Editor’s Letter

A note from our editor

Dear Readers,

Fall is such an exciting time to be on a college campus. There’s a slew of new faces, excitement surrounding college sports and so much more. It’s a time to learn something new, a time for people to come together once again. After a year of social distancing, K-Staters, like so many others, are ready to come together.

This fall might be the first opportunity many of you have had or will have to head to Manhattan in a year or so. With this issue, we are excited to showcase a few things you might encounter on your next trip to the Little Apple. Among them are the National Bio and Agro-Defense Facility, a federal research lab designed to help protect our nation’s food supply; four new Wildcats in leadership positions who we’re ready to introduce to you; K-State’s new Shamrock Zone at the south endzone of Bill Snyder Family Stadium; and a closer look at the wildlife found on campus.

This issue also features stories on alumni working in the tech industry. Nick Chong ’91, head of global services for Zoom, has seen his company become an essential means of connection for many during the COVID-19 pandemic. Katie Niederee Rosborough ’10 and Trenton Kennedy ’18 develop policy communications for Twitter. They also offer tips on how to be a good Twitter user. But they forgot to mention follow @kstatealumni, which you really should do.

My dear friend and mentor, Tim Lindemuth ’77, tells the story of Matt Keller ’02, a Drug Enforcement Administration agent based in Paris, France. Keller has built a career countering narco-terrorism and drug trafficking. When Tim told me about Matt’s story, I knew it needed to be included in the K-Stater.

Last winter, our friends at Housing and Dining Services shared a recipe for sweet rolls. Many of you reached out to say how much you enjoyed it, so we asked Mary Molt ’95 and her team to come up with another treat. This time it’s a sugar cookie recipe we are sure you’ll enjoy just as much. And, again, I hope you’ll share photos with us once you’ve made them.

Finally, K-State President Richard Myers ’65 reflects on the Sept. 11, 2001 terrorist attacks. At the time, President Myers was an Air Force general and one of the nation’s top-ranking military officials. We appreciate his willingness to discuss the topic and provide some insight on the significance of the 20th anniversary of that day. Also this summer President Myers announced he will retire as K-State’s 14th president at the end of the calendar year. You can read more about his announcement in our Around K-State section and the K-Stater will feature more on his presidency in our winter issue.

We hope you enjoy the issue.

With Wildcat Pride,

Tim Schrag ’12 Editor, K-Stater magazine