” said Caleb Jackson, executive director of the foundation. “The work being done by Art DeGroat ’04 and the Office of Military and Veterans Affairs is crucial for veterans who have recently separated from service. Our hope is that through this partnership, we can create programs, research and education to help ease the transition from soldier to civilian, first here in Kansas and then to the rest of the country.”

 

Read more

 

Faculty Development Initiative takes a new approach to developing tomorrow’s leaders

A great education begins with great educators. That is the philosophy behind the College of Engineering’s Faculty Development Initiative, which supports outstanding faculty members through programs like Cornerstone Teaching Scholars.

 

Many years after graduation, alumni often still remember the professors who helped enlighten, motivate and mentor them. That’s one reason Darold Davis ’70 and his wife, Debbie, decided to invest in Cornerstone Teaching Scholars.

 

“Our ultimate goal is that professors are able to utilize the funds to better teach the engineering students at K-State,” he said. “This fund is directed toward sophomore- and junior-level professors because these are both very key levels in trying to retain students in the engineering program.”

 

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