K-Stater magazine, Fall 2022

K-STATER MAGAZINE

K- STATER The magazine for K-State Alumni Association members

FALL 2022

K-STATE RODEO: 75 YEARS OF SADDLING UP

Fall 2022 • Vol. 72, No. 1

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CONTENTS 4 6 8 9 10 22 24 40 62 70 78 80 82

First Look Editor’s Note Snapshots Mailbox Around K-State Wildcat Kids Close-Up KSU Foundation Class Notes In Memoriam Close-Up Last Look K-S-U Photos

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CALL HALL TOPS IT ALL David Mayes ’96, K-State Alumni Association

Gabriel Christus and the Denver Broncos

24 CLOSE-UP: KSU FOUNDATION

44 K-STATER KEEPSAKES

28 DALTON RISNER ’17

52 AN INNOVATIVE HERD

32 ... TO THE GREEN BERETS

56 K-STATE RODEO

34 CALL HALL TOPS IT ALL

60 SIX DECADES OF DEDICATION

38 ENGINEERING EXPLORATION

68 REMEMBERING VERYL SWITZER

40 KSU FOUNDATION

78 CLOSE-UP: BRI

The Edge Collaboration District offers home to K-State’s P.A. program Former Wildcat making strides for the Denver Broncos and in his community

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Silver Star recipient Antonio Gonzalez ’94 places his trust in faith, football Dairy Bar is a learning lab for production, retail

Kansas News Service

Views expressed herein do not necessarily reflect the opinions of the Association board of directors or staff.

Correspondence related to the K-Stater should be directed to the editor. For membership information, call 785-532-6260. Address changes and news of births, deaths, marriages or job changes should be directed to Alumni Records.

The K-Stater is printed by LSC Communications, Liberty, Mo. Advertising information is located on the web at www.k-state. com/K-Stater. Canadian return mail address: Station A, P.O. Box 54, Windsor, Ontario N9A 6J5. K-Stater (ISSN-10761934), the alumni magazine for Kansas State University Alumni Association members, is published four times a year (spring, summer, fall, winter) by the K-State Alumni Association, 100 Alumni Center, 1720 Anderson Avenue, Manhattan, KS 66506-1001. Periodicals postage paid at Manhattan, Kan., and additional offices. POSTMASTER: Send address changes to Alumni Records, 100 Alumni Center, 1720 Anderson Avenue, Manhattan, KS 66506-1001.

FEATURES

Wildcat’s work is helping the U.S. send astronauts to the moon and then Mars

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K-Staters Ike and Letty Evans and Tara and Terry Cupps recognized for support

Several Wildcats share the stories behind their K-State tokens Satellite-guided cows might save the Kansas prairie and make ranchers money Rodeo Club celebrates 75 years, named rodeo of the year in 2022 C. Clyde Jones shares memories since coming to K-State in 1960 K-State sports legend, trailblazer Veryl Switzer ’54, ’74 passes away at 89 Biosecurity Research Institute tackles threats to health head-on

On the cover: K-State’s Rodeo Club is celebrating 75 years. (Photo by K-State Communications and Marketing)

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FIRST LOOK NORTH TEXAS BOOTS AND BBQ The K-State Alumni Association hosted its first ever Boots and BBQ event in the North Texas area. The event provided an evening of food and fun with other Wildcats in the area to raise scholarship funds for students to attend K-State. Attendees had the opportunity to participate in a live auction, a raffle and a heads and tails, armadillo races, a s’mores fire pit station and music from The Matt Brooks Band. Save the date for the next North Texas Boots and BBQ, April 15, 2023.

Photos by Tim Schrag ’12, K-State Alumni Association

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Photos by David Mayes ’96, K-State Alumni Association

A note from our editor Dear readers, Each week I take a walk around campus — usually in the evenings and often by myself — and when I wander around this spot inevitably, I find something that makes this stroll worth my time.

Sometimes it’s a story idea — there are so many unique things happening on campus, it’s hard not to. Occasionally I’ll encounter an old friend, a colleague or someone I’ve worked with during my time here at K-State. However, every single time I make the rounds I find memories. Spots where friendships were made — deep conversations were held, arguments were had and inside jokes were born. I see the buildings where classes and professors shaped my experience. All of it comes back, maybe not every time, but certainly in an instant.

Believe it or not, this is the 30th issue of K-Stater magazine I’ve had a hand in developing. In those 30 issues I’ve learned the importance of bringing those purple memories back to the surface for our Wildcat Community.

This issue of K-Stater magazine has a strong emphasis on memories.

C. Clyde Jones shares his K-State story. Clyde will turn 100 later this year. He originally came here to be the first dean of the College of Business Administration. Over the years he’s worn many hats in both the K-State and Manhattan communities. The K-Stater shares a bit of his story as we celebrate his milestone birthday.

Denver Bronco Dalton Risner ’17 was known to many K-Staters for his success on the field, but also his giving spirit. D. Scott Fritchen ’99 caught up with him to share more about the man behind that spirit. Dalton – if you’re reading this, I want to you to know that touchdown pass you caught on your senior night may not have counted in the stats book, but it certainly did to many Wildcats.

Silver Star recipient, Army Sgt. Maj. Antonio Gonzalez ’94, shares memories of his time on the football team and his service in Afghanistan.

Who doesn’t have an affinity for Call Hall ice cream? Jeff Morris ’80 shows us that while ice cream is still king, the dairy bar offers plenty more than that. We also are showcasing several K-Staters’ treasured keepsakes. Each one has a fun story, and we’d love to hear and see more. We encourage you to post them and tag us on your social media.

K-State’s Rodeo Club has a rich 75-year history. Monica Springer, our new assistant editor, makes her magazine debut to tell us more about the Rodeo Club and its significance to the College of Agriculture and the university’s land-grant mission.

It’s not often I can write about someone I know well, but with this issue I had the opportunity to tell the story of my college roommate, Erik Stalcup ’10. Erik is an engineer for NASA who is working on the Artemis Program. Even back in our Smith Scholarship House days I knew Erik was destined to do cool things in science, and here he is doing exactly that.

There’s plenty more in this issue for you to enjoy, including a great story from the Kansas News Service about K-State research involving satellite tracking of cattle. I hope you’ll let us know what you think, and if you ever see me on campus, please be sure to say hello.

With Wildcat Pride,

Tim Schrag ’12 Editor, K-Stater magazine 6

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Almost half of all consumers overestimate the cost of life insurance.

Are you among them?

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Most Americans agree life insurance makes sound financial sense. Yet many don’t get the coverage they may need, because they worry about the price. The truth is, it may cost less than you think. See for yourself. Get an instant quote on $100,000 to $3 million2 in AlumniTerm 10/20® Life Insurance. There’s no obligation.

GET AN INSTANT QUOTE

through your K-State Alumni Insurance Program

www.AlumniTerm1020.com/k-state To speak to a representative, call 1-800-922-1245

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2020 Life Insurance Barometer Study, LIMRA, Life Happens

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This maximum is limited to $1.5 million in some states.

You are eligible to apply for a 10-year level term policy, up to and including age 69. You are eligible for a 20-year term policy, up to and including age 59.

Life Insurance is issued by Metropolitan Life Insurance Company, New York, NY 10166. Nothing in these materials is intended to be advice for any particular situation or individual. Like most group benefits programs, benefit programs offered by MetLife and its affiliates contain certain exclusions, exceptions, reductions, limitations, waiting periods and terms for keeping them in force. Ask your MetLife representative, USI Affinity, for costs and complete details. Policy number 200218 © 2022 MetLife Services and Solutions, LLC L1121018112[exp1123] [All States] [DC, GU,MP,PR,VI] © The Alumni Insurance Program, USI Affinity, 14 Clifford Ave., Suite 310, Matawan, NJ 07747-9808. This solicitation is developed, paid for, and provided to the K-State Alumni Association by USI Affinity and/or AIA.

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K-STATER

The magazine for K-State Alumni Association members

VOL. 72, NO. 1

ASSOCIATION BOARD OF DIRECTORS Candace Hart Duncan ’75, Bethesda, Md., chair Cmdr. Tim Oswalt ’93, Oak Harbor, Wash., chair-elect Nabeeha Kazi Hutchins ’96, Washington, D.C., past chair Terms expire in 2023 Chancy Montera Love ’07, Denver, Colo.

Rich Macha ’80, Rehoboth, Del. Lori Francis Rogge ’94, Leonardville, Kan. Mike Simms ’89, Kansas City, Mo. Brent Wiedeman ’97, ’05, Colby, Kan. Terms expire in 2024 Dr. Curt Coffman ’90, Phoenix, Ariz.

Jeff Ellison ’90, St. Joseph, Mo. Jody Isch Lancaster ’88, Ottawa, Kan. Zach Maier ’09, Lake Quivira, Kan. Suze Brink Parker ’81, ’83, Overland Park, Kan. Terms expire in 2025 Morgan Fisher ’04, Doha, Qatar Lydia Peele Kinkade ’09, Overland Park, Kan. Steve Lacy ’76, ’77, Des Moines, Iowa John Niemann ’93, Mount Hope, Kan. Karen Wiley Works ’76, Humbolt, Kan. Terms expire in 2026 Link Evans ’82, The Woodlands, Texas Phil Kirk ’82, Oak Grove, Mo. Tonya Rudolph Barta ’91, Holton, Kan. Jill Stehley Harrison (fs), Prairie Village, Kan. Kelly Williams ’03, Kansas City, Kan. Standing directors Richard Linton, Manhattan, Kan., K-State president Mary Vanier ’89, Manhattan, Kan., chair, board of directors, KSU Foundation Curt Frasier ’73, Beloit, Kan., treasurer Amy Button Renz ’76, ’86, Manhattan, Kan., secretary Parker Vulgamore, Scott City, Kan., student body president Emily Howard, Eudora, Kan., Student Alumni Board president Greg Willems, Manhattan, Kan., ex officio member, president and CEO, KSU Foundation

K-STATER MAGAZINE STAFF

Amy Button Renz ’76, ’86, publisher Tim Schrag ’12, editor Monica Springer, assistant editor/designer Ashley Pauls, assistant editor Darcie Riordan, graphic designer Megan Reichenberger ’11, advertising Salena Sauber ’09, director of communications Terin Walters ’05, assistant vice president of communications

K-STATE ALUMNI ASSOCIATION

100 Alumni Center | 1720 Anderson Avenue Manhattan, KS 66506-1001 Visit us at k-state.com, call 785-532-6260, or fax 785-532-5068

Alumni Association mission: To lead and inspire lifelong involvement that will benefit Kansas State University and all members of our Wildcat Community.

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Snapshots K-STATE ALUMNI ASSOCIATION PHOTOGRAPHER DAVID MAYES ’96 CAPTURED A FEW PICTURES OF SUMMER BLOOMS IN THE K-STATE GARDENS

MAILBOX YOUR LETTERS AND PHOTOS ARE WELCOME K-STATER MAGAZINE

Readers share a fondness for story on Ahearn Field House in previous issue

K- STATER

Great article about Ahearn Field House. While still in high school, a friend got tickets to a sold out game (maybe UCLA!). We were in the rafters, but enjoyed every minute. No doubt I would be enrolling, which I did in 1965. A major event in Ahearn every semester was the enrollment process. The process used computer punch cards (remember those days?!) that essentially accounted for every seat in every class for the semester. Every student had to get a punch card for the classes they wanted. Tables for the classes were spread across the floor. Popular classes and popular professors “sold out” quickly. Everyone had to build their schedule on the fly to avoid conflicts. It was good to have alternate choices… just in case. Admission to the Field House was controlled by your assigned admission ticket. Those at the end of the process had a hard time getting into the classes they needed, and graduation was delayed for some when they couldn’t get the required courses in the right sequence. It took several days as I recall. I have no idea how the process works today, but surely it works more smoothly.

Wayne Nichols ’70 Dedham, Massachusetts The magazine for K-State Alumni

Association members

SUMMER 2022

By Mail: K-Stater magazine K-State Alumni Association 100 Alumni Center 1720 Anderson Ave. Manhattan, KS 66506-1001

Online: kstater@k-state.com /KStateAlumniAssociation @KStateAlumni @KStateAlumni Use hashtag #KStateAlumni

Summer 2022 • Vol. 71,

No. 4

Become a K-State Alumni Wine Club member and enjoy quarterly shipments of an exceptional lineup of award-winning red and white wines from the popular Liquid Art Winery in Manhattan, Kansas.

Each shipment features a custom label capturing the spirit of K-State. Quarterly shipments are available in 2, 4, 6 and 12 bottles. Pricing starts at $59. A portion of the proceeds are donated to the K-State Alumni Association. Members can use the code MEMBER5 to receive a discount.

Use the K-State Alumni Association app to sign up for the wine club. It is the quickest way to order your wine. You can also register through our website, k-state.com/wineclub.

K-Stater editor recognized for recent work K-Stater editor Tim Schrag ’12 was K- STATER recognized by the Kansas Professional Communicators in their 2022 communications contest.

Schrag took first place in the magazine feature article category for a story HOME Sw�t HALE on Hale Library’s restoration, A New Chapter for Hale, and also received an honorable mention in the personality profile more than 500 words for a story on Nike designer Jason Wright ’12, A Statement Maker.

Schrag has been editor of the K-Stater since 2015.

K-STATER MAGAZINE

The magazine for K-State Alumni

Association members

SUMMER 2021

Summer 2021• Vol. 70,

No. 4

It was great to read the story on Mike Ahearn Field House and see it pictured on the cover of the summer edition. However, the reference to the official dedication on Feb. 12, 1955, is remiss to omit any mention of then athletic director L.E. “Moon” Mullins.

Without “Moon” it might have never happened because there were certain athletic alumni interests who wanted the field house unnamed as a lure to possibly getting Coach Jack Gardner (then at Utah University) to return to K-State.

My friend Moon said I motivated him “to stir the pot,” but I said it was Moon who motivated me. Anyway, Moon pulled strings behind the scenes and wrangled official approval from the Board of Regents.

I was on Student Council in 1955 and was honored to be in the dedication ceremony at halftime in the Big L.E. “Moon” Mullin s Eight game of Feb. 15, 1955.

Incidentally, the radio broadcast of the game stayed with coverage of the halftime dedication ceremony (rather than the usual halftime broadcast with commentators) as it was felt that many K-State alumni in Kansas and elsewhere would be interested that it was now the Mike Ahearn Field House at last!

Dr. Gerry Day ’56 Houston, Texas

Join the Alumni Association Wine Club today

SAVE THE DATE FOR HOMECOMING 2022!

OCT. 23-29

K-STATE.COM/HOMECOMING K - S TAT E R

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K-State Communications and Marketing

What’s that sound? All Faiths Chapel Auditorium, the primary recital venue for the K-State School of Music, Theatre, and Dance, was constructed in 1956 to honor the memory of soldiers who died during World War II and the Korean War. The chapel has seating for 511 people and houses a new 9-foot Steinway “D” grand piano, as well as a 40-rank Austin pipe organ built in 1961.

Around

K-STATE 10

11 Cat Connections

16 Context for the News

12 Ask the Expert

16 Alumni Q&A

13 From the Archives

18 Slice of the Little Apple

14 K-Stater wins award

20 Alumni Profile

15 K-Stater Kudos

21 Quick Hits

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Save the date for Richard Linton’s presidential inauguration The inauguration planning committee invites you to save the date for the inauguration of President Richard Linton at 2 p.m. Friday, Sept. 2, in McCain Auditorium. A reception will immediately follow in the lobby.

The ceremony also will be livestreamed on the president’s website, as well as recorded for those unable to attend or watch live.

Classes will not be canceled during the inauguration.

Questions regarding the inauguration can be sent to the planning committee co-chairs, Sue Peterson ’76, ’05 and Gary Pratt, at inauguration@k-state.edu.

For more information about the inauguration and the history of the ceremony, visit k-state.edu/president/inauguration.

AROUND K-STATE

CAT

Connections K-State Alumni Association members receive a 15% discount at the K-State Campus Store. Members can shop online at kstatecampusstore.com with the discount code: MEMBER15.

When ordering online, place the code in the special instructions box, not in the promo code box.

The K-State Alumni Association welcomes Scarlett Donnert ’93 as a data management assistant.

Scarlett Donnert ’93

The K-State Alumni Association welcomes Brandon Moreno as assistant director of alumni and diversity programs.

K-State license plate program raises $6 million for student scholarships and recognition It’s confirmed: Wildcats truly do drive with pride.

Since the state-issued K-State license plate program began in 1996, the tax-deductible royalties paid on the license plates have raised more than $6 million for student scholarships and recognition of achievements. This includes the K-State Legacy Scholarship and the International Student Scholarship programs.

There are more than 11,000 official K-State license plates on the highways issued in Kansas, Texas and Maryland.

Additionally, the K-State license plate is the most popular affinity plate in the state of Kansas.

“Thank you to the many loyal K-Staters whose support has allowed us to make a lasting impact on thousands of K-State

students,” said Amy Button Renz ’76, ’86, president and CEO of the K-State Alumni Association. “Through your display of Wildcat pride with a K-State license plate, we’ve been able to provide thousands of scholarships and recognition opportunities to K-State students. The Alumni Association also would like to thank the staff in the county treasurers’ offices for helping K-Staters to purchase the plates.”

The plates are available for purchase in three states: Kansas, Texas and Maryland. We also recently reached our goal of 200 plates pre-purchased in the state of Oklahoma. With this success, plates in the state of Oklahoma will officially be available for purchase this fall or winter. To learn more about the program or how to purchase a plate, visit k-state.com/Drive.

Building Champions Initiative surpasses $100 million

Brandon Moreno

Download the K-State Alumni Link for Life App, powered by Kansas Lottery. k-state.com/App

K-State Athletics has set a new department record for funds raised in a capital campaign as Athletics Director Gene Taylor announced that the Ahearn Fund has surpassed $100 million for its Building Champions Initiative.

The initiative, which is part of the department’s overall facility master plan, focused on the completion of the Shamrock Zone and construction of the Morgan Family Volleyball Arena, Morris Family Olympic Performance Center and Shamrock Practice Facility.

“I continue to be amazed at the continued support of our fans and donors,”Taylor said. “The number of K-Staters who believed in the vision for these facilities and stepped up to make them become a reality is just phenomenal. We are beyond grateful for their commitment to these projects, and their leadership will impact K-State student-athletes, coaches and fans for decades to come.”

The $100 million total from Building Champions was generated by 273 total donors and included two eight-figure gifts,

16 seven-figure gifts and 38 six-figure gifts.

“We are so grateful to everyone who made this milestone a reality,” added Josh McCowan ’09, ’11, senior associate athletics director for development. “The passion and pride of so many who generously donate is incredible, and their desire to make a positive impact on the student-athlete experience is truly inspiring.”

While the Building Champions initiative is closing in on completion, plans continue to evolve for future projects within the K-State Athletics master facility plan.

“We are not done yet,”Taylor added. “There are several projects in our master plan that we are discussing and need to address soon, including the renovation of our current indoor football facility into a new indoor track and field venue. Designs and concepts are being discussed, but we still need donor support to make this possible for our world-class track and field programs.”

To learn more about current projects under construction visit kstatesports.com/buildingchampions.

Keep in touch with your fellow Wildcats and stay up-to-date on the latest news from campus.

K-STATE.COM/NEWS K - S TAT E R

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AROUND K-STATE

Barb Schmidt Van Slyke ’78, Konza Prairie Biological Station

Simply majestic: The bison herd on K-State’s Konza Prairie Biological Station was introduced in 1987 with 37 animals and now boasts closer to 300 in the herd. A roundup takes place in October or November at Konza Prairie. New calves are ear-tagged and weighed. All calves are kept through their first year.

K-State horticulture agent shares tips on composting

BY TAYLOR JAMISON, K-STATE RESEARCH AND EXTENSION NEWS WRITER Composting is a simple way to keep the home garden healthy while also helping the environment, but there is a certain art to doing it right, said Dennis Patton ’82, ’89, a horticulture agent in K-State Research and Extension’s Johnson County office.

“The science is making sure the composting process works,” he said, “and Dennis Patton ’82, ’89 the art part of it is figuring out what works for you.”

Patton said compost can be any dead plant or animal matter, but don’t be fooled by the definition.

“We put dead stuff in the compost, but the compost is very much alive,” he said.

Within the compost pile, there are live microorganisms that feed off dead matter. Managing the microorganisms is the key to composting, Patton said.

Patton said compost consists of a mixture of green

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ASK THE

Expert and brown matter, both of which are key to making the microorganisms “happy.”

Brown matter is the source of carbon, and the bulk of what gardeners use in the compost pile; it includes dead leaves and other garden waste. Green matter is the source of nitrogen and somewhat harder to find; it can be grass clippings, vegetable and fruit scraps and animal manure.

Patton recommends about 2/3 brown matter to 1/3 green matter.

Some materials should not be used in compost, he said. Pet feces — especially cat and dog feces — should not be used.

Nor should food waste that contains fats or oils be used.

Also, grass, hay or manure from a pasture that uses herbicides should not be added to the pile. Patton said these materials can all taint the compost and damage plants.

Once safe materials are available for compost, Patton said there is not really a bad location for the pile, but he suggests avoiding a low area that will collect water — which can cause a bad smell.

To maintain the compost pile, Patton suggests watching for the development of heat within a week to 10 days of its initial construction. “If the compost pile is properly constructed, that internal part of the pile should be reaching up to 140 degrees Fahrenheit or more.”

Once the pile begins to cool down, it is time to turn the materials, a process that distributes moisture. Eventually, the pile will heat up again, then turned when it cools.

Patton said it may take between 3-6 months to form compost, but he adds, “the more you leave it in the back corner and leave it up to Mother Nature, it may take a year or more until you have compost.”

AROUND K-STATE

FROM THE

Archives

Kedzie Hall’s namesake was influential female K-Stater, professor

BY VERONICA DENISON, UNIVERSITY ARCHIVIST AND ASSISTANT PROFESSOR Nellie Sawyer Kedzie Jones has a last name that is fairly wellknown on campus, if only for the building that bears her name.

She was the first woman graduate of K-State to become head of a department at K-State, lobbied the Kansas legislature to help provide funding for the first building dedicated to domestic science in the United States, and the first woman to be granted an emeritus professorship by the University of Wisconsin in 1933.

Nellie Sawyer was born in 1858 in Madison, Maine, and in 1870 her family moved to Ottawa, Kansas. In 1876, she graduated from K-State.

While a student, she met R.F. Kedzie, a professor in chemistry at Mississippi College who was filling in for his brother who was a professor at K-State, where the two began a courtship. After she graduated, Nellie worked at schools in Milford and Ottawa until she married R.F. Kedzie in 1881.

However, he died seven weeks later and Nellie moved back to be with her family who were living in Topeka. In the summer of 1882, K-State President George Fairchild met with her and her family. She had made biscuits to be had with dinner, and Fairchild asked her, “Do you think you can teach Kansas girls to make such biscuits as these we have just been eating?”

And thus, Kedzie was hired at K-State to teach women to become efficient homemakers. In an article she wrote for the K-Stater in 1954, she said of the administration at the time, “They were not looking for doctorates in those days; they wanted biscuits.”

The following year, on June 12, 1883, the Board of Regents voted to retain Kedzie as superintendent of the domestic science department at an annual salary of $600 a year; however, two days later they voted to increase Kedzie’s salary to $800 per year, and three days after that Kedzie received a Master of Science degree. Her thesis was titled, “Science in Woman’s Life.” Her salary gradually

increased to $1,000 over the years. And coincidentally or not, when she received an offer at the University of Ohio for a salary “several hundred in advance” of what she made at K-State, it wasn’t long after that the Regents voted to increase her annual salary to $1,600. The Regents’ reasoning was that Kedzie “has for several years held a full professorship and done a professor’s work.” This also gave her the official rank of professor.

In her article for the K-Stater in 1954, Kedzie described the early days of working in home economics. The department only had two sewing machines, a mirror for a sewing class, and an old wood range for cooking. These were to be used by all women in the department, which had an enrollment of 44 in the fall 1883 semester. She wanted her students to have the knowledge of hygiene, foods to cook and serve, and how to make garments.

When Kedzie was first hired in 1882, she noticed the need for space for the Domestic Science Department.

She lobbied the legislature, which eventually gave $16,000 for the building of Domestic Science Hall, which was the first building at a college to be dedicated to Domestic Science in the United States. The building was completed in 1899, and renamed Kedzie Hall in 1902.

In 1897, Kedzie, along with every other faculty member at K-State, was let go by the Board of Regents, although some were asked to reapply for their position. Kedzie was among them, but refused. Not long after, she began a new position at Bradley Polytechnic Institute in Peoria, Illinois, where she worked until 1901 when she married Howard Murray Jones. The couple moved to Kentucky, where they both worked at Berea College.

They eventually moved to Wisconsin, where she became the Home Economics Extension Leader at the University of Wisconsin. Kedzie also was awarded an honorary Doctor of Law degree from K-State in 1925. She died on April 19, 1956.

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gece33, istock.com

AROUND K-STATE

University earns international recognition for promotional, creative work including K-Stater magazine, Wildcat Reads Creative work to support Kansas State University has earned international recognition Renz ’76, ’86, president and CEO of the K-State Alumni Association. “This prestigious with four Circle of Excellence honors from the Council for Advancement and Support of honor is a high compliment to our staff and their hard work. It is exciting to see this Education, or CASE. It is the most Circle of Excellence awards received by the university in excellence recognized by our national organization, CASE. The entire K-State Alumni a single year.

Association team is proud to serve the Wildcat community, and we are thankful for the CASE is an international association of educational institutions. The Circle support of our members.” of Excellence Awards are international awards and showcase outstanding work The KSU Foundation won a bronze Circle of Excellence Award for “Vet Med Scholarship in advancement services, alumni relations, Surprise” in the video/fundraising and stewardship communications, fundraising and marketing at category. The video was shown at the fall 2021 Kind colleges, universities, independent schools and Heart Celebration, a scholarship banquet for the College affiliated nonprofits around the world. of Veterinary Medicine and the first in-person event K-State received one silver and three bronze Circle since the COVID-19 shutdown. In the video, students of Excellence awards. The work honored was created receiving scholarships are informed by the donor. by the K-State Alumni Association, KSU Foundation Judges called the video “a simple but high-impact and the university’s Division of Communications and concept done extremely well” and an “effective, unique Marketing. and great use of video as a format.”

The K-State Alumni Association earned two “It is so gratifying to be recognized by our peers in bronze Circle of Excellence awards, one for the Wildcat this international competition,” said Mary Bourne ’06, Reads program in the alumni relations/alumni video production manager at the KSU Foundation. relations pivot category and the second for the “A “We are grateful to the many campus and KSU Wildcat Reads Statement Maker” profile in the K-Stater magazine in Foundation partners who helped us capture the the writing/profile category. special moment, highlighted in the video. Ultimately, Created during the first year of the COVID-19 pandemic when many schools and child none of this would be possible without our amazing donors, who change the lives of care facilities were closed, Wildcat Reads featured notable hosts reading books affiliated K-State students every day.” with K-State, including Bill Snyder, the Wildcats’ Hall of The Division of Communications and Marketing, in partnership with the Fame football coach who read the children’s book he College of Architecture, Planning and Design, A STATEMENT authored. The readings were recorded and shared on received a silver Circle of Excellence Award in the MAKER Facebook Live and YouTube to connect and entertain publications design category for the college’s young children, their parents and grandparents, and viewbook update. The viewbook showcased the K-State constituents. Judges said Wildcat Reads is “an college’s new facilities and teaching, learning and engaging — yet simple — initiative that leverages lab spaces. CASE judges called the book a wellothers as volunteers and provides an interesting planned and executed piece that is “comprehensive Nike’s Jason Wright ’12 uniforms of all leve designs service for K-State alumni and their families.” and visually appealing to both those interested in ls, sports The videos were produced with the help of Cindy architecture and others outside the field.”

Jeffrey ’92 and Chris Jordan ’09 from the Division of “The Division of Communications and Marketing Communications and Marketing. partners with numerous departments and units A Statement M aker “A Statement Maker,” which appeared in the who inspire us to do our best work on behalf of spring 2021 issue of K-Stater magazine, was written the university, and it’s rewarding to see that this by editor Tim Schrag ’12 and profiled K-State alumnus Jason Wright ’12 and his job collaborative project with the College of Architecture, as senior graphic designer at Nike. Wright has helped craft uniforms for a variety of sports Planning and Design has been recognized in this way,” said Ashley Martin ’07, ’ 14, and teams from the NFL, MLB and colleges and universities, including his alma mater. interim vice president for communications and marketing. “The creative team beautifully Judges said the piece featured “crisp writing and focused treatment of subject matter” balanced critical future student information with an eye-catching design that couldn’t and was “uniquely interesting and readable.” help but stand out from the competition, contributing to our core mission of supporting “We are thrilled to have received two Circle of Excellence Awards,” said Amy Button the university’s Strategic Enrollment Management initiative.”

BY TIM SCHRAG

Photo courtesy

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of K-State Athletics

SPRING 20 21

’12

If you’re a sports fan, there’s a high chance you’re a of Jason Wrigh fan t ’12 and didn’t even know it.

Wright, a senior product graphi c designer at Nike, helped craft dozens has of uniforms for the brand across variety of sports. a

Photo courtesy

of Jason Wright

’12

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AROUND K-STATE K-State Communications and Marketing

K-STATER Kudos Ike Ehie, professor of operations and supply chain management and faculty fellow in the College of Business Administration, was named a Fulbright U.S. scholar and will spend January to August 2023 in Nigeria.

Chris Culbertson, professor of chemistry and associate dean of research and graduate studies for the College of Arts and Sciences, is serving as interim dean of the college.

Jennifer Anthony, Wayne and Barbara Harms — Carl and Mary Ice Keystone research scholar and associate professor — has been named head of the Tim Taylor Department of Chemical Engineering.

Melinda Cro, professor of modern languages, has been appointed assistant dean of students in the College of Arts and Sciences.

Susana Maria Ortiz ’04, doctoral student in counseling and supervision, is the recipient of the Rising Star Award sponsored by Leadership Greater Topeka.

Edgar Chambers IV ’79, ’80, university distinguished professor of sensory analysis and consumer behavior, has been named as one of five members of a board to advance science in Spain. The board, ValER, is supported by the Spanish Ministry of Science.

Deborah Turner, senior in social work, Salina, Kansas, was selected for the Wildcat Pride Award for Determination from the K-State Salina Aerospace and Technology Campus.

To the ’Ville! Aggieville, the oldest shopping district in Kansas, has a little bit of everything these days from a newly completed parking garage, two hotels, multiple restaurants and shops. This June photo shows the everchanging landscape of one of K-State and Manhattan’s most cherished districts.

New leaders assume their roles on K-State Alumni Association board The K-State Alumni Association board of directors transitioned its membership and leadership June 11 during the board’s annual meeting in Manhattan, Kansas.

Candace Hart Duncan, Bethesda, Maryland, who served as chair-elect last year, assumed her leadership position as 2022-23 chair at the annual meeting. Duncan earned her bachelor’s degree from K-State in 1975. She is a retired office managing partner with KPMG in the greater Washington, D.C., metro area.

Duncan succeeds Nabeeha Kazi Hutchins, Washington, D.C., who now fills the immediate past-chair position until June 2023. A 1996 K-State graduate, Hutchins serves as president and CEO of PAI, Washington, D.C. Additionally, Tim Oswalt, Oak Harbor, Washington, will serve as chair-elect. Oswalt earned a bachelor’s degree in finance from K-State in 1993.

In a general election this spring, members of the Alumni Association approved a slate of five new members of the board of directors.

These alumni also began their four-year terms at the board’s annual meeting and will continue through June 2026.

They are Link Evans ’82, an oil and gas consultant from The Woodlands, Texas; Phil Kirk ’89, who serves as one of 10 regional directors for the Cyber and Infrastructure Security Agency, a component of the U.S. Department of Homeland Security, Oak Grove, Missouri; Tonya Rudolph Barta ’91, Holton, Kansas, who is president and CEO of The Farmer’s State Bank; Jill Stehley Harrison (former student), owner and president of Interim HealthCare of Topeka, Prairie Village, Kansas; and Kelly Williams ’03, Kansas City, Kansas, human resources manager for BNSF Railway.

Additional board leadership includes Mary Vanier ’89, Manhattan, chair of the Kansas State University Foundation board of directors; Curt Frasier ’73, Beloit, Kansas, treasurer; Amy Button Renz ’76, ’86, Manhattan, president and CEO of the Alumni Association and board secretary; Greg Willems, Manhattan, president and CEO of the KSU Foundation; and K-State President Richard Linton, Manhattan.

Two K-State students filling yearlong standing appointments also assumed their seats on the board. They are Emily Howard, Eudora, Kansas, Student Alumni Board president, and Parker Vulgamore, Scott City, Kansas, K-State student body president.

Outgoing members recognized for their service to the Alumni Association’s board of directors were Frank Hernandez III ’92, Houston, Texas; Debbie Leckron Miller ’75, Council Grove, Kansas; Jeff Luty ’89, Lenexa, Kansas; and Kendal Frazier ’73, exiting past-chair, Centennial, Colorado.

Michael Dowd ’22, Olathe, Kansas, 2021-22 K-State student body president, and Megan Klug ’22, Overland Park, Kansas, 2021-22 Student Alumni Board president, also were recognized for their service.

“On behalf of the Alumni Association, I would like to extend our utmost appreciation for the leadership these volunteers, both past and present, have given to the organization,” Renz said. “These K-Staters provide us with their time, talents and experiences, which allow us to be better stewards of our mission ‘to lead and inspire lifelong involvement that will benefit Kansas State University and all members of our Wildcat Community.’”

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AROUND K-STATE

CONTEXT FOR

The News

K-State professor explains unique weather event’s impact on cattle industry Editor’s note: In June, approximately 2,000 head of cattle died as the result of extreme temperature and humidity changes in Western Kansas. A great deal of misinformation surrounded the event, especially regarding the cause of the cattle’s death. K-Stater magazine asked Dr. A.J. Tarpoff ’10, ’12, K-State associate professor of animal science and beef Extension veterinarian, several questions about the situation to provide some context for our readers.

K-Stater: How rare of an event is this and is the loss as catastrophic as it sounds?

Dr. A.J. Tarpoff ’10, ’12: This was an extremely rare weather event in Western Kansas. Cattle are impacted by heat stress through a combination of four factors: temperature, humidity, windspeed and solar radiation. During this heat stress event the temperature spiked quickly, which by itself is not abnormal for Kansas and cattle tolerate it quite well.

Unfortunately, at the same time the wind speed dropped dramatically, and humidity spiked and this situation sustained for two days with minimal night time cooling hours lead to the severity of the heat stress event. High humidity and low wind speed is quite rare for Western Kansas. This type of event would be equivalent to other natural disasters such as a severe blizzard that blows in unexpectedly.

Animal loss due to environmental extremes out of our control is always difficult. However, the losses were a small fraction of the total number of cattle on feed in that area during this event. As of May 1, 2022, there were 2,480,000 cattle on feed in Kansas, most of which are in Western Kansas. This highlights the outstanding job that feedlots and ranches did to keep their animals safe during that event.

KS: What are some things ranchers can do to mitigate cattle from overheating or intervene if they see it start to happen?

Tarpoff: Closely monitoring conditions will help prepare producers to implement their mitigation strategies. The U.S. Meat Animal Research Center has a very useful heat stress forecasting tool. It uses forecasted temperature/ humidity/windspeed/solar radiation in a model to predict cattle comfort for seven days. Kansas Mesonet also offers a localized animal comfort index with conditions from 65 local weather observation stations throughout the state.

This tool tracks nighttime cooling hours and current conditions throughout the state updated every 20 minutes.

When heat stress events occur, operations often have a plan in place that they implement with an “all hands on deck” approach. This usually includes increasing water tank capacity ensuring free access to cool, readily available drinking water, minimizing cattle handling and movement activities, modifying nutrition, cooling pen floor conditions by utilizing bedding such as straw (straw will reflect sunlight and not absorb as much heat), or using water sprinklers during the overnight or early morning hours to cool the pen through evaporative cooling. Some operations have also used sunshades in pens to minimize the amount of solar radiation animals and pen floors are exposed to.

KS: What else does the average beef consumer need to know about an event like this?

Tarpoff: Cattle producers work diligently day in and day out to ensure the health and well-being of their animals, even in extreme weather. Their dedication is the driving reason why the United States has abundant, high quality, and wholesome beef for consumers to purchase.

Cameron Banning ’14

ALUMNI Q&A

Austin-based K-Stater shares his knowledge of emerging social media platform TikTok Cameron Banning is a K-State graduate of the class of 2014 with a degree in public relations and a minor in leadership studies. Born in Kansas and raised in the Little Apple, Banning now uses his K-State knowledge in his role as a mid-market acquisition sales team manager for TikTok based in Austin, Texas, where he also serves as the club leader for the Alumni Association’s Austin chapter. His years as an involved Wildcat opened his eyes to many different types of people and experiences, giving him the confidence and courage to take risks into the unknown, even if that meant leaving K-State to share his knowledge and skills in the big city.

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K-Stater: What is TikTok? Cameron Banning: TikTok is a short video platform that is genuine and personalized. We’re building something unique and special in the work; trying to take all the learnings from every social app that was created and making sure that we do it the right way. We like to think that we’re the last little bit of sunshine on the internet.

It’s entertainment for everyone.

KS: What’s a common misconception about TikTok? CB: The biggest misconception is that only young people know how to use it and

create it. And honestly, it just couldn’t be further from the truth. If you can put a phone in front of you and hit a record button, you can make a TikTok. So, it’s for everyone. What is created is this unique and accepting platform where you can be yourself and show off your personality.

People will gravitate to that.

KS: What is something that you’ve learned about TikTok that you didn’t know when you started?

CB: I think what most excites me, before I even took the job and why I’m still here, is that we’re building something unique and special in the

AROUND K-STATE

The Kansas Board of Regents approved a name change for the Staley School of Leadership Studies, now the Mary Lynn and Warren Staley School of Leadership.

The Staley School was founded as an independent academic unit reporting to the provost in 2009 and was named at that time for benefactors Mary Lynn and Warren Staley.

From its start, the school has advanced the academic study and practice of leadership. In the beginning, the school’s focus was an undergraduate leadership minor and service-learning taught primarily by non-tenure track faculty and staff. Today, the school develops and delivers both undergraduate and graduate interdisciplinary programs with faculty and staff now including tenured and tenure-track faculty. Beyond its academic programs, the school also has focused on developing leadership of students, faculty and staff, community members and industry partners; building capacity for community engagement and civic leadership; and contributing research and scholarship that strengthens our communities, state, nation and world and advances the public good. The new name reflects the expanded role and operations of the school beyond its academic leadership programs, including the additions of the university honors program, nationally competitive scholarships, and the university office of engagement.

Additionally, K-State Provost and Executive Vice President Charles Taber announced in June that Mary Hale Tolar ’90, ’09 has been named dean of the Staley School of Leadership. Tolar had served as the school’s director until that point.

“Dr. Tolar has demonstrated exemplary leadership of the school and at the university level,” Taber said. “Dr. Tolar’s record of effective collaboration with our colleges and university partners will serve the university well.” work. We are going 1,000 miles an hour. For me, this is a fairly new industry. We’re still trying to figure out who our competitors are, or if we even have any. It’s quite the challenge, but it’s an exciting one.

KS: What’s something from K-State that you will carry on forever?

CB: K-State is literally just something that’s been a huge part of my life since I was a little kid. I want everyone who goes to K-State to experience what I experienced: A place where people are happy to help, always, in any way that they can, because of what a special place it is. I think people underestimate what a great place Manhattan and K-State are. K-State is different from big city universities. You’re not just a number with a dollar sign; it’s about you succeeding and truly putting Wildcats first. That’s why I always stay involved with the Wildcat community and wear my purple as much as possible here in Texas. I love it. I am proud to be a Wildcat.

— Anagraciela Lara

David Mayes’96, K-State Alumni Association

New name for Staley School of Leadership Studies

Among the wildflowers... Coneflowers bloom along the Hummel Family Meadow behind the Marianna Kistler Beach Museum of Art. The meadow is a learning landscape of native plants.

Journalism school, Comm Studies merge

There’s a new school on campus. The A.Q. Miller School of Media and Communication is an academic unit that resulted from a merger of two departments in the College of Arts and Sciences with rich histories and connections: the A.Q. Miller School of Journalism and Mass Communications and the Department of Communication Studies. The Kansas Board of Regents approved the merger on April 20, 2022. The Miller school offers bachelor’s degrees in advertising and public relations; communication studies; and news and sports media.

K-State Alumni Center pavers available

You walked through the K-State campus every day. Going to class, meeting new people and gaining new friends along the way. Undoubtedly, it made a lasting impression on your life.

You can place a personalized stone paver at the K-State Alumni Center and leave your name on campus forever. The dark gray, slate pavers line the north terrace at the Center.

For more information about the Alumni Center’s pavers program, contact Terin Walters ’05, twalters@k-state.com, or visit k-state.com/ShopPurple.

Cameron is a K-State alumni club leader in Austin, Texas.

The K-State Alumni Association has clubs throughout Kansas, the U.S. and the world.

Visit k-state.com/clubs to learn how to get involved.

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•AROUND • • • AROUND K-STATE K-STATE • • • • • •

Photograph courtesy of HBO

As seen on TV: Actor Murray Hill, seen here sporting a K-State jersey, plays Fred Rococo, a university soil scientist, on the HBO series Somebody Somewhere, which is set in a fictionalized version of Manhattan, Kansas. It should be noted that Rococo’s crops judging team also are two-time national champions.

Somebody Somewhere was picked up for a second season and stars Manhattan native Bridget Everett.

SLICE of the Little Apple Hudgins signs with the Rockets Manhattan native Trevor Hudgins is headed to the NBA. The two-time NCAA Division II Player of the Year signed a two-way contract with the Houston Rockets in late June. Hudgins played basketball for Northwest Missouri State University and helped lead the Bearcats to three National Championships.

Boba tea shop opens near Aggieville BoYo Cafe, 1455 Anderson Ave., opened in June. BoYo offers frozen yogurt & boba tea.

We got a Whalburgers Whalburgers, located inside the HyVee Market, opened at 601 N. Third Place in June. The restaurant takes its name from the Wahlberg family and offers an assortment of, you guessed it...burgers.

NBAF enters commissioning phase With construction complete, the National Bio and Agro-Defense Facility has begun the commissioning phase of the project. KMAN

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reports commissioning ensures critical systems and components are functional.

NBAF is expected to have more than 400 full-time employees.

Moran announces $440K in funding for RCPD hazmat unit In July, U.S. Sen. Jerry Moran announced $440,000 in federal funding to buy a new Hazardous Evidence Response Team (HERT) vehicle for the Riley County Police Department. The Manhattan Mercury reported Riley County has the only locallevel hazmat team in the state of Kansas.

RCPD told the Mercury the presence of the National Bio and Agro-Defense Facility and related industries are part of the reason for the hazmat team.

Parkside Station will join Little Batch Little Batch Co., 1018 Poyntz Ave., announced plans to start construction on Parkside Station located adjacent to their bakery. This will be a full-service restaurant with a pastry counter.

Manhattan is getting a Crumbl Crumbl Cookies opened a location in Manhattan at 501 North Third Place C in July. Crumbl offers a rotating assortment of freshly baked cookies each week.

AROUND K-STATE TORNADO HITS MANHATTAN On June 11, an EF2 tornado touched down in Manhattan, Kansas, near K-State’s campus. The National Weather Service initially determined the damage to be caused by straightline winds, but later discovered evidence of a tornado path during a damage survey. The survey rated the tornado an EF2 with estimated peak winds of 115 miles per hour. Two unoccupied sorority houses, Chi Omega and Kappa Alpha Theta, were severely damaged. Also several area homes were damaged.

Photo courtesy of Dawson Wagner

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AROUND K-STATE

In recognition of the 50th anniversary of the passing of Title IX of the Higher Education Act, K-State Athletics will celebrate the achievements and the pioneers of its women’s sports throughout the 2022-23 athletic season.

“As we look forward to celebrating the 50th anniversary of Title IX, we are excited to honor some of the pioneers and individuals who have invested in women’s athletics at K-State and recognize them for the impact they made for our student-athletes competing today,” said Jill Shields, K-State deputy athletic director and senior women’s administrator.

The celebration of Title IX at K-State athletic events this season will include game promotions at football, volleyball, soccer and women’s basketball games, including its annual National Girls and Women in Sports Day. K-State also will highlight the achievements of past and present female student-athletes, coaches and administrators through monthly K-State Sports Extra features and special video packages produced by K-StateHD.TV. Title IX of the Educational Amendments of 1972 is a federal civil rights law that prohibits sexual discrimination at educational institutions that receive federal funding. The Title IX regulation states that “except for provided elsewhere in this part, no person shall, on the basis of sex, be excluded from participation in, be denied the benefits of, or be subjected to discrimination under any academic, extracurricular, research, occupational training, or other education program or activity operated by a recipient which receives federal financial assistance.”

Reina Cruz ’15

Ally Connolly Photography

K-State to celebrate 50th anniversary of Title IX during 2022-23 season

Welcome to K-State! Twenty-four Mandela Washington Fellows were selected to attend the Leadership in Civic Engagement Institute hosted by Kansas State University and the Mary Lynn and Warren Staley School of Leadership in June.

The fellows are leaders from Sub-Saharan Africa who have established records of accomplishment in promoting innovation and positive change in their organizations, institutions, communities and countries.

ALUMNI profile

High school social studies teacher recognized for making her classroom open to students’ ideas, questions Reina Cruz ’15 doesn’t lecture in her classroom.

“I think the most I talk in a class is probably five to 10 minutes,” Cruz said. “It’s important for students to not to be lectured, but to let learning be a chance for them to take learning into their hands and to develop into the leaders they are by forming understanding and digging deeper into what is said between the lines.”

Cruz, who teaches social studies courses at Northfield High School in Denver, Colorado, has made it a point to give her students a voice, promote and elevate diverse perspectives, and think beyond what textbooks have to say on a given topic.

“That’s one of my loves of teaching social studies is nothing is 100%,” Cruz said. “There is no definite right answer. It’s theories and ideas. And we use those to try to 20

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make society better.”

Cruz has built her classroom to help students ask important questions about social constructs.

“I really challenge students to think about why we do the things we do,” she said. “And have them dig deep into that, because it’s really easy to look at society and say, ‘We need to change this.’ But it takes work to look at where are the roots of these? And how did we get to the system we are in today?”

Additionally, Cruz helps other teachers broaden their skillset, coaching them on teaching techniques and helping integrate equity and inclusion into their teaching philosophies.

“I’ve always been very interested in diversity and inclusion,” she said. “How do we preserve culture and teach in a dignified way that allows a student to obtain knowledge

but also continue to have their own culture. Coming out in my teens, I was the president of the LGBT group at UNLV for three years, and I worked on the Diversity Committee at UNLV.” In her classroom, she hangs pennants for the Rebels and the Wildcats.

Cruz, a first-generation American and college student, earned a bachelor’s degree in secondary education from the University of Nevada — Las Vegas and started her career there in the classroom.

Up to that point she’d never left her hometown, but her professors at UNLV encouraged her to continue her education. Cruz left Nevada and went on to earn a master’s degree in curriculum and instruction from Kansas State University. While in Kansas, she worked as a graduate

AROUND K-STATE

QUICK Hits

Jeder Mann eine Wildkatze

from

Wind team wins big

Time for an update The KSU Foundation has launched an initiative to renovate aging classrooms on campus. The initiative offers a dollar-for-dollar match for gifts to overhaul 67 of K-State’s most-used classrooms which will allow for renovations from basic cosmetic work to full-scale mechanical and structural modernizations. Learn more about the project at ksufoundation.org.

Do you or someone you know have old family documents written in German? Would you like to know what these documents say? The Department of Modern Languages, in collaboration with the Chapman Center, is offering free transliteration for historical German documents to provide hands-on learning experiences for students of German at K-State.

Questions or German texts should be submitted to Sara Luly, srluly@k-state.edu, the Chapman Center, chapmancenter@k-state.edu, or Mary Kohn, kohn@k-state.edu.

Congrats Coach Kruger

Wildcat Wind Power team won for the first time in club history at the 2022 Collegiate Wind Competition, a U.S. Department of Energy event in San Antonio, May 16-18.

The K-State team battled 11 other schools to claim the top prize in the yearlong national competition.

Lon Kruger ’75, who played and coached at K-State during an illustrious career in college basketball, was among nine individuals announced in June to the National Collegiate Basketball Hall of Fame Class of 2022.

teaching assistant and later taught world history, U.S. history, psychology, government and AP courses at Junction City High School.

“It was a whole different experience for me,” she said. “It was like getting a college experience going to Manhattan, and experiencing, and just really digging into being a Wildcat. And it was difficult because I didn’t always feel like I was prepared for that next level. But I had plenty of professors that always supported me, walked me through and helped me edit lots of papers.”

At K-State, she had the opportunity to deepen her skillset and refine her student-centered teaching method or pedagogy.

“During my time at K State, I got to realize more that learning is never finished,” Cruz said. “And that every day you have a chance to deepen your knowledge and really deepen it through those around you as well.”

She plans to continue her education working toward a doctorate at the University of Denver in educational leadership and policy.

Cruz said she’s grateful to the professors who helped along the way and encouraged her to continue her education, especially Be Stoney, K-State associate professor of curriculum and instruction and interim chief diversity and inclusion officer.

Earlier this year, she was surprised at a school assembly where she was awarded a Milken Educator Award along with a $25,000 cash prize. Colorado Gov. Jared Polis and Education Commissioner Katy Anthes and representatives from the Milken Family Foundation were in attendance. Cruz is one of 60 educators who were presented with the award including two other K-Staters, Megan Dietrich Morgan ’08, ’10 of Manhattan, Kansas, and Ryan Pfeifer ’11, of Topeka, Kansas.

The award is referred to as the “Oscars of Teaching.”

“It is really nice to have that validation,” Cruz said. “And to know that there are organizations out there like Milken that really elevates teaching, and want to add more to the profession and to get other generations to also become teachers, because everyone’s lives are touched by teachers.”

— Tim Schrag ’12

Read more about the other two Milken Educator Award winners on our blog, k-state.com/blog.

Photo courtesy of the Milken Family Foundation

WILDCAT LAND

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Encourage your future Wildcat to complete this coloring page in each issue of the K-Stater magazine and send your photos to kstater@k-state.com. Sign up your child for our Future Wildcat programs — Born to be a Wildcat and Junior Wildcats Club. For more information, visit k-state.com/FutureWildcats.

WILDCAT KIDS

Tag @KStateAlumni on social.

Ages 0-24 months

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Illustration by Kendall Ens

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KSU FOUNDATION

Photos by K-State Division of Communications and Marketing

Students in K-State’s inaugural physician assistant program practice with a patient care simulator mannequin.

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KSU FOUNDATION

An innovative virtual dissection table allows a K-State physician assistant student to discover how human bodies respond to illness and patient care.

Health pioneers in a frontier state

Raising next-gen providers in the Edge Collaboration District at K-State

BY ALLIE LOUSCH ’90, KSU FOUNDATION STAFF When Aaron Bischof left Texas for K-State in January, he was a pioneer — of health care.

Not only had he won one of 35 coveted seats in the College of Health and Human Science’s physician assistant studies graduate program, he’ll also be one of the first K-Staters licensed as a P.A.

“I have wanted to work in the physician assistant profession since high school,” Bischof said. “There’s a huge opportunity to make a difference in underserved populations. While this journey will continue to be a challenge, I am driven by the ability to make a positive impact on people’s health and lives.”

As they work their clinical rotations, K-State P.A.s will be placed across

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KSU FOUNDATION

Students practice a fundamental element of patient care, compassionate listening, to ensure each person is given the best possible care.

Kansas, and in Missouri, Nebraska and Oklahoma. They’ll even represent K-State in a U.S. Army hospital in Alaska.

Wherever they land, they’ll bring professional medical care to people in need.

“Every single person in this program will become a wonderful provider,” Bischof said. “We’ll be giving our all to every patient entrusted to us.”

FILLING THE HEALTH CARE GAP

Located in Ice Hall within the Edge Collaboration District at K-State, the P.A. program is led by Gwen Ferdinand-Jacob. She is a former U.S. Army physician assistant who invested several years in full-time clinical practice in Tennessee before moving to Kansas.

“When we began the program in 2018, there were 161 areas in Kansas — mostly rural — that were lacking primary care providers,” said Ferdinand-Jacob.

“K-State’s P.A. program graduates can fill that need.”

K-State is on track to graduate 75 new P.A.s by May 2025, a fast start for a critical-need program.

Experienced medical professionals, known as “preceptors,” supervise and guide students in patient care during clinical rotations. They’re key partners as students move into clinical experiences in pediatric health, geriatric medicine, emergency medicine, women’s health and more.

Kansas, a health care frontier • 37 of 105 Kansas counties are rated “frontier” — with fewer than 6 people per square mile.

• 33 counties are rated “rural” — with 6-19.9 people per square mile.

• Much of the Kansas population travels more than 20 minutes to access health care.

Source: Kansas Health Foundation, kansashealth.org/our-work/health-equity

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KSU FOUNDATION PARTNERS IN CARE

K-State’s pioneering P.A.s • K-State’s P.A. program launched in January 2022.

• 751 people applied for 35 seats in the first cohort.

• It’s the second P.A. program in Kansas.

• Graduates earn a master’s in physician assistant studies in 27 months.

Sharpen your organization’s competitive edge Visit ksiteonline.com and explore what’s new in the Edge Collaboration District at K-State. Consider a move into the Edge Collaboration District, Kansas’ innovation neighborhood.

Contact us to learn more: Sherilyn McRell Director of Operations KSU Foundation 785-775-2009 sherilynm@ksufoundation.org K-SiteOnline.com/Edge

Scan and learn about Kansas’ new partners in health care, K-State’s P.A. program.

Stormont Vail Health partnered with the P.A. program to recruit preceptors and create a cutting-edge simulation lab at K-State. The lab simulations give students hands-on experience caring for people along the life stages — baby, child, adult — before entering their clinical rotations.

“We all need to work together to grow health care leaders,” said Mary Martell ’88, vice president and regional administrator for Stormont Vail Health. “The health care workforce has shrunk by 20% and COVID has exacerbated the loss. We are asking providers who are already stretched thin to do the very same thing that was done for them: help students get to the end goal, which is to start caring for patients.”

The not-for-profit Stormont Vail health care system is also building a Manhattan campus in the Edge District to fill gaps in regional health care specialties like expanded cardiology, nephrology, endocrinology and infectious diseases. The new location is within walking distance of the P.A. program so Stormont Vail health care providers can easily partner with K-State.

RECRUITING TALENT AND BUILDING ECONOMIC WELL-BEING

As students graduate and launch their careers, their clinical experiences with preceptors often translate into job opportunities. And for employers, teaming with K-State builds a pipeline of highly skilled talent.

“The university is a source of potential talent with respect for students pursuing health care education,” said Mark Knackendoffel, Stormont Vail Health board member. “Collaboration creates an opportunity for Stormont Vail to get a leg up on recruiting those folks for local and regional care and across the state of Kansas.”

K-State has committed to leverage our strengths and land-grant mission to advance Kansas’ economic prosperity. Creating new jobs and attracting new investment dollars to the state are essential goals of K-State’s economic prosperity plan: k-state.edu/research/economic-prosperity.

K-State and Stormont Vail’s partnership demonstrates how a next-generation land-grant university can help Kansas be globally competitive.

“We’ll graduate a cadre of trained physician assistants, many who will stay in Kansas and provide health care, a critical component for the existing workforce and in attracting new business,” said David Rosowsky, vice president of research. “In this way, the Edge is an innovation district not just for K-State, but for all of Kansas. It signals that our campus, our community and our state are open for business.”

“The health care workforce has shrunk by 20% and COVID has exacerbated the loss.”

Mary Martell ’88, vice president and regional administrator for Stormont Vail Health

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Photo courtesy of Gabriel Christus and the Denver Broncos

Dalton Risner ’17 is a starting left guard for the Denver Broncos. He is the highest-drafted offensive lineman in K-State history.

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Philanthropy and football Dalton Risner ’17 making strides for the Denver Broncos and his community

BY D. SCOTT FRITCHEN ’99 Dalton Risner ’17 is energized. Giving back is fuel for the 6-foot-5, 312-pound three-year starting left guard for the Denver Broncos, who is seemingly always on the move in the Mile High City and surrounding areas. Four years after the former Kansas State University All-American helped carry Hall of Fame Head Coach Bill Snyder off the field following his 200th victory, Risner is now helping carry 50 bicycles to fifth graders at Paris Elementary School in Aurora, Colorado.

He has partnered with UnitedHealthCare to donate the bikes, along with 50 helmets. It is his way of congratulating the children on graduating to middle school.

“These kids are walking everywhere and sometimes it’s not safe and sometimes they need to get there faster,” Risner says. “We thought it’d be awesome to get them some bikes, and more importantly, let’s get them outside and active.

COVID really affected this younger generation. Let’s let them be outside and enjoy their friends.

“I just want these kids to know that I’m proud of them and love them.”

A few days later, Risner volunteers for a Colorado Special Olympics event at the Denver Broncos practice facility, arrives home at 6 p.m. to grab a shower, and heads to Cherokee Trail High School to attend the choir concert of a young man with intellectual disabilities who Risner met earlier that day.

Always quick to serve, Risner initiated the RisnerUp Foundation shortly after the Broncos selected him with the 41st overall pick in the NFL Draft, making him the highest-drafted offensive lineman in K-State history. The mission of the RisnerUp Foundation, a non-profit organization, is to positively impact others through love and kindness, whether it be working with Special Olympics, people suffering from serious illnesses, or just offering a helping hand.

While at K-State, Risner was known for his involvement with Special Olympics, the Big Brothers/Big Sisters program, Camp Hope, and his own volunteerism with area schools and hospitals.

“I created RisnerUp for one simple reason,” he says, “because I wanted to do

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Photos courtesy of K-State Athletics

Dalton Risner, a former K-State All-American, helped carry Hall of Fame Head Coach Bill Snyder off the field following his 200th victory in 2016.

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“

Sometimes you just need to sit back and say, ‘I’m super grateful for what I have in my life. I think I have everything I need.’ It’s a pretty great feeling to say that.

”

DALTON RISNER ’17

LEFT GUARD, DENVER BRONCOS

When he’s not playing football, Dalton Risner gives back to his community. He believes in donating his time. He said, “You come to any one of my events and see me in person just like when I was at K-State, and I’m there giving my time to the kids. What I care about is that I impact those kids’ lives.”

good in this world. Too many of us are so wrapped up in our own lives that we don’t stop to care about other people. We need to take time out of our lives.”

He pauses.

“I want to make people smile and feel loved,” he continues. “A lot of times in the NFL, let’s just call it what it is, people like to show up, get their picture taken, write a check and get some love for it. You come to any one of my events and see me in person just like when I was at K-State, and I’m there giving my time to the kids. What I care about is that I impact those kids’ lives.

“I’m here to serve God and my job is to spread that love across the whole world. At least that’s what I believe.”

One of Risner’s crown jewels is his second-annual free youth football camp at Wiggins High School. Raised in tiny Wiggins, Colorado (population 1,170), Risner teaches life skills, education and leadership, and NFL-inspired drills open to rising fourth through eighth graders. More than 400 campers attend. He also has an evening workout for Wiggins High School players. His father, Mitch, has served as its head coach for 11 years.

Risner also donates two scholarships to Wiggins High School. One $3,000 scholarship is to honor a childhood friend who committed suicide while he gives $4,000 to the RisnerUp and Beyond Scholarship winner. He spent four hours interviewing 15 scholarship candidates.

It’s been an eventful offseason for Risner, who has started all 38 games in his NFL career. Risner has a new Broncos head coach (Nathaniel Hackett), a new offensive line coach (Butch Barry), and a new starting quarterback (Russell Wilson). Organized team activities in June began at 7:30 a.m. each morning and ended around 1 p.m. — “We practice two hours, and I practiced three hours at K-State, so I’ve been through the grind,” Risner says — then Risner dedicated the rest of his day to his foundation.

Risner returned to Manhattan this summer to host his inaugural KyMel Fore Kids golf tournament that raised $34,000 for KyMel, which funds Camp Hope, a summer camp for children battling cancer or who are in remission, and which has been dear to Risner’s heart since college.

“For me to help get that money donated to that camp and organization was huge for me,” Risner says.

Risner and longtime girlfriend Whitney Clampitt were married in June about an hour south of Denver in Larkspur on a beautiful ranch with cattle, horses, stables and a big barn. He calls Whitney his “best bud.” The combined populations of their two hometowns are nearly 1,500.

“Whitney is a little country girl herself from Chula, Missouri,” Risner says.

“Her dad is a soybean farmer. She loves all that stuff, too. It was a perfect match for her and I.” Risner, who turned 27 in July, returned to the K-State/Baylor football game in 2021 and plans a return in 2022 if his NFL schedule permits.

“I really enjoy coming back to K-State and Manhattan,” he says. “I’m always going to bleed purple. I’m always so thankful for Manhattan and my memories there and for how the town and university embraced me. I met so many great people who supported and believed in me. Bill Snyder was blue-collar and demanded a lot. He changed me from a little boy and sharpened my toolbox in so many ways and sharpened my character, work ethic, grit and on-field nastiness.

He formed a man and a football player.”

Risner became the first player in K-State history to be named a finalist for the Lombardi Award, given annually to the player who best demonstrates performance and leadership honed by character and resiliency. Now it appears he could be poised to someday emerge as a candidate for Walter Payton Man of the Year, given to the NFL player who has exhibited excellence on the field, and whose passion to impact lives extends beyond the game.

Today, he’s doing his part by helping assemble one child’s bicycle at a time on the green grass outside of Paris Elementary School.

“I don’t do this to be on the news or so people say, ‘You’re such a good person,’” he says. “If you can give money or time, you should give time most of the time. Of course, sometimes money is needed, but the greatest gift you can give other people in this world is time — time to listen and to make them feel loved and cared about. I’m really passionate about that.

“A quote I’ve been living by is, ‘When you’re grateful for what you have, you have everything you need.’ We must be careful of always wanting more. Sometimes you just need to sit back and say, ‘I’m super grateful for what I have in my life. I think I have everything I need.’”

He pauses.

“It’s a pretty great feeling to say that.”

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FROM THE TO THE Silver Star recipient Antonio Gonzalez ’94 placed his trust in faith, football

BY KAT BRAZ

C

hildren growing up in the predominantly Mexican-American neighborhood of Boyle Heights in East Los Angeles in the 1980s and ’90s lived on the razor’s edge between childhood innocence and gang violence.

Plagued by high violent crime rates, struggling public schools and poverty, those who yearned to escape the concrete jungle of Boyle Heights saw two options — go to college or enlist in the military. In time, Army Sgt. Maj. Antonio Gonzalez ’94 would do both, earning a football scholarship to Kansas State University and receiving a Silver Star Medal recognizing his gallantry in action.

The oldest of four brothers, Gonzalez felt a responsibility to protect his siblings from the grim reality of their childhood. Though he never got caught up in gangs, his reputation on the street was that of an athlete and a fighter.

“I would not back down from troublemakers,”

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Gonzalez said. “Sometimes, you grow up with your fists. The world is not always a nice world. It’s not a perfect world, either. But that’s the world I lived in at the time.”

Gonzalez found salvation in sports. His mother, a stay-at-home parent, and father, a restaurant manager, encouraged their sons to focus on academics and pursue athletics as a means of obtaining a college scholarship and staying out of trouble.

“We didn’t have a lot of money,” Gonzalez said.

“Football was my ticket to get a college education.

I knew if I dedicated myself to sports, something good would come out of it.”

THE ROAD TO K-STATE At Bishop Mora Salesian High School, Gonzalez played starting cornerback on the varsity football team as a sophomore. But not many talent scouts

visit East LA and by high school graduation, no Division I football offers appeared. Gonzalez attended Glendale Community College for a semester before transferring to Rancho Santiago College in Santa Ana, California, where he earned all-state accolades and was recruited to play defensive back at K-State.

“I’d never been on a small plane before and there I was flying into Manhattan on what seemed like a crop duster,” Gonzalez said. “Looking out the window, all I could see were fields and prairie. It felt like I was flying toward nowhere land. I remember thinking, ‘Wow. There is nothing out here.’”

He studied criminal justice in the hope of becoming a police officer or potentially joining the military. His football coaches created a welcoming team environment that emphasized unity. Though they posted more wins than losses, K-State had not yet achieved prominence as a powerhouse team.

“Regardless of whether we won or lost, we were proud to wear the Wildcat uniform,” Gonzalez said. “We placed trust in our coaching staff and in the vision that we were building something special with that football program.

That was a big thing for me coming from LA where you don’t trust anybody.

Learning to trust in others and to earn their trust in return had a major impact in my life after K-State.”

In May 1994, he became the first person in his family to graduate from college. His parents couldn’t afford to attend his commencement ceremony, but Gonzalez remembers calling them the following day.

“I wanted to show my brothers what was possible,” Gonzalez said. “I wanted to make my parents proud. They sacrificed so much for us — immigrating to this country, encouraging us in academics and sports and keeping us out of trouble. I owe everything to them.”

REPORTING FOR DUTY Following graduation, Gonzalez struggled to find his footing professionally.

He thought he might like working for the International Criminal Police Organization, but he lacked military experience. He’d always considered joining the military, so one day in 1996, he decided he would.

He intended to sign up with the Air Force and execute pararescue missions but both times he went down to the recruiting center, the Air Force recruiter was out golfing. The recruiter for the Marines attempted to persuade Gonzalez to talk with him, but lots of people from Boyle Heights joined the Marines and Gonzalez was determined to strike his own path. Instead, he enlisted for three years in the Army with the intent to get some military experience and get out. With his bachelor’s degree, Gonzalez could have applied to officer candidate school, but working in a cubicle compiling reports and creating presentations didn’t appeal to him.

“I loved being an infantryman,” he said. “My first duty station was Fort Campbell, Kentucky, with the 6th Battalion, 101st Pathfinder Company. I was training out in the woods — patrolling, shooting guns, fast roping down from a helicopter — and loving every second of it.”

His dream of working for Interpol soon shifted to another goal — to qualify for the U.S. Army Special Forces, known as the Green Berets, the elite group of highly trained commandos deployed for specialized combat and counterterrorism operations. The intentionally grueling potentially years-long selection and qualification process turns out the smartest, most lethal fighters in the world known for their exceptional skill and professionalism in modern warfare.

“We’re dynamic problem solvers who can work alone or within a group,” Gonzalez said. “We can be ambassadors or we can be your worst nightmare.

We understand and react to our situational environment. When you’re training or fighting alongside partner forces in another country, understanding their language and immersing yourself in their culture is critical. You’re navigating a complex situation and dealing with all sorts of different people with different interests. There can never be a capacity for human error.”

VALOR UNDER FIRE On June 11, 2007, Gonzalez and his unit were on patrol with some partner forces while searching a village in Urzgan province, Afghanistan, for a person of interest. After the village elder turned them away, insisting nothing was amiss, the group broke for lunch and the American soldiers sought higher ground and radioed back to the Afghan forces to follow. Gonzalez was just about to open his meal ready to eat (MRE) when enemy gunfire erupted in the distance. Their supply trucks were under fire. The Afghan allies were pinned down by a Taliban ambush. The Special Forces unit mobilized to move closer to the attack.

“We threw on our body armor and helmets and moved toward the gunfire,” Gonzalez said. “But instead of retracing our path out, we went back in a different direction. It was the right move, because there were many more of them than there were of us. The enemy had set up an ambush line that stretched a few football fields long. If we’d gone back the same direction we had come, we would have been sitting ducks.”

As the Taliban fired machine guns and launched mortars and rockets, Gonzalez — of his own volition in the absence of orders — ran nearly 40 yards through enemy fire three times to retrieve four Afghan soldiers and bring them back to the safety of his armored vehicle, all the while returning enemy fire. As he hurtled toward his Humvee for the third time, a bullet whizzed past his head — “so close I could kiss it. Something in my mind told me to stop. The Lord was on my side that day.”

“During combat, there’s no time to hesitate,” Gonzalez said. “You have to identify where the enemy fire is coming from. You have to return fire. You have to assess the positions of all of your friendly soldiers and whether there are any innocent bystanders on the battlefield. Your actions must be precise and accurate. This is what we train for. You leave no man behind.”

He received the Silver Star — the third-highest award for combat valor in the Armed Forces — in recognition of his heroic actions on that day.

“I was just doing my job and I would not hesitate to do it again,” Gonzalez said.

It’s a mentally and physically demanding job he intends to continue doing for as long as he can. It’s also a job that demands sacrifice, from the soldier and his family.

Gonzalez is married to Allison Spencer ’95, ’96. The two met in college and reunited years later. They’ll celebrate five years of marriage this year. His daughter, Savannah, was born in Manhattan, Kansas, at the hospital across from the football stadium. His stepson, Tyler Rhan, followed in his footsteps and enlisted in the Army but was injured in combat in Afghanistan. Spencer’s sons both attend K-State. The eldest, Spencer Rhan ’22, graduated this spring and Owen is a freshman in ROTC. While the kids were growing up, Gonzalez missed a lot of birthdays, holidays and milestones. His time away on deployment strained relationships.

“This job — it’s not without its hardships,” Gonzalez said. “Military service members sacrifice so much to keep our nation free. It’s difficult for the family, but I do it for them.”

Illustration by Darcie Riordan

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Taran Zoltenko, Madylien Voboril and Megan Anguiano ’22 work at the Dairy Bar in Call Hall. During the semester, as many as 15 student workers help serve breakfast, lunch and ice cream.

SUPPORTING PROGRAMS LIKE CALL HALL

K-State is in the initial stages of building support and raising funds for a broad interdisciplinary ag innovation project that will include modernization and upgrades to Call Hall.

“In tackling the big issues facing Kansas agriculture, K-State is finding solutions for our state that will resonate across the nation and the world,” said Ernie Minton, dean of the College of Agriculture. “While your investment in this project will further elevate our Top-10 ranked College of Agriculture, it will also expand Kansas’ top economic ag sectors and support K-State’s Economic Prosperity Plan by attracting businesses to the state throughout the entire value-added food chain.”

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Call Hall tops it all Dairy Bar is a learning lab for production, retail

BY JEFF MORRIS ’80 PHOTOS BY DAVID MAYES ‘96, K-STATE ALUMNI ASSOCIATION When it comes to the wholesome goodness of Call Hall dairy and meat products, the conversation often starts and ends with ice cream. And while there is no dispute that Call Hall ice cream is the king of the hill, there is a sophisticated, student-fueled operation behind the scenes featuring many K-State-produced offerings.

Alumni who visit Call Hall will find a much different environment than what they experienced in the past. The world’s best ice cream? Check. Farm fresh cheese, eggs and milk? Check. High quality meat from the K-State brand? Check. Tasty, satisfying breakfast and lunch offerings? Check and check.

The last couple of years were difficult as COVID-19 protocols shut down much of the operation and reduced sales. But now, driven by new management and a bold approach to promoting products, Call Hall is once again a bustling center of social activity on the Manhattan campus and a hub for the sale of studentproduced products.

THE MILK RUN STARTS EARLY FOR STUDENTS

For Megan Paulsen, a sophomore in environmental science from Eudora, Kansas, the workday starts inside the Dairy Lab where the environmental science major schedules morning milk deliveries to the Kram-

er and Derby dining centers, Alpha of Clovia Scholarship House, Smith Scholarship House and several fraternity and sorority housing units. She performs daily tests on the milk for antibiotics to make sure the milk is safe to process and drink. The professional dairy operation produces high-quality, farm-fresh whole, skim, 2% and chocolate milk, all sold in the Dairy Bar. And yes, you can taste the difference.

Paulsen, who rows on the K-State club team and was in the marching band, said she was surprised to learn how in-depth the process is to make ice cream and how exacting the standards are for ingredients and formulation. Her favorite flavor of Call Hall ice cream?

“Mint Fudge Swirl has started to take a place in my heart, it’s so good,” Paulsen said. Sounds like a great recommendation for those who might want to branch out from perennial fan favorite Purple Pride (blueberry).

Each morning the milk that Paulsen tests and schedules for delivery is picked up from the K-State dairy farm, two miles north of Call Hall. The actual pickup and delivery operations are conducted by early rising students Trent Adkins and Dayton Snyder.

Adkins hails from Hutchinson, Kansas, and is majoring in management and professional strategic selling.

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Annie Rogers eats ice cream in Call Hall.

Snyder studies mechanical engineering and comes from Parker, Kansas, in Linn County.

The milk is packaged in six-gallon bags and placed in plastic milk crates. Many K-State alumni will recognize the ubiquitous milk crates as a common building block for furniture in their past. The stackable crates make handling and delivering the milk a much easier task.

Prior to the milk run, Adkins and Snyder load the crates into an aging, but reliable, white van backed up to the loading dock on the north side of Call Hall. Both make lifting the six-gallon, 48-pound bags of milk look deceptively easy as they pull up to the living facilities and unload every Monday through Thursday. The milk they deliver is enjoyed by thousands of students every day, most who have no idea that it came from their own campus.

Once the deliveries are complete, the duo return with empty crates to wash, rinse and repeat for the next morning. Then on to class. Not bad for a morning milk run.

NOT YOUR PARENTS’ DAIRY BAR

The well-known retail side of the operation is the envy of other universities. During the semester as many as 15 student workers help serve breakfast, lunch and, of course, ice cream. They unfailingly greet customers with a big smile and are always ready to bring visiting alumni up to speed on the latest offerings – which include much more than ice cream.

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Megan Anguiano ’22 and Madylien Voboril, a senior in psychology from Overland Park, Kansas, are two key members of the team, working up to 30 hours a week at the Dairy Bar. Their day starts with a robust breakfast (including a crowd favorite biscuits and gravy) that will please the steady stream of regulars, most of whom work on the north end of campus.

“We basically do breakfast every day and then we shut down breakfast at 10:30 a.m. and go straight into the lunch,” Anguiano said while describing a typical day. “We’re here through lunch almost every single day.”

Anguiano, who graduated with a degree in animal science in May, was driven to work at Call Hall because of her experiences as a customer, which started when she attended orientation.

Even though she is moving on to begin work for a veterinary beef reproduction clinic in her hometown of Abilene, Kansas, Call Hall will always be part of her K-State DNA. “I think my favorite part of the job is how much K-State supplies and the farm-to-fork aspect in that it literally comes from within a two-mile radius of the university,” Anguiano said. “I’ve always eaten my own cattle or deer, so I think working here will affect how I purchase things in the store. I’m a big person for shopping and eating local…even our produce, which we grow ourselves.”

Voboril, who plans to attend law school, said her first visit to Call Hall came when her grandfather brought her here to celebrate getting 100%

on her first college exam. That visit created an emotional bond that continues today. She revels in the customer service aspect of the job, especially when prospective students come in for the first time and get their first taste of Purple Pride ice cream.

The future K-Staters invariably ask what’s in the ice cream. The answer is always the same: straight cream and blueberries.

Both students deeply appreciate the longstanding traditions of Call Hall, while giving credit to the expanded menu and modern approach. They frequently greet alumni who stop in and marvel at how much things have changed – except for the world’s best ice cream, of course.

ALUMNI SERVE UP A BRIGHT FUTURE FOR CALL HALL

While student workers make the Call Hall world go round, two dynamic K-State alumni are driving the operation to new heights. Dairy Plant Manager Jared Parsons ’07 loves serving his alma mater.

The energetic Parsons moves with purpose and speed as he steers a complex, vertically integrated operation charged with both an academic and business mission.

“We are educating the youth and giving them the drive and power to go on and do great things for themselves and the places where they are going to work,” Parsons gave as the reason for his motivation to involve students in all aspects of the operation.

Parsons has an interesting historical arc that led him to Call Hall, where he now has overall responsibility for the Dairy Plant and Dairy Bar.

Top: Anthony Fink ’16 manages the Dairy Bar in Call Hall. Bottom left: Jared Parsons ’07, Dairy Plant manager, has overall responsibility for the Dairy Plant and Dairy Bar. Bottom right: Dayton Snyder delivers milk.

Leland Call, whose name graces Call Hall, hired Parson’s great-grandfather to work on his personal farm in the 1940s. The families grew close, with his grandfather, aunts and uncles frequently visiting Call’s home at Tuttle Creek Lake, even helping mow his lawn in the summer.

“I appreciate the fact that 80 years later the work that Dean Call did for the university is still having an impact on people’s lives,” Parsons said.

On the retail side of the Dairy Bar, manager Anthony Fink ’16 leverages his hospitality management background to take Call Hall to an even higher level. While his plans for growth were delayed by the COVID-19 pandemic, he now has

the operation running on all cylinders. Growing up in Hutchinson, Kansas, with a background in 4-H and scouting, prepared him well for a career in the service industry.

Talk to him for very long and you’ll understand his passion for serving others, especially K-Staters.

“I want to make it not just about the ice cream anymore, because we have so many different aspects on campus with the colleges that produce things,” Fink said. “Grain milling science obviously produces flour, so we sell that here. The poultry unit provides eggs and I’m looking at getting other campus-made products here soon. Cheese, milk and meat make up the bulk of sales in addition to

ice cream right now.”

Along with providing an expanded menu and sale of K-State produced food products, Fink puts the student experience first. He strives to provide opportunities for student workers to help them in their eventual careers by focusing on the industrycentered production. He’s on a mission to promote student-produced food products from all around the university and this big-picture vision is well on its way to fruition.

If you haven’t been to Call Hall for a while, plan to stop in next time you’re around.

It might be a good idea to have a cooler handy to take stuff home.

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Photo courtesy of Erik Stalcup

Erik Stalcup ’10 stands near the NASA Space Launch System (SLS) rocket with the Orion spacecraft atop at the Kennedy Space Center on Merritt Island, Florida.

These will fly the Artemis I mission, the first mission of NASA’s Artemis program. The core stage is the orange colored cylinder and the two boosters are the white cylinders to each side. Orion and the upper stage of SLS are in white on top. Before launch, SLS and Orion will be rolled out to the launch pad about 4.2 miles away.

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Engineering Exploration

Wildcat’s work is helping the U.S. send astronauts to the moon and then Mars

BY TIM SCHRAG ’12 Courses on heat transfer are famously known as some of the most difficult course materials taught at Kansas State University. Perhaps it’s a strange irony that Erik Stalcup ’10 never took them while attending K-State. Stalcup, who works for the thermal systems and transport processes branch at NASA’s Glenn Research Center in Cleveland, Ohio, deals with heat transfers every day.

Stalcup said his role mostly focuses on thermal engineering or as he puts it, “just making sure stuff doesn't get too hot or too cold.”

Through his work he’s helped test the Orion Capsule for the Artemis Program which intends to send astronauts back to the moon by 2024.

In doing so, he helped expose the capsule to extreme temperatures in the world's largest thermal vacuum chamber. He also provided thermal analysis on the project. Ultimately, this research will help NASA build better spacecraft as it prepares to send people back to the moon through the Artemis Program, and then, eventually to Mars.

“Some projects are more research than others,” Stalcup said. “And I do a lot of computer simulations, so a lot of it is spent staring at a computer screen. But it is fun when we get to work with hardware.”

When Artemis I launches later this year, Stalcup will be in Houston, Texas, at the Johnson Space Center assisting Mission Control in the Mission Evaluation Room, which assists Mission Control with engineering support when called up.

“We're watching the telemetry that's coming

back from the vehicle as it's going out to the moon, and we're monitoring stuff,” Stalcup said. “And the main role there is if there's any anomalies that happen, we basically do a deep dive into that, to figure out why it happened, what impact it has, and how you can solve it midflight.”

But that’s just one of many projects he’s working on. One of the many experiments being conducted on board the International Space Station is the Flow Boiling and Condensation Experiment. The project aims to learn more about how liquids boil and how gases condense while they're flowing in microgravity. Stalcup has been working on the project for approximately four years as an aerospace engineer at NASA’s Glenn Research Center.

Prior to the experiment’s launch Stalcup conducted analysis and testing, running computer simulations, exposing prototypes to the extreme temperatures it will experience aboard the space station.

“My job was to help build it, test it and design it, to make sure it's going to do what it was designed to once it gets up there,” Stalcup said. “And once it's up there, it's the science team's job to look at the data and build computer models.”

Stalcup said he’s been interested in space from a young age growing up in Wellington, Kansas. His mother gave him a copy of The Elegant Universe by Brian Greene; this sparked an interest in physics, quantum mechanics, relativity, astrophysics and astronomy, among other topics.

As an undergraduate at K-State, Stalcup chose to major in physics. While taking cosmology classes, Stalcup said he started to see a potential career path

that might lead one day to NASA. Additionally, he worked as an undergraduate researcher in professor Bruce Law’s lab doing research on ionic liquids and was selected as an honorable mention for the Goldwater Scholarship.

“Erik was one of K-State's talented undergraduates,” Law said. “He worked in my lab as an undergraduate from spring 2007 until he graduated in 2010. His work was funded by a collaborative NSF grant with my German collaborators at the Max Planck Institute for Dynamics and Self-organization in Goettingen, Germany. As part of this collaboration, Erik traveled and worked in the Max Planck Institute in Goettingen for a number of summers which resulted in an academic publication in 2009: ‘Dissipation mechanisms in ionic liquids.’”

Stalcup said K-State prepared him to work in a professional scientific setting.

“I did a lot of the actual experiments over there and then came back here and ended up writing one paper out of that,” he said. “So that was a really good experience for sure, especially writing the paper analyzing the data. That's a lot of what I do right now.”

With stops at Case Western Reserve University to earn a master's degree and work as a contract employee, Stalcup finally achieved his dream of working at NASA officially in 2018.

Stalcup is working on eight different projects for NASA at the moment.

“I just hope that they don't all ask me to do something at the same time,” he said.

When those projects conclude there will be others.

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KSU FOUNDATION Monique Hardy throws the hammer for K-State.

Championing

careers

New programs for student-athletes channel competitive spirit toward career growth

BY MARISA LARSON ’93, ’16, KSU FOUNDATION PHOTOS COURTESY OF KSU FOUNDATION Classes, studying, training — with this jam-packed schedule, Kansas State University track and field athlete Monique Hardy barely has time for lunch, let alone to focus on her future career.

But now, a recent $11.5 million investment from Ike ’65 and Letty Evans to the Student-Athlete Success and Competitive Advantage Programs empowers K-State Athletics staff to give Monique — and every K-State student-athlete — the coaching she needs to score her personal best.

Hailing from Rochester, New York, Hardy throws the hammer for K-State and is majoring in life sciences on the pre-pharmacy track. As an out-of-state student, Hardy doesn’t have the local connections to help her get internships.

That’s where the Competitive Advantage Program (CAP) comes in.

“I get help with my resume, my cover letter and seeking jobs,” Hardy explained. “It’s hard for student-athletes to work on those things alone because you’re so busy with your sport. The CAP staff help with outreach to the community and helping us find out what we want to do with our careers, whether it be in athletics or beyond athletics.”

PROGRAM-CHANGING INVESTMENT

Prior to the Evans’ gift, K-State Athletics’ Student-Athlete Success (SAS) program staff juggled multiple responsibilities, often doing the work of two or three positions. This prevented them from fully focusing on each program — and from giving student-athletes the focus necessary to reach their full

“Most gifts to athletics are for on the field. This is off the field. The kids have to take the initiative, but we’re going to be there for them.”

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KSU FOUNDATION potential.

“The gift from Ike and Letty Evans is program changing. And for our staff, it’s career changing,” said Kristin Waller, assistant athletics director for StudentAthlete Success. “A lot of things we’ve wanted to provide, we now have the people to devote to that because we’ve been able to hire more people.”

The SAS program and CAP are unique to collegiate athletics. Other schools have aspects of the programs, but with the Evans’ gift, K-State has crafted a start-to-finish experience for high school recruits to graduating college seniors.

K-State coaches say it’s a great recruiting tool because it shows that K-State cares about students throughout their whole collegiate career and beyond.

PROFESSIONAL PREP

With the increased bandwidth, SAS launched a new internship program that collaborates with K-State’s Career Services, the Staley School of Leadership and with local businesses to find students career-enhancing experiences.

“The internship program gives students the opportunity to gain more experience in their fields or to gather information to see if it’s something they want to do,” Waller said. “And they get class credit.”

Hardy’s face lit up while talking about her summer internship with the Manhattan Boys and Girls Club, which she got with help from the CAP. “I didn’t know anything about getting an internship,” Hardy explained. “But I knew I wanted to do something that was community-based this summer and next year do something more connected to my degree. CAP helped me get ready, preparing me for questions they might ask and running me through a mock interview.”

OFF THE FIELD VICTORY

Ike and Letty Evans have fond memories of their time at K-State in the early 1960s, where they met and married. Ike played on the baseball team and once had to take a physics test in his uniform, having just come from pitching a game. The Evanses personally understand college athletes have a lot of balls in the air and need coaching to thrive on campus and prepare for successful futures.

“Letty and I are passionate about making a difference in the lives of young people,” Ike said. “Our giving is about education, Ike ’65 and Letty Evans are self-help and preparing young people to go passionate about making a to work and be successful in their lives. Most difference in young lives. gifts to athletics are for on the field. This is off the field. The kids have to take the initiative, but we’re going to be there for them.”

While the Evanses’ investment has already proved beneficial to staff and students, more can be done.

“There is opportunity to endow positions, freeing up budgeted salary funds to be used toward other things that directly benefit the student-athletes, such as sports medicine and mental wellness,” Waller said.

“Endowed positions support the people who will forge relationships with the students, leading those students toward success, however that looks.”

Services provided by SAS and CAP are available to all student-athletes, including Monique Hardy incoming high school recruits, but are not mandatory unless a team coach requires participation. The goal is to not add to an overstuffed schedule. But Hardy highly recommends student-athletes take advantage of the services.

HOW IT WORKS All student-athletes have access to tutoring and academic assistance, sport psychology and mental wellness resources. Program milestones include: HIGH SCHOOL SENIOR • Guide the recruit through eligibility, admissions, class selection and enrollment • Create a seamless transition to their K-State experience K-STATE FRESHMAN • Help with transition to college-level learning and college life • Identify learning strategies • Explore career interests • Establish foundational skills and habits for academic success K-STATE SOPHOMORE • Increase confidence in problem-solving and decision-making • Explore career and major interests • Build professional profiles and networks K-STATE JUNIOR • Continue leadership development • Put professional networks to use finding internships • Put learned skills into practice and move toward independence K-STATE SENIOR • Have complete ownership of their academics • Polish professional portfolios and interview skills • Solidify post-graduate plans • Successfully transition into the professional world

“It’s hard for student-athletes to work on those things alone because you’re so busy with your sport. The CAP staff help with outreach to the community and helping us find out what we want to do with our careers, whether it be in athletics or beyond athletics.”

MONIQUE HARDY “It’s 100% beneficial! It is hard for us student-athletes to focus on what we want to do after college and to also find those connections outside our sport,” Hardy said. “I feel like the Evans’ program really helped us create those connections and see a broader view.”

Coaches’ inspiring words have left an impression on Hardy.

“One quote I live by is ‘Your character will take you where your talent can’t keep you,’” she said.

“The Evans’ program adds to your skills. You can use those — along with who you are — to go into your professional career. The program is beneficial because it helps us have a view outside of athletics.”

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KSU FOUNDATION

A LIFELONG

LOVE Terry and Tara Cupps’ devotion to K-State recognized with Medal of Excellence

BY MARISA LARSON ’93, ’16, KSU FOUNDATION PHOTOS COURTESY OF KSU FOUNDATION

It’s been a love affair for the ages. Terry ’78 and Tara ’78, ’82 Cupps’ love for Kansas State University is almost as long-lived as their love for each other.

As childhood sweethearts, Terry Cupps and Tara Hanchett Cupps came to K-State together. After four wonderful years in Manhattan, they vowed they would return one day. It took them 38 years to return to living in Manhattan, but their bond with K-State never wavered.

A SMART START

Terry’s father graduated from K-State and told his kids, half-jokingly, that they could go anywhere they wanted for college, but he’d pay for K-State. That incentive, plus growing up as a Wildcat fan, made Terry’s decision easy.

While at K-State he honed his critical-thinking skills on the K-State debate team, serving one year as assistant coach, and quenched his curiosity by taking classes outside of his major.

Terry graduated from K-State in 1978 with a degree in speech and went on to get his law degree at Washburn University.

Tara was the first in her family to attend a four-year university. Her parents

Tara ’78, ’82 and Terry ’78 Cupps are the 2022 Medal of Excellence recipients.

hadn’t attended college and her sister went to community college, but she was encouraged to further her education. As a student, Tara worked at the grain science research building, completing a research study on lessening or preventing grain dust explosions by adding oil to the grain. She also was a member of Beta Alpha Psi, an honor organization for financial information students and professionals.

Tara graduated from K-State first in 1978 with a degree in engineering technology. While Terry was in law school, she returned to K-State and earned an accounting degree in 1982.

PICKING UP

Their day jobs were lawyer and CPA, but as K-State band director Frank Tracz puts it, the Cupps are the “pick-me-uppers” of K-State students.

The Cupps support K-State in everything they do. Tara is a past chair of the Alumni Association board of directors and a former director on the KSU Foundation board. The Cupps serve on campus friends groups and advisory boards, they support students across campus with scholarships, and they serve

“We rode on the shoulders of other people when we came to K-State. We both know there were people who were giving contributions at that time that enabled us to have the experience we had. So being a trustee, and frankly all our participation at K-State, is our way to pay back those people who did so much for us, to help students today and even to help future generations.”

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KSU FOUNDATION as ambassadors for K-State as they travel the world.

Because of their service, Tara and Terry Cupps were awarded the 2022 Kansas State University Medal of Excellence, which recognizes those who have advanced K-State through exceptional service, leadership and philanthropic contributions.

HIGH PRAISE

Leaders across campus sing the praises of Terry and Tara Cupps, for their financial investments, as well as giving of their time. Greg Willems, president and CEO of the KSU Foundation, believes that the rich, meaningful experiences the Cupps’ had as students inspires them to give back.

“They invest in scholarships to help make sure today’s students have the ability to focus on their education and take advantage of unique opportunities,” he said. “They give of their time to help make sure programs on campus excel.

They are truly fantastic investors, advocates and ambassadors for K-State.”

The Cupps are lifelong members of the K-State Alumni Association and have served in a variety of volunteer and leadership positions, as well as taken advantage of opportunities the Alumni Association provides, such as international travel.

President and CEO of the K-State Alumni Association Amy Button Renz ’76, ’86 said that because of the Cupps’ support across the university, K-State is a better place.

“Athletics, their colleges, the Foundation, the Alumni Association, the arts — they have touched so many different areas,” she said. “We wouldn’t be the same university without them because they do so much. They give of their time and their talent. It’s heartwarming to see everything they support.”

SETTING AN EXAMPLE

Terry and Tara join a prestigious group of past Medal of Excellence awardees.

“The award isn’t about us, it’s about Kansas State, and we’re just an example of what we try to do for K-State,” Terry said. “It’s about philanthropy and giving back to the university with your leadership, your abilities and setting an example for other people. This recognition helps set an example for others. That’s the significance I see in the award — the example, not us.”

And for Tara, to receive the award this year is particularly special, as it’s a milestone year for female leaders at K-State.

“In 2007, I was sitting on the KSU Foundation board as a representative of the K-State Alumni Association. That year there were five women on the board and one, Betty Tointon ’55, was slated to be a future chair, but was unable to do so due to health reasons,” Tara said. “Finally, this year, Mary Vanier ’89 is serving as the first female chair of the KSU Foundation board of directors. So, for me, it’s very special to receive this award this year.”

FUTURE HOPES

Terry and Tara are proud of K-State’s land-grant legacy to serve the people of Kansas and beyond, providing a quality education and developing people into active citizens.

“The fundamentals of democracy are you have to have an educated and informed electorate and you have to have people who can think,” Terry explained.

“That’s what I think the university does better than anything — teach you to think and take you to that next level of intellectual endeavor.”

The Cupps said their contributions to K-State honor those before them and lift up those to come.

“We rode on the shoulders of other people when we came to K-State,” Terry said. “We both know there were people who were giving contributions at that time that enabled us to have the experience we had. So being a trustee, and frankly all our participation at K-State, is our way to pay back those people who did so much for us, to help students today and even to help future generations.”

Tara ’78, ’82 and Terry ’78 Cupps with actor John Cleese at a McCain event.

Terry ’78 and Tara ’78, ’82 Cupps’ support for K-State 9 ENDOWED FUNDS • 5 scholarships • 4 program excellence funds MEMBERSHIP/VOLUNTEER ROLES • KSU Foundation Board of Trustees • Land Grant Legacy Society • National Leadership Circle • Ahearn Fund Advisory Council (former) • Alumni Association Founders Circle • College of Engineering Seaton Society Founders • Friends of McCain • McCain Board of Directors (Terry) • Friends of the Libraries • Friends of the Gardens • Communications Studies Advisory Board (Terry) • College of Arts and Sciences Advisory Council (Terry, former) • Alumni Association board of directors (Tara, former) K - S TAT E R

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K-Stater keepsakes Memorabilia can often hold a special meaning in our lives. Several Wildcats shared the stories behind their K-State tokens.

PHOTOS BY DAVID MAYES ’96, K-STATE ALUMNI ASSOCIATION

Bowl game boots This pair of boots were made for Jim Balderson ’52, K-State Alumni Association national president from 1982-1983. Balderson wore these boots to the Independence Bowl, K-State’s first bowl appearance. Today they sit on display in the K-State Alumni Center’s Memorabilia Room.

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Signed by the greats This football has a signature from nearly every member of the 1998 K-State football team. It was gifted to Phil Ryan ’04 by his parents for his 16th birthday.

“When my birthday came around, I was shocked with the football and couldn’t believe all of the autographs that were on it,” Ryan said.

“There happened to be a few noticeable ones missing, though. I was fortunate to live in Manhattan and close to the stadium, so I would go up after practices and sit outside the locker room and wait for the players to come out. It also was a really neat experience for me in getting those autographs after practice, because not only did I get the autographs, but I was able to interact with the players that I was in awe of. I know a lot of the autographs have faded over the years, but that football is still my favorite piece of memorabilia that I have.”

Buckle up, ’Cat fans Nothing says winner quite like a belt buckle, just ask any wrestling, boxing or rodeo star. This 1997 belt buckle is No. 84 of 10,000 made to celebrate K-State’s 1997 season and victory over Syracuse in the Fiesta Bowl. On the bottom of the back it reads, “Cats are looking great for 1998!” Indeed they were.

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Handwritten mementos In the late 1970s, Audrey Mross ’80 served as the tour program coordinator for K-State as a student worker. She arranged for elementary students from Topeka to visit K-State for a day.

“They rotated among pre-selected sights on campus like the natatorium, nuclear reactor and, of course, Call Hall ice cream,” Mross said.

“In the morning they were a bit shy and subdued (maybe sleepy?) but by the afternoon they were raucous and bouncing around and declaring their love for this place and a burning desire to attend one day. A few weeks later, I received a box of handmade booklets, each one comprised of individual and unique letters decorated with drawings of what each student had seen and enjoyed. They were three-hole punched and assembled with brads. I distributed one book to each student tour guide. I can’t speak for them, but I’ve kept that booklet and always hoped that most, if not all, of those precious kids made it to K-State!”

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Purple Power:

Willie the Wildcat whiskey decanters In 1971, K-State released several commemorative ceramic whiskey decanters featuring Willie the Wildcat.

Brendan Praeger ’08 remembers the set his grandparents had fondly.

“My grandparents had a basketball and a football one,” Praeger said. “I took the football one and my brother took the basketball, but I found another basketball one at a storage shed sale for $5. Best find ever.”

There’s also a version of just Willie the Wildcat. The K-State Alumni Association has all three on display in its Memorabilia Room and Hagans Library.

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A perfect parking spot This piece of turf from Wagner Field at Bill Snyder Family Stadium proudly hangs in the garage of Milo Larson ’79 in McPherson, Kansas. Larson was gifted the 40-yard-line by a friend who learned K-State was replacing the field turf in the early 2010s. Larson can often be found in his garage watching sports, especially K-State.

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A K-State cross-stitch This cross-stitch of Willie the Wildcat was made for Andy Schrag ’88, by his sister Angela (a University of Kansas graduate) after he committed to play football for the Wildcats. It hung on the wall of his son’s bedroom throughout his childhood. Andy’s son, Tim Schrag ’12, would later become editor of K-Stater magazine.

The legacy of a letter sweater This letter sweater belonged to R. M. “Susie” Sears who played football for the Wildcats from 1920-1922. Sears scored the first touchdown at WWI Memorial Stadium. One of Sears’ other letter sweaters hangs in the Memorabilia Room at the K-State Alumni Center. Sears served as the 1954 national president of the Alumni Association.

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Historic stubs This set of ticket stubs aren’t from just any game — they were from the very first Big 12 football game to take place. K-State hosted Texas Tech on Aug. 31, 1996, in then KSU Stadium. The Wildcats would beat the Red Raiders 21-14 with a crowd of 43,143 in attendance. The stubs belonged to Tim Lindemuth ’77, retired editor of K-Stater magazine. Lindemuth recently donated the pair to the Alumni Association’s memorabilia collection. The collection currently has stubs from numerous bowl games and big wins.

Santa ’Cats This K-State Santa Claus has some wonderful reading material, a copy of K-Stater magazine. This figure was gifted to K-State Alumni Association President and CEO Amy Button Renz ’76, ’86 after the K-State Alumni Center opened in 2002. Renz said this is among her most cherished items of K-State memorabilia. The figure was given to her by George McCandless and Betty Follin.

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Nesting dolls from Russia with love In 2005, Bill Kraai ’98 was in Juneau, Alaska, visiting his sister and her husband who were stationed there with the Coast Guard. In one of the tourist gift shops, he found Wildcat Russian dolls. Although there were dolls for other teams, he was really shocked to see the K-State Wildcat dolls. These weren’t of generic football guys, they were specific players.

“I expressed this shock to the woman behind the counter, who was very unimpressed,” Kraai said. “I asked where they came from, and she told me that they were hand-painted in Russia. I asked, ‘Why would someone in Russia paint K-State dolls and sell them in Alaska?’ In a monotone voice with a hint of condescension, she replied with, ‘Because they know you’ll come here and buy them.’ I said, ‘Well, I guess they were right.’ I bought the dolls, and left.”

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Photos courtesy of Celia Llopis-Jepsen/Kansas News Service

A Red Angus cow from the Mushrush herd wears a GPS collar.

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Building an

Innovative How satellite-guided cows might save the Kansas prairie and make ranchers more money

BY CELIA LLOPIS-JEPSEN, KANSAS NEWS SERVICE

Herd

Editor’s note: This story written by the Kansas News Service, a collaboration of KCUR, Kansas Public Radio, KMUW and High Plains Public Radio, focused on health, the social determinants of health and their connection to public policy. To learn more, visit ksnewsservice.org.

Prairie wildlife needs a patchy landscape, in which different areas bear the marks of varying degrees of grazing. Scientists have a plan to achieve that.

For Mushrush and his family, the fence-mending on their Flint Hills ranch never ends. It’s inescapable.

“Fencing is right up there with death and taxes,” the third-generation cattle rancher said.

But this year, his cattle sport new Third-generation rancher Daniel GPS collars intended to make tradiMushrush ’07 has 30-plus miles of tional fences not quite obsolete, but barbed wire fence to tend to. less important. About the size of an Calves wriggle beneath it. The wires iPhone and twice as thick, the collars get loose. Wild animals take a toll. And offer a high-tech take on the kind of when streams surge after storms, rush- familiar invisible fences that homeing water often snaps sections in two. owners install for dogs.

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Kansas State University doctoral candidate Katy Silber, left, and undergraduate biology student Emily Burnett gather data on vegetation and cattle impacts along a stream on the Mushrush ranch.

Mushrush joined a Nature Conservancy project that brings together ranchers, scientists and conservation experts in Kansas, Colorado and New Mexico.

Their work is part of a flurry of recent studies into the tech world’s fledgling virtual fence industry.

Mushrush’s Red Angus cattle will help researchers learn whether the devices can save ranchers money and simultaneously help ailing bird populations, reduce water pollution and increase the resilience and diversity of grasslands.

Biologists from Kansas State University will help study the effects of a project that could prove a model bridge between conservationists and Flint Hills ranchers.

The agriculture and conservation fields often stand at odds, but they also share some common ground in their appreciation of the nation’s last significant

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stretches of unplowed tallgrass prairie.

“If I’m going to own Flint Hills grass, there’s a moral obligation to treat it like it’s sacred,” Mushrush said. “Because it is. There’s not very much left.”

Still, paying his bills comes first. Protecting wildlife, such as the disappearing greater prairie chicken, comes second.

“Is it as important as me making my mortgage payment? Obviously not,” he said. “Because (prairie chickens) can’t take this ranch, like the bank still could.”

HOW THE COLLARS WORK

The Mushrush ranch is home to between 800 and a couple thousand cattle, depending on the time of year. The family owns or leases about 15,000 acres.

Seen on a map, the ranch is shaped something like Africa. Fencing, meanwhile, cuts across it in straight lines.

“That’s where it was drawn out 100 years ago,” Mushrush said. “That’s where the fence is yet today.”

Those rigid lines are blind to the curvy contours that shape this land — flattopped hills, rocky ledges and snake-like, meandering streams.

Yet when it comes to grazing, the contours matter. They effectively funnel cattle toward some areas and away from others.

And when the herd consistently opts, say, to lounge along a creek, the damage can add up. The cattle can chomp and stomp the same areas too much, tearing up the banks and filling the stream with nitrogen from their manure.

Mushrush decided to try the GPS collars. His barbed wire fences just aren’t where he needs them, making it hard to give vegetation the right balance of grazing and rest that produces more robust grasses.

When grasses suffer, it limits how many animals a ranch can support.

Mushrush can’t solve the problem by installing ever more physical fences,

which can cost thousands of dollars per mile. Even with temporary fences, it’s tough. This landscape — including when any given swath of it would benefit from more or less grazing — is simply too nuanced.

Virtual fence aims to let ranchers block off any zone on their property by pulling up a map on an electronic tablet and using software to set the lines.

Adding a buffer zone along a winding creek — practically impossible, and prohibitively expensive with normal fences — becomes easy. So do other changes, such as redrawing paddocks or moving cattle to let grazed grasses grow.

The GPS collars don’t require ranchers to bury wires in the ground the way invisible fences for dogs frequently do.

If cattle walk toward the invisible line, the collars make noises. If they keep walking, those noises get louder. If they cross the line, the collars deliver a shock.

Most of the cattle take the hint. A few shrug off the discomfort and cross the barrier to munch on the proverbial greener grass.

But if most of the cattle stick to the rules, that could be enough to benefit ranchers, flora and fauna.

WHERE INTERESTS OVERLAP

The Nature Conservancy has an interest in ranchers succeeding financially.

Flint Hills ranchers run their cattle on what the environmental group describes as one of the world’s most diverse ecosystems, with more than 500 plant species.

Once one of North America’s dominant landscapes, settlers and their descendents plowed almost the entire continent’s tallgrass to plant crops.

“The Flint Hills is really the only place where we have significant contiguous acres that are still in native tallgrass prairie,” said Tony Capizzo, who heads the Nature Conservancy’s work to preserve it.

Flint Hills ranches that thrive are likely to remain ranches — and unplowed prairie — instead of facing development.

“Ranching is very inherently compatible with prairie conservation,” he said.

“Ranching needs to stay profitable.”

The Nature Conservancy owns the 10,000-acre Tallgrass Prairie National Preserve next to Mushrush’s property. Bison roam there, as do some of Mushrush’s cattle, through a lease.

Prairie needs grazing — in the right amounts — to thrive. It prevents some plant species from taking over, so that the land continues to host its signature diverse collection of grasses and wildflowers.

The wildlife that call the prairie home, meanwhile, benefit from a patchy landscape, in which different areas bear the marks of varying degrees of grazing and burning. The Nature Conservancy thinks GPS could help achieve that.

Mushrush said he and the Nature Conservancy may rank their priorities differently, but their goals still overlap.

His top priority is grass that’s as healthy and robust as possible, so that he can graze more livestock and keep the ranch profitable for decades to come. He hopes the GPS collars will help him keep cattle in the right places at the right times to achieve that.

And if researchers can show him how to shore up prairie biodiversity at the same time, he said, “it’s certainly worth trying.”

PROTECTING BIRDS AND WATER

“That is one of the reasons we’re so excited [to study virtual fencing],” said Alice Boyle, a biology professor at K-State who studies birds. “It’s the first solution that I know about that is positive … from the ranching perspective and from the grassland conservation perspective.”

The cattle only recently received collars. This year, the devices will track where the animals spend their time, but won’t restrict their movements.

K-State biologists will use these months to gauge the current situation before

the virtual fences go live. Then they’ll see in the coming years how the prairie responds to a nimbler way of managing livestock.

They’ll look for changes in nitrogen pollution and erosion when cattle can no longer loiter consistently along their favorite streams.

They’ll look for plant diversity and vigor in areas that get needed rest.

They’ll look for increases in grassland birds.

Half of North America’s grassland birds have disappeared since 1970.

For Kansas, that means icons of the open plains, such as the brightly colored, sweet-singing meadowlarks, pipe up each spring in smaller numbers.

“In many ways, the species that we’re worried about … define our natural landscape,” Boyle said. “And we live in the last big stronghold of where those populations are still common.”

Once widespread, prairie chickens known for their eerie whooping sounds and dances on breeding grounds, called leks, now retain shrinking toeholds in scattered parts of the central U.S. The virtual fencing project could help by effectively cording off areas for rest from prescribed burning and grazing, long enough to let a mat of dead grass called thatch accrue at ground level, interwoven among the live grass.

Many grassland birds need thatch to survive.

“We can create patches of that suitable nesting habitat in areas close to the prairie chicken leks,” Boyle said. “We know that the females tend to nest not too far from those leks.”

Like physical fences, virtual fences are expensive, too. The question is whether the benefits — both in terms of healthier grass and less time and money spent mending barbed wire or moving temporary fences — can pay off long-term for ranchers.

A team of business experts from Colorado State University will study Mushrush’s experience to help figure it out. Mushrush is optimistic.

“The math should work,” he said. “It’s a lot of money up front, but ultimately I think it will make our lives a little easier and it will help.”

“Water, wildlife (and) rancher profitability,” he said, “all three of those are

“Ranching is very inherently compatible with prairie conservation. Ranching needs to stay profitable.”

TONY CAPIZZO, NATURE CONSERVANCY K - S TAT E R

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K-STATE RODEO CELEBRATES 56

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75 YEARS

During the steer roping contest, Dave Coffman ’85, then a junior in agricultural economics, catches his leaping target.

Photo courtesy of the 1984 Royal Purple

The K-State Rodeo Club formed in 1946, and K-State started hosting rodeos 10 years later. The K-State Rodeo was named Rodeo of the Year by the National Intercollegiate Rodeo Association Central Plains Region this year.

BY MONICA SPRINGER For Lauren Osborne, a sophomore from Chanhassen, Minnesota, participating in college rodeo was the biggest dream in her life. Her favorite memory so far is the K-State Rodeo, which took place earlier this year. It was her first collegiate rodeo.

“Ever since I was a little girl, I dreamed of becoming a member of a college team,” she said. “It was super special to me. It just felt like I was living out my childhood dream. It was just absolutely incredible.”

About 10,000 fans packed into Weber Arena over three days in February

to cheer on the Rodeo Team. The Wabash Cannonball played, and parents, siblings, current students and alumni showed up to support the team. The rodeo also was live streamed on The Cowboy Channel app.

The rodeo was named Rodeo of the Year by the National Intercollegiate Rodeo Association Central Plains Region.

The K-State Rodeo Club formed in 1946, and K-State started hosting rodeos 10 years later — which means K-State is celebrating 75 years of the rodeo program and 65 years of having a rodeo on campus.

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Teammates Brandi Schnitkey, a senior from Archbold, Ohio, and Haley Vollmer, a junior from Wing, North Dakota, both said their favorite memory from the past year is also the K-State Rodeo.

“That Saturday night performance was probably the most memorable night. It was amazing to see all the people in there and the energy that they brought,” Schnitkey said.

The team also hosted a special needs rodeo for kids that weekend. Being able to teach the kids about rodeo stood out to Schnitkey.

“That was special to me, to be able to share my passion of rodeo with these kids and seeing how they loved it,” Schnitkey said. “Being able to show them our love for the sport was special.”

Students aren’t the only ones who dream about collegiate rodeos — it turns out their coaches do, too.

Casy Winn, K-State’s rodeo coach and an instructor of animal science, has been at K-State for seven years. Prior to that, he was a junior high and high school math and science teacher and a wrestling coach in Utah, his home state.

On a date one night, his wife asked him about his dream job. Winn’s answer was to coach college rodeo and teach — his parents met on a college rodeo team, he participated in rodeos his whole life, even professionally, and one of his friends coached college rodeo in Utah.

“She took me serious, and we ended up in Kansas,” Winn said. “It’s been a great move for my family.”

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STEEPED IN TRADITION

Winn said rodeo is important to K-State because of its land-grant status, and its prominence as one of the top animal science and agriculture colleges in the country.

There are more than 30 Rodeo Team members and about 15 Rodeo Club members.

The team competes in rodeos and the club does not. Of the students who make up the team, less than half are from Kansas. Others are from Nebraska, Missouri, Texas, Wisconsin, California, Washington, North Dakota and South Dakota.

One of the team and club’s missions is to grow the Western culture, Winn said.

“I think it’s important that we’re exposing kids to that, and then also giving a lot of kids an opportunity to compete in rodeo and get that upper-level degree from a prestigious agriculture university,” Winn said.

Annually, the K-State Rodeo Advisory Council awards close to $30,000 in scholarships to Rodeo Team and Rodeo Club members. For the 2021-22 season, the women’s team finished sixth in the region and men’s team finished ninth.

“We had a good showing this year,” Winn said.

The Rodeo Team competes in 10 rodeos per year in Kansas and Oklahoma.

The men participate in saddle bronc, bareback riding, bull riding, team roping, calf roping and steer wrestling. Women also participate in breakaway roping, goat tying, barrel racing and team roping.

The students who make up the rodeo team and club study a variety of things, Winn said. There are animal science majors, ag communications and

Photos courtesy of the Morse Department of Special Collections, K-State Communications and Marketing and the K-State Rodeo

journalism, marketing, business, pre-health, pre-nursing, business, economics and pre-doctorate degrees, among others.

‘BEST OF BOTH WORLDS’

Schnitkey, who is majoring in animal science and industry, participates in barrel racing on the K-State Rodeo Team. She and participated in horse shows while growing up on a farm.

She didn’t want to give up riding horses in college and decided to attend K-State after meeting Winn’s wife, Wendy, at a horse show, who then challenged Schnitkey to get involved in college rodeo.

“It’s the best of both worlds, being at K-State,” Schnitkey said. “Having my horses with me and being able to ride them and compete, and then also get the education that K-State offers.”

Vollmer is majoring in marketing and minoring in ag communications and entrepreneurship. She grew up on a ranch and has participated in rodeos since childhood. She participates in breakaway roping and goat tying.

After she graduates, Vollmer said she wants to work in marketing or at a public relations company in an agricultural setting.

“I’d like to support and promote ag,” she said.

Osborne, Schnitkey and Vollmer all said they want to rodeo after college at a professional level. Until then, Osborne, a sophomore, credits the Rodeo Team’s success to the upper classmen.

“They are the coolest, most helpful, inspirational, and motivational people ever,” Osborne said. “One of the highlights being on the team is seeing everything they do for us and seeing how well our team functions as a whole.”

The K-State Rodeo Club is celebrating 75 years of rodeo this year. K-State’s Rodeo Advisory Council awards nearly $30,000 in scholarships to students annually.

“It’s the best of both worlds, being at K-State. Having my horses with me and being able to ride them and compete, and then also get the education that K-State offers.”

BRANDI SCHNITKEY, SENIOR

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Six decades of dedication

C. Clyde Jones shares memories since coming to K-State in 1960

BY TIM SCHRAG ’12 C. Clyde Jones and his family arrived in Manhattan, Kansas, in July of 1960.

They came to Kansas State University so Jones could become the head of the Department of Business Administration in the School of Arts and Sciences. Upon arrival, the thermometer on the First National Bank sign at the corner of Fourth and Poyntz read 107 degrees.

“Midge and our children said, ‘What have you done to us?’” Jones recalled with a chuckle.

It’s been a family affair for Jones in his 62 years at K-State. Midge loved entertaining faculty, staff and other K-State guests in their home. All three of his children graduated from K-State: Karen Jones Prevette ’73; Kristin Jones Schoeff ’74; and Dr. Clifton C. Jones ’77. Of his 11 grandchildren and 20 great-grandchildren, two are also K-State graduates.

Jones has held a plethora of roles at the university and in the Manhattan community. With K-State as a dean, a vice president and a professor — he also served as chairman of the Athletic Council. With the community, he served through the Chamber of Commerce and the Manhattan Rotary Club. The list goes on and on.

Jones will turn 100 years old later this year on Dec. 21. Nearing this milestone, he celebrates his birthday twice a year — ­­ once near his half birthday and again near the actual date.

BECOMING A DEAN

Jones served as the inaugural dean of the School of Commerce — which would later become the College of Business Administration. He came as head of the Department of Business Administration. At the time it was the largest department in the School of Arts and Sciences with more than 600 students.

“Jim McCain was president at that time,” Jones recalled. “He called me on the phone: ‘Clyde, how would you like to be a dean?’ This is 1962. I said ‘President, I would love it.’ He said ‘Well, I’m ready to take it to the Board of Regents, but you have to come up with a name.’ I said, ‘Heavens, it’s the School of Business.’

He said, ‘No, you can’t do that. Because KU has a School of Business.’ I laughed. I said, ‘Well, of course they do. They also have an English Department.’”

McCain had hoped Jones would go for naming the school something along the lines of the “School of Agribusiness.” K-State had just earned its designation as a university, but it still called its academic units schools. Jones said he knew he would never be able to recruit accounting and management faculty with a name like that, so they compromised with the “School of Commerce.”

“I laughed my head off at that one,” Jones said. “But President McCain was one who always wanted to succeed with whatever was proposed to the Board of Regents. He didn’t want to get turned down for anything. And he thought there was a risk that they wouldn’t accept a School of Business. There was a unwritten agreement that Kansas State would not establish a School of Business. KU would not establish a School of Home Economics. And he thought there was a risk that

they wouldn’t accept a School of Business.”

Jones had earned his Ph.D. in American history and used that approach to make sure his students were prepared for a world beyond their vocation.

“So, I came here with an orientation towards a liberal arts education,” Jones said. “And I believe so fully, that graduates of a business program ought to be able to understand the society in which they’re going to live and work. They’re going to have to be able to relate to people of all walks of life. They need to be able to communicate effectively. That’s not the education you find in the business classroom; it is what you find in arts and science classrooms. Now, my faculty, weren’t terribly happy with me. But at the same time, we grew.”

“In knowing C. Clyde Jones, I am constantly amazed at his sharp mind, endless energy, great generosity, and dedication to service. He is a dynamic individual who not only created the K-State College of Business, but had a significant part in developing so much of what we see as today’s K-State,” said Kevin Gwinner, Edgerley Family Dean of the College of Business Administration. “His impact on Manhattan, Kansas State University and the College of Business is a lasting legacy representing who Clyde is as an educator, a community advocate and a person.

For all he has done, we are very grateful.”

WORKING FOR PRESIDENT MCCAIN

In 1966, Jones was asked to serve as the vice president for university development under James McCain, K-State’s 10th president. In that role he was responsible for long-range campus planning and buildings and grounds. He also served as the president’s liaison to the K-State Alumni Association and the Endowment Association — which would later be known as the KSU Foundation.

“So in effect, I had five jobs at that time,” Jones said. “The biggest issues, of course, were athletics and managing facilities, because that included assigning classrooms to departments.”

During that time he’d often host President McCain and his wife, Janet, at his home for dinner.

“We became very close personal friends,” Jones said. “We played golf together a couple of times a week. As an administrator, though, I didn’t particularly like his style. He was not a risk taker in that respect. And he was just a wonderfully well-liked individual by almost everyone and a good academic leader. He allowed people he hired to function.”

Jones would serve in the role for four years, but admits he did not like to work in the bureaucracy of a state institution.

Jones recalled the Math Department once needed an additional classroom.

He had given the department a room designed for only one professor’s use. The professor took it straight to President McCain who reversed Jones’ decision.

So in 1970 he returned to the College of Business Administration as a professor of management.

“I’ll be 100 years old in December, and I would love to go back to full-time teaching.”

C. CLYDE JONES 60

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C. Clyde Jones has held many roles on campus and in the Manhattan community, most notably as the first dean of the College of Business Administration. He is pictured here talking to students during his time as vice president for university development. Jones will turn 100 in December. Below: The college celebrated his milestone in June.

Photo courtesy of Morse Department of Special Collections.

Photos courtesy of Zoe Abner, K-State Communications and Marketing

IN THE CLASSROOM AND MORE

As a professor of business management, Jones set out to show students the real world using practical examples.

Just like he did as dean.

“It’s easy to recall him as a business professor as he taught the best practices with real world applications,” said Brad Sidener ’80, K-State Alumni Association senior vice president and COO. “When I returned to campus 20 years ago, it was no surprise to see him still active in the community.”

Jones retired from his role as a professor in 1986, though he never stopped his involvement with K-State. In the ’90s, Coach Bill Snyder asked him to coordinate a career development program.

He currently works as the development officer for Shepherd’s Crossing, which helps address the financial needs of community members through the

work of area churches.

“C. Clyde Jones’ contribution to Shepherd’s Crossing cannot be overstated,” said Beth Klug, executive director of the organization. “He was one of our founders more than 20 years ago and has been a guiding light for our organization.

“We are considered one of the top charities in Manhattan due to his efforts. At 99 years old, he continues to produce our newsletter, champions our fundraising efforts and plays an active role on our executive committee and board. The word that comes to mind is blessed. We are blessed to have him.”

Though he’s held many roles in the community, Jones said he will always be teaching a teacher at heart.

“I’ll be 100 years old in December, and I would love to go back to full-time teaching,” he said.

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CLASS NOTES

SEND US your

good news W

e want to let your fellow K-Staters know what’s happening in your life by printing your good news in the K‑Stater Class Notes.

Please keep the following guidelines in mind when submitting items for publication.

• Because of deadlines, it could be up to six months from the time you send in your news to the time it appears in the magazine.

• Because of space limitations, we can print news only about K-State Alumni Association members.

• No news more than a year old at the time of submission will be printed.

How to share your news (and any address or occupation changes): Postal mail: Alumni Records 100 Alumni Center 1720 Anderson Avenue Manhattan, KS 66506-1001 Online: • Alumni Association website: k‑state.com/UpdateYourInfo Email: alumni@k‑state.com Fax: 785-532-5068 CLASS NOTES LEGEND (fs) former student (fr) friend

64

James W. Rowland ’64, ’67, Queens Village, New York, retired from New York City Transit after working as an engineer and manager of technical integration for the Central Electronics Shop for 21 years.

66

Julie High Thompson and Stanley P. Thompson ’68, Topeka, Kansas, retired from Thompson Dryers.

69

Richard K. Balducci, Washington, Missouri, retired. He previously owned a restaurant and

winery.

70

Daniel P. “Dan” Roda, Colorado Springs, Colorado, was nominated to the board of directors of SaniTechPro Institute.

74

Anna C. Hazen Schremmer, Phillipsburg, Kansas, retired from K-State Research and Extension’s Phillips-Rooks District No. 5.

62

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75

Kenneth A. “Ken” Selzer, Leawood, Kansas, was named to Ingram’s 50 Kansans You Should Know in 2021 list. He is the managing director for AON in Overland Park, Kansas.

Wayne R. Sloan, Manhattan, Kansas, was selected as the Lud Fiser Citizen of the Year at the 97th Annual Meeting of the Manhattan Area Chamber of Commerce.

77

Linda Cook, Manhattan, Kansas, retired as K-State’s chief of staff and director of community relations. She also received the Lyle Butler Distinguished Leadership Award from the Manhattan Chamber of Commerce. She is a former member of the K-State Alumni Association board of directors.

Richard L. Drake Jr. ’77, ’84, Canton, Kansas, retired from The Citizens State Bank.

Barbara J. “Barb” Dyck Roths, El Dorado, Kansas, retired from the Butler County Extension Office after 22 years of service.

W. Dean Goodell, Ottawa, Kansas, began his second term on the board of directors of the Kansas Land Trust.

He is the board president.

Douglas C. “Doug” Thompson, Wichita, Kansas, retired from LK Architecture after 42 years.

78

Eric J. Atkinson ’78, ’82, Alma, Kansas, retired from Kansas State University. He was a professor, radio specialist and agriculture director of the K-State Radio Network.

Gail L. Eyestone, Manhattan, Kansas, retired from the College of Veterinary Medicine at Kansas State University after 20 years of service.

Debbie L. “Deb” Nuss ’78, ’97, Manhattan, Kansas, received the Spirit of Martin Luther King Jr. Community Service Award from the Manhattan Martin Luther King Jr. Memorial Committee.

79

David A. “Dave” Nichols ’79, ’82, Manhattan, Kansas, K-State animal sciences and industry professor, retired.

Patrick P. Parke ’79, ’81, Hays, Kansas, was listed in Ingram’s 50 Kansans You Should Know in 2021. He is the chief executive officer at Midwest Energy.

80

Terri A. Beck Kretzmeier, Iola, Kansas, retired from K-State Research and Extension.

Melinda L. Bever Sinn ’80, ’85, Manhattan, Kansas, retired from Kansas State University Global Campus after more than 40 years. She was an alumni services coordinator.

Jeffery B. “Jeff” Morris, Manhattan, Kansas, retired as K-State’s vice president for communications and marketing. He was the first person to hold the role and instituted a successful, award-winning integrated marketing strategy for the university.

82 83

Susan Oltjen Hammond, Manhattan, Kansas, is the owner of Endless Travel LLC.

Lillian V. Woods Shawver, Laurel, Maryland, retired from the U.S. Department of Agriculture, Natural Resources Conservation Service after 40 years of federal service. She was the director for the International Programs Division.

84

Kenton L. Julian ’84, ’91, Hudson Oaks, Texas, retired from BNSF Railway.

ANNIVERSARIES 69 Alan F. Kessler and Karen Kessler (fr), Cedar Rapids, Iowa, celebrated their 50th wedding anniversary March 4, 2022.

70

Michael J. Kemper and Mariana C. Kohake Kemper, Logan, Kansas, celebrated their 50th wedding anniversary Dec. 27, 2021.

Dr. James R. Kenyon ’70, ’75 and Cynthia L. Staley Kenyon ’71, Cedar Falls, Iowa celebrated their 50th wedding anniversary June 12, 2021.

71

Mary V. “Ginny” Graham Bair and Harold H. Bair Jr. ’72, Wichita, Kansas, celebrated their 50th wedding anniversary Aug. 21, 2021.

Lynn W. Mayer, Marysville, Kansas, was named to Ingram’s 50 Kansans You Should Know 2022 edition. He is president of The Citizens State Bank.

85

James A. “Jim” Jacobs, Wichita, Kansas, was promoted to senior vice president of risk, finance and accounting at Credit Union of America.

Bradley J. “Brad” Razook, Wichita, Kansas, was named to Ingram’s 50 Kansans You Should Know in 2021. He is the executive vice president and CEO of Resources for Koch Industries Inc. Kevin E. Steward, Truro, Iowa, was promoted to sales enablement specialist at Land O’ Lakes Inc./Winfield Solutions.

Cindy L. Wallis-Lage, Leawood, Kansas, president of the water business at Black & Veatch, has been elected to the National Academy of Engineering.

86

Blake J. Flanders ’86, ’89, ’04, Topeka, Kansas, was named to Ingram’s 2022 Icons of Education list. He is the president and CEO of the Kansas Board of Regents.

Jon N. Freund ’86, ’87, ’92, Valley Center, Kansas, retired after 34 years of service to the Farm Credit System, including the past seven with American AgCredit.

Thomas J. Kelly, Carlisle, Pennsylvania, retired from federal civil service with the U.S. Army after 39 years.

Linda L. Moeder Salem, Salina, Kansas, was named to Ingram’s 50 Kansans You Should Know 2022 edition.

She is the CEO of Great Plains Manufacturing.

87

David Denton, Charlotte, North Carolina, is the chief financial officer and executive vice president of Pfizer.

88

Robert C. “Bob” Copple ’88, ’89, Manhattan, Kansas, was named to Ingram’s 50 Kansans You Should Know 2022 edition. He is the CEO of Ascension Via Christi’s Manhattan hospital. He also received the Kansas Society of Professional Engineers Outstanding Citizen of the Year Award from the Tri-Valley Chapter.

89

Tracy D. Anderson, Manhattan, Kansas, was selected as the C. Clyde Jones Volunteer of the Year at the 97th Annual Meeting of the Manhattan Area Chamber of Commerce.

Col. George B. LaVezzi Jr., Manhattan, Kansas, received the Team Award of Excellence from K-State’s Carl R. Ice College of Engineering.

CLASS NOTES The K-State Alumni Association welcomes the new fully paid life members from April 1, 2022, through June 30, 2022.

We greatly appreciate their loyal support of the Alumni Association and Kansas State University.

Milton E Ahlerich `68 Gregory Dean Akins `93 Jennifer Kay Allen `92 Emily Jean Armbrust `22 Ella JaneMarie Bahr `22 Samuel Stehley Barker `14 Deanna M Basgall `84 Paul A Basgall `83 Matthew A Benoit `07

Rebecca S Benoit `07 Baylee Bloom `22 Raquel Elizabeth Borck `16 Drew James Bradshaw `21 Lauren Katherine Braun `18 Marcel James Braun Jr `18 Ryan Daniel Brewer `08 Mary Carolyn Briles `90 Scott Douglas Briles `84

Marcus L Bryant `03 Tammy M Bryant `01 Darcy Nicole Burton `13 Holly Noel Bycroft `13 Jonathan George Bycroft `19 Henry Lawrence Cahill `21 Jill Elizabeth Chittum `99 Cherie Jean Clemons `96 Daniel Shelby Clemons Jr `94 David Lyndon Convy `13 Arthur S DeGroat `04 David G Delker `73 Amy S Dible `01 Tracy S Dible `01 Shannon R Diederich-Akins `00 Emileigh Sue Dinkel `22 Tracy Rene Doile-McHatton `02 Allison Nicole Doll `18 Jacob R Eisenbise `05 Timothy Richard Ellis `07 Aaron Scott Engelman `11 Robin L Eubank-Callis `02 Taylor Ann Fairleigh `21 Scott R Fikan `08 Shelby Marie Fowler `18 Alyssa Morgan Frey `19 Chelsey Brianna Frihart `12 Jordan Thomas Frihart `12 William Scot Gammill `07 Victor M Garcia-Ortiz `81 Ashley Nicole Garrison-Moyer `15 Jennifer L Gerlach `10 Meghan Elizabeth Gillmore `22 Beverly A Greenwood `72 Susan Lynn Griffiths `85 Justin Paul Grim `22 Priscila Amanda Guzman `22 Maggie Renee Hamilton `22 Manuel J F Hernandez `00 Maureen Carney Hernandez Laura Marie Heyd Jimenez `08 Allison Marie High `10 Heather S Hlad `11 Randall Douglas Hobrock `02 Mitchell Ronald Hopkins `04 Douglas Lee Hufford `80 Jonathan Loren Hullman `05 Barbara J Huston George Winton Huston II `84 Felix Antonio Jimenez `20 Brandon Scott Jones `18 Cameron Elizabeth Jones `22

Jennifer Christine Jones `19 Dylan Rae Jordan `18 Mary Katherine Ketel `22 Grant Lee Kohlmeier `14 Christopher Lynn Kriley `90 Julia A Kriley `91 Brett Anthony Kunze `03 Derrick James Leggett `17 Hannah Beth Leonard `20 Reece Gilbert Leonard `20 Darrel Eugene Link `96 Alex Michael Lopez `14 Thai Lopez `22 Maria Faith Martin `21 Su-Ella McKinzie `92 Cheryl Mellenthin Kina Ann Mendoza `08 Hayley Danielle Merz `18 Paul Thomas Miller `88 Scott Leon Mills `87 McKayla Rose Moore `10 Benjamin Thomas Murphy `10 Tracy Kay Murphy `10 Jill Diane Murray `83 Matt William Murray Jeanette Myers `83 Laverne Roy Myers `66 Channing Alexander Navis `10 Krista M Neely `15 Kyle Joseph Neely `15 Matthew Carter Nerz `17 Beth Michelle Nichol `07 Levi T Nichol `06 Karen Mosier Nicholson `91 Hannah M Nunnenkamp-Engelman `11 Brandon Michael Oakes `07 Theresa L Oakes `08 H Mitchell Ochs IV `05 Chandler John Ostmeyer `22 Russel Peter Pacala Jr `81 Jeremy Steven Page `10 Michele Kay Parde `01 Amanda Michelle Paul `17 Elaina Susan Pivovar `18 Mitchell Pivovar `18 Michael Ray Pope `08 Shannon Elizabeth Pope `11 Emily Marie Porter `17 Nicole Louise Pracht `17 Tyler Keith Pracht `13 Joanne Marie Preston `82 Taylor L Preston `81

Carl Walker Prioleau `17 Libby Lee Queen `12 Richard Bernard Quint Jr `84 Will Rau `22 Scott Thomas Rauth `84 Esther Linda Ray Mason Robert Ray `12 Michael Neil Ray `10 Patricia Jane Reedy `05 Christopher Alan Rhodes `12 Victoria Lynn Michelle Rhodes `12 Matthew William Roberts `09 Carlos Ray Rodriquez `10 Jennifer Ann Rodriquez `07 Robert Mason Schartz `22 Jay R Schlegel `01 Katelyn Marie Schmidtberger `11 Keith J Schmidtberger `10 Oliver Joseph Schmitz `21 Brandon W R Schroeter `07 Melanie D Schroeter `07 Amy Lynne Shipman `01 Barry James Shotts `86 Brigit Shotts Douglas E Shoup `00 Lara L Shoup `05 Linda S Sieck `85 Audrey Lynn Sinn `06 Brandon Lee Sinn `10 Isaac Smallwood `22 Johari Simone Snell `22 Kelsey Nichole Spencer `11 Megan Virginia Sramek `08 Sally J Stevens `74 John Sullivan `22 Donnie James Tabares `08 Cathy Taylor Gene Taylor Steven Michael Theede `74 Collin Lee Thompson `22 Laura Jamison Uber `16 James Michael Ubert `03 Tanner Marshall Ukele `22 Sarah Elizabeth Vogt `12 Tyler Marie Vondracek `22 Pamela Ann Walker `04 Christina Renee Wallis `12 Jacob Elijah Wallis `22 Pamela Weber Paul J Weber `81 Kerry B Wefald `98 Rosemary A Wilkerson `00

To view a list of all fully paid life members, visit k-state.com/LifeMembers. Special pricing is available for recent K-State graduates.

If you would like to become a life member of the K-State Alumni Association, to make corrections to the information listed above, or for additional information, please contact Megan Reichenberger ’11 at mreichenberger@k-state.com.

K - S TAT E R

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CLASS NOTES

90

Susan J. Thompson Keith ’90, ’00, Ellsworth, Kansas, retired after 31 years of teaching music in the Ellsworth school district.

Andrea Krug Krauss ’90, ’99, Russell, Kansas, was named to Ingram’s 50 Kansans You Should Know in 2021. She works at John O. Farmer/KIOGA. Kevin C. McCoy, Florence, Kansas, retired from federal service. He spent 25 years working at the Bureau of Land Management and seven years with the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers.

Charles R. Morrison, Southlake, Texas, is the CEO of Salad and Go, an Arizona-based drive-thru restaurant with 50 locations.

91

Ronald S. Ewing, Chanhassen, Minnesota, was promoted to partner, chief construction and architecture officer and executive vice president at Dominium.

Matthew J. “Matt” Meade, Stilwell, Kansas, is the director of learning and organizational development for the Kansas City Area Transportation Authority.

92

Shannon E. Casebeer, Manhattan, Kansas, received the Larry E. and Laurel Erickson Public Service Award from K-State’s Carl R. Ice College of Engineering.

Kimberly K. “Kim” Ohlde Savage, Topeka, Kansas, was promoted to vice president of FHLBank Topeka.

93

Jana L. Denning ’93, ’95, Washington, D.C., is the government affairs director for Professional Aviation Safety Specialists (PASS) AFL-CIO. She also is president of the Aero Club of Washington.

Stephanie J. Donker Moran, Topeka, Kansas, is the

senior vice president of innovation at GO Topeka.

MARRIAGES

94

11

95

18

Jeff A. Paszkiewicz, Austin, Texas, is the business operations manager, North America, wholesale, for Ralph Lauren.

Jayme N. Morris-Hardeman ’95, ’98, received the Susan M. Scott Community Leadership Award from the Staley School of Leadership.

Navy Capt. Kenneth R. “Ken” Russell, Gulf Breeze, Florida, was promoted to commodore of Training Air Wing Six at Naval Air Station in Pensacola, Florida.

96

Susan K. Romoser Heil ’96, ’01, Silver Spring, Maryland, was promoted to managing researcher for the American Institutes for Research.

97

Maranda N. Adams Collins, Chanute, Kansas, published her debut novel, On the Run: A Sadie Lynch Novel.

Jennifer Appelhanz Diehl, Shawnee, Kansas, is an associate director, global trial manager at Bristol Meyers Squibb.

Jerrod A. Westfahl, Manhattan, Kansas, is the vice president of investments at Innovative Livestock Services.

99

Dawn M. Fromme, Dittmer, Missouri, is a grossing technologist at Saint Louis University.

Paula L. Hibbard Blizzard, Basehor, Kansas, was recognized by Ingram’s magazine in the 2022 Heroes in Healthcare section. She is a senior director for nursing excellence at Children’s Mercy Kansas City.

Dr. Leo H. Becker and Dr. Brianna Henggeler, Leavenworth, Kansas, were married April 16, 2022.

Braden S. Holle and Molly F. Fiser ’20, Salina, Kansas, were married March 26,

2022.

19

Gabrielle Meeds ’19, and Benjamin Leavitt, Anchorage, Alaska, were married March 19, 2021.

21

Reese J. Burnett and Hannah L. Ryan, Carpenter, Wyoming, were married May 21, 2022.

Aaron D. Heft and Ashton L. Snyder, Greensburg, Kansas, were married April 16, 2022.

01

Todd A. Knight, Wichita, Kansas, was named to Ingram’s 50 Kansans You Should Know in 2021 list. He is the vice president at McCownGordon Construction.

Dr. Suzann F. Thompson Bouray, Ellinwood, Kansas, completed a doctorate in Educational Leadership at Liberty University in Lynchburg, Virginia.

02

Erin C. Moore ’02, ’09, Manhattan, Kansas, is the director of principal gift operations at the KSU Foundation.

FOLLOWING THE ’CATS THIS FALL? JOIN US: K-STATE.COM/PREGAMES

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CLASS NOTES

98

Darren Von Goedeke ’98 and Beth Goedeke, Nevada, Missouri, announce the birth of Jonas Andrew, June 11, 2021.

02 06

Emily L. Rollheiser, Mission, Kansas, announces the birth of Louise Austen, May 5, 2022.

Melissa K. Conrad McClarty and Justin D. McClarty ’09, Wichita, Kansas, announce the birth of Alexandra Kay, Feb. 14, 2022.

Benjamin J. Doyle and Jessica K. Smith Doyle ’06, ’13, Overland Park, Kansas, announce the birth of Seth Smith Doyle, March 1, 2022.

07

Lillian F. Brzostowski ’07, ’10 and Robert Ziegler, Wildwood, Missouri, announce the birth of Solomon George, Feb. 2, 2022.

08

Benjamin R. Tryon and Jennifer E. Bolton Tryon ’09, Conroe, Texas, announce the birth of Charles Joseph, Nov. 16, 2021.

09

Trini M. Najera Murguia and Nicholas Murguia, Kansas City, Kansas, announce the birth of Imara Murguia, Jan. 11, 2022.

03

James F. Armbrust, Orlando, Florida, is the regional sales manager at Becker Boards.

Gretchen D. Hammes ’03, ’04, Cayman Islands, was promoted to an audit partner specializing in financial services at KPMG.

04

Morgan D. Fisher, Doha, Qatar, is the assistant dean of curricular and academic advising at the Edmund A. Walsh School of Foreign Service, Georgetown University-Qatar. She is a member of the K-State Alumni Association board of directors.

Jason R. Lane, Newton, Kansas, is the district court judge in the 9th Judicial District of Kansas.

Elizabeth A. Price Turner, Mount Pleasant, South Carolina, is a senior electrical engineer at BR+A. Suzanne M. Ryan-Numrich ’04, ’07, Manhattan, Kansas, was named to Ingram’s 50 Kansans You Should Know 2022 edition. She is the international trade director at the Kansas Department of Agriculture.

05

April A. Chancellor, Naperville, Illinois, is board president for the Mitchell Museum of the American Indian.

Chad R. Esslinger, Kansas City, Missouri, was named to the 40 Under 40 Class of 2022 by Ingram’s. He is a certified financial advisor and wealth management advisor at Northwestern Mutual | Esslinger Financial.

Stephanie A. Grecian Siders, Leawood, Kansas, was named to the 40 Under Forty Class of 2022 by Ingram’s.

She is an investment banker at CC Capital Advisors.

Andrew C. Lawson, Arkansas City, Kansas, is the communications manager and public information officer for the City of Manhattan.

BIRTHS

10

Dr. Adam H. Love and Robyn M. Russell Love, Olathe, Kansas, announce the birth of Landon Heath, April 30, 2021.

Caitlin M. Powell Chidsey, Olathe, Kansas, announces the birth of Cartor James, Jan. 27, 2022.

Thomas P. Worcester and Shannon J. Worcester, Grand Forks, North Dakota, announce the birth of triplets Atalie Dorothy, Brielle Pearl and Caleb Scott on May 24, 2022.

11

Matthew T. Giller ’11, ’14 and Jodie L. Sager Giller, Manhattan, Kansas, announce the birth of Collins Lea, March 20, 2022.

Micah J. Holden and Janet E. Peak Holden ’12, Weir, Kansas, announce the birth of Joseph David, Oct. 1, 2021.

Casandra J. Robinson Peters and Josh Peters Olathe, Kansas, announce the birth of Declan E., April 4, 2022.

12

Ashley C. Heptig VanGilder and Jeremiah T. VanGilder ’13, Westmoreland, Kansas, announce the birth of Peter James, April 16, 2022.

Caitlin N. Riley Schwartz and Macklin Schwartz, Columbus, Nebraska, announce the birth of Nathaniel James, April 11, 2022.

07

Douglas W. Baier, Denver, Colorado, is an attorney at Hall & Evans, LLC. Dana M. Schoendaller Hunter ’07, ’09, St. George, Kansas, is the senior director of development at Biblica.

08 09

Julie A. Huse ’08, ’11, Overland Park, Kansas, is a clinical study manager at ICON PLC.

Erin E. Staab Dunn, Plainfield, Illinois, is the regional operations manager at Elevate K12.

Salena M. Strate Sauber, St. George, Kansas, graduated from the Leadership Manhattan 2022 program. She is the director of communications for the K-State Alumni Association.

Steven K. Townsend, Lawrence, Kansas, was promoted to first vice president at FHLBank Topeka.

Erin E. Wetta Weissinger, Wichita, Kansas, was promoted to salesforce supervisor at Intrust Bank.

10

Christy M. Mog, Cordova, Alaska, is a district archaeologist for the Cordova Ranger District on the Chugach National Forest.

11

Dr. Leo H. Becker, Leavenworth, Kansas, is the president of the Kansas City Veterinary Medical Association for 2022.

Kelsey N. Flickner Spencer, Lawrence, Kansas, is a school counselor at Topeka Public Schools.

Emily A. King Benedick, Beloit, Kansas, is the community development director for Mitchell County.

12

Caitlin N. Riley Schwartz, Columbus, Nebraska, received a Master of Science in Instructional Specialist: Elementary STEM from Emporia State University.

She will teach first grade for Columbus Public Schools.

14

Blair L. Diel Dyer and Alex Dyer, Rogers, Arkansas, announce the birth of Collin Jay, Nov. 5, 2021.

Lisa M. Henderson Suellentrop and Gregory Suellentrop ’15, Junction City, Kansas, announce the birth of Charlie, July 26, 2021.

15

Logan L. Britton ’15, ’16 and Brady NordhusBritton ’16, Manhattan, Kansas, announce the birth of Fulton Joseph, May 23, 2022.

McKayla A. Brubaker Nichols and Cody Ray Nichols, Minneapolis, Kansas, announce the birth of Callie Ann, May 31, 2022.

Joseph D. Thomas and Haley M. Wiechman Thomas, Saint Paul, Minnesota, announce the birth of Ezren James, May 3, 2022.

16

Kaylee S. Engle Sundeen ’16, ’21 and Seth R. Sundeen, Shawnee, Kansas, announce the birth of Graham Robert, Feb. 19, 2022.

Danae C. Leppke Hitz ’16, ’19 and Colin G. Hitz ’17, Shawnee, Kansas, announce the birth of Kasen Everett, March 17, 2021.

Kaitlyn M. McNally Schmidt ’16, ’19 and Kendall D. Schmidt, Hattiesburg, Mississippi, announce the birth of Henry “Hank” Kendall, March 4, 2022.

13 14

John M. Walter, Manhattan, Kansas, is the chief development officer at LEANLAB Education.

Maria J. Betzold Childs, Manhattan, Kansas, is senior manager of communications and public relations at the Kansas 4-H Foundation.

Callie S. Friedrich Lehman, Linn, Kansas, was promoted to annual giving manager and development officer at the Kansas 4-H Foundation.

Jennafer A. Gaines Sevart, Peabody, Kansas, was promoted to supervisor at USPS. Brett E. Seidl ’14, ’20, Manhattan, Kansas, is director, partner development, for EAB. Jared L. Wasinger ’14, ’16, Manhattan, Kansas, was promoted to assistant city manager for the city of Manhattan.

16

Dylan R. McKenzie, Arlington Heights, Illinois, is an HR business partner with Performance Contracting Group.

17

Austin C. Butterfield, Shawnee, Kansas, was promoted to business development manager for Shamrock Trading Corp.

18

Arturo Sanchez, Dallas, Texas, is a senior consultant, strategy and finance transformation for The Hackett Group Inc.

19

Samuel G. Davis ’19, ’21, Coatesville, Pennsylvania, is a project manager at Clemens Food Group.

Laura E. Robertson, Kansas City, Missouri, is a registered nurse, BSN, at KU Medical Center.

Katherine L. Sundgren ’19, ’21, Omaha, Nebraska,

K - S TAT E R

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CLASS NOTES is a 4-H youth development assistant in Douglas-Sarpy counties for the University of Nebraska-Lincoln.

20

Kellsie L. Corrigan, Overland Park, Kansas, is a financial account representative at Shamrock Trading Corporation.

Kristen R. Dolf, Manhattan, Kansas, was promoted to assistant to the city manager for the city of Manhattan.

Derek J. Gimson, Lawrence, Kansas, was promoted to lead customer experience specialist at Quottly, Inc. Jenna M. Hennerberg, Kansas City, Missouri, is an associate auditor at BKD LLP. Kurt M. Moldrup, Manhattan, Kansas, is interim director of the Riley County Police Department.

Evan J. Tschosik, Olathe, Kansas, was promoted to operations manager at Amazon.

21

Taylor M. Alley, Shawnee, Kansas, is a technical analyst at 1898 & Co. Jenae J. Anderson, Wathena, Kansas, is a college adviser with College Advising Corps.

Carolyn Carter, Detroit, Michigan, is the vice president of institutional advancement, marketing and communications at Saint Augustine’s University.

Sydney A. Clements, Borger, Texas, is a process engineer at Phillips 66.

Jenna M. Engel, Wichita, Kansas, is an associate AIA at GLMV Architecture.

William Z. Flowers, Denver, Colorado, is the deputy

ak-statesman.com Home of the official K-State Blazer!

director of aviation at Colorado Air and Space Port.

Chelsey L. Horney, Littleton, Colorado, is a recruiter at Kimley-Horn.

Maria F. Martin, Wichita, Kansas, is an associate wealth adviser at Gentry Private Wealth.

Justin R. McCullick, Lenexa, Kansas, is a National sales rep at ATS Logistics Services Inc. Ryan A. Nelson, Belleville, Kansas, is a band teacher for the Republic County School District.

Emma E. Pettay, Fayetteville, Arkansas, is a customer experience representative with J.B. Hunt Transport Services.

Brittany N. Schale, Prairie Village, Kansas, is a financial analyst at Essense of Australia.

Cameron J. Smith, Overland Park, Kansas, is an architectural engineer with InSite Group.

Mardi M. Traskowsky, West Caldwell, New Jersey, is a technical miller at Bay State Milling.

Dr. Brooke M. Warren, Alva, Florida, is a veterinarian at Van Roekel and Associates.

Rachel L. Woodard, Derby, Kansas, is an interior designer with Textron Aviation.

22

Cadence “Cade” Ciesielski, Park City, Kansas, was awarded the Ruth Weimer Mount Fellowship from the Mortar Board Foundation.

Vedant Kulkarni, Manhattan, Kansas, is one of five finalists for the Starlington Prize for Extraordinary Mortar Board Membership.

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Marissa Lux, Manhattan, Kansas, received recognition for her service on the Riley County Police Community Advisory Board.

FACULTY/STAFF

Richard H. Linton, Manhattan, Kansas, president of Kansas State University, has joined the board of directors of TechAccel LLC. Wendy Ornelas, Manhattan, Kansas, was selected as a juror for the American Institute of Architects 2022 Honors Awards Jury for two of the highest honors of the institute, the Gold Medal and the Firm of the Year. She is a professor of architecture at K-State.

FRIENDS

Christine Benne, Manhattan, Kansas, is the military relations coordinator at the Greater Manhattan Community Foundation.

Richard Hammond, Manhattan, Kansas, is a senior project manager at ISI. Terry D. Holdren, Manhattan, Kansas, was named to Ingram’s 50 Kansans You Should Know 2022 edition. He is the CEO and general counsel at Kansas Farm Bureau.

Beth Unger, Manhattan, Kansas, received an alumni achievement award from Mortar Board.

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REMEMBERING

Veryl Switzer ’54, ’74 K-Stater file photos; Photo frames: istock.com/subjug

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1932 - 2022

K-State legend, trailblazer Veryl Switzer passes away at 89

BY K-STATE ATHLETICS A charter member of the K-State Athletics Hall of Fame and K-State Football Ring of Honor, former Wildcat halfback Veryl Switzer ’54, ’74 passed away on June 4 at the age of 89.

One of the best overall athletes in K-State history, Switzer also was a trailblazer and opened the doors for many that followed him, as he was the first African American scholarship player to graduate from K-State.

“Today is a sad day for Kansas State University,” Athletics Director Gene Taylor said. “Veryl was one of the most influential and impactful K-Staters in our lifetime and helped pave the way for so many others to follow in his footsteps. He will be forever remembered as a true trailblazer as we keep his family and friends in our thoughts and prayers.”

Switzer’s K-State legacy began in 1950 when he accepted an athletic scholarship, and he went on to pick up All-America honors in three consecutive seasons from 1951 to 1953. One of the most well-rounded players in the school’s history, he was a team leader in practically every statistical category. He led the team in rushing in 1952 and 1953, while he was one of the best punt returners in school history. Nearly 70 years after his final season as a Wildcat, he still ranks in the top 10 for a career in five punt-return categories: touchdowns (2nd; 3), longest return (3rd; 93), yards (6th; 596), average (6th; 14.2) and attempts (9th; 42).

Voted the team’s most inspirational player in 1953, the Wildcats broke a string of five straight seventhplace finishes in the Big Seven that year by skyrocketing to second.

Switzer’s success wasn’t limited to the football field though. He was the Big Seven indoor long jump champion in 1952 and garnered three letters in track and field.

Following his senior season, Switzer was a favorite invitee of the college all-star games. He co-captained the West team in the 1954 East/West Shrine Game and was the runner-up for MVP honors. He earned the same honor in the Chicago Tribune’s College All-Star game against the World Champion Detroit Lions.

Switzer was the first halfback and the fourth player overall selected in the 1954 NFL Draft by the Green Bay Packers. To this day, he remains the highest drafted player in school history. During his rookie season, Switzer topped the NFL in punt returns with a 13-yard average. However, professional football was interrupted for Switzer from 1956 to 1958 as he entered the U.S. Air Force as a first lieutenant. It was back to the gridiron in 1958 when he played for the Calgary Stampeders of the Canadian Football League. He completed his pro stint in the CFL with the Montreal Alouettes from 1959 to 1960.

Following his playing days, Switzer spent a decade working at the Chicago Board of Education before returning to K-State in an administrative capacity in 1969. At first, he was charged to develop the school’s first university-wide student minority program. Additionally, Switzer wrote the original grant proposal and was awarded one of the nation’s comprehensive federal programs for minority student support, which went to educational support services and talent search.

Many programs – some that are still in motion today – were developed under Switzer’s leadership, including Ebony Theater, United Black Voices, Hispanic advocacy groups, Black Alumni Reunion and Black Student Union. For decades, the university enjoyed increased student enrollments and graduation rates and attracted more faculty and staff of color, all a direct product of Switzer’s energy and passion for students. He then went on to work in the athletic department until his retirement.

Switzer graduated from K-State in 1954 with a degree in physical education, while he earned his master’s in education from K-State in 1974.

Switzer was a charter member of the K-State Athletics Hall of Fame (1990) and K-State Football Ring of Honor (2002). He also is a member of the Kansas All Sports Hall of Fame and the Big Eight Sportswriters Football Hall of Fame.

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COLLEGE KEY:

CLASS IN MEMORIAM NOTES

AG - Agriculture

W

e honor the lives of these Kansas State University graduates, former students, faculty, staff and friends, as we mourn their passing and recognize their contributions to K-State and their communities.

If you’d like to share an obituary announcement with us, email us at alumni@k-state.com or mail your information to Alumni Records, 100 Alumni Center, 1720 Anderson Avenue, Manhattan, KS 66506-1001.

To make a memorial gift, please contact the KSU Foundation at 833-448-3578 or foundation@ ksufoundation.org.

AI - School of Applied and Interdisciplinary Studies APD - Architecture, Planning and Design AS - Arts and Sciences BA - Business Administration ED - Education EN - Carl R. Ice College of Engineering HHS - Health and Human Sciences TC - Technology and Aviation VM - Veterinary Medicine

41 42 43

Mary L. Mossman Henderson ’41 (HHS), Reinbeck, Iowa, April 2, 2022.

Donald D. McCollister ’42 (AS), Midland, Michigan, Feb. 7, 2022.

Mary M. Arnold Erlanger ’43 (AS), Redding, Connecticut, March 16, 2022.

Harold Z. Mason ’43 (BA), Kansas City, Missouri, Feb. 23, 2022.

44 45

Zora Zimmerman Weir ’44 (HHS), Arkansas City, Kansas, April 13, 2022.

Lois E. Johnson Swanson ’45 (AS), Cleveland, Ohio, March 26, 2022.

46 47

Barbara J. Dial Thomas ’46 (AS), Tulsa, Oklahoma, March 27, 2022.

Esta Schneider Glessner ’47 (HHS), Junction City, Kansas, March 27, 2022.

James D. Sharpe ’47 (AS), Hartland, Wyoming, April 8, 2022.

48

Betty Betsher Glotzbach ’48 (BA), Prosper, Texas, Nov. 29, 2021.

M. Joan George Hinderaker ’48 (HHS), Willmar, Minnesota, April 13, 2022.

Robert E. Harrison, Ph.D. ’48 (EN, AS), Mission Viejo, California, Feb. 10, 2022.

Jean E. Johnson, Ph.D. ’48 (HHS), Madison, Wisconsin, Jan. 23, 2022.

49

Dean W. Arnold ’49 (BA), Colorado Springs, Colorado, Feb. 5, 2022.

Jean P. Greenough McKenzie ’49 (HHS), Sanibel, Florida, May 4, 2022.

Helen Hammond Neff ’49 (AS), Portage, Michigan, April 18, 2022.

Elmer V. Keech ’49 (EN), Wichita, Kansas, March 27, 2022.

Charles H. Neighbor ’49 (EN, BA), Roanoke, Virginia, April 23, 2022.

50

Loren G. Arnold ’50 (EN), Tucson, Arizona, March 26, 2022.

Dorothy A. Bettenbrock Thomas ’50 (HHS), Ellsworth, Kansas, April 9, 2022.

Daniel O. Cain ’50 (AG), Topeka, Kansas, March 5, 2022.

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IN CLASS MEMORIAM NOTES Galen C. Christiansen ’50 (AS), Columbus, Kansas, April 21, 2022.

Raymond L. “Ray” Everson ’50 (APD), Hutchinson, Kansas, Feb. 26, 2022.

Addie M. Lambert Lyons ’50 (AS), Janesville, Wisconsin, April 13, 2022.

Clifford P. “Cliff” Leighton ’50 (EN), Wichita, Kansas, April 4, 2022.

Kenneth W. Stover ’50 (EN), Houston, Texas, March 6, 2022.

Calvin C. Winter ’50 (AS), Great Bend, Kansas, Feb. 15, 2022.

Frederic K. Wrigley ’50 (EN), Fairbury, Nebraska, March 11, 2022.

51

Eldon B. Gifford ’51 (EN, APD), Albany, Oregon, March 11, 2022.

Burton A. Gordon ’51 (BA), Olathe, Kansas, April 24, 2022.

Robert C. Olsen ’51 (EN), Fishers, Indiana, March 10, 2022.

Janet Ray Freeby ’51, ’76 (AS), Manhattan, Kansas, April 22, 2022.

Gale S. Roush ’51 (EN), Greenville, South Carolina, Feb. 27, 2022.

Dr. W Joel Wurster ’52 (AS), Parkville, Missouri, April 29, 2022.

53

Leo L. Birzer ’53 (APD), Wichita, Kansas, April 23, 2022.

Charles E. “C.E.” Hartford ’53 (EN), Greenville, Texas, April 17, 2022.

Richard W. “Dick” Knostman ’53 (BA), Wickenburg, Arizona, March 16, 2022.

Paul E. Marti Jr. ’53 (APD), St. Louis, Missouri, April 1, 2022.

Joseph E. Unger ’53, ’57 (AG), Tulsa, Oklahoma, Feb. 3, 2022.

54

Betty Buckmaster Wood ’54 (AS), ’82 (ED), Valley Center, Kansas, March 21, 2022.

Janet L. Merridith Brookover ’54 (AS), Fort Collins, Colorado, Feb. 12, 2022.

Col. William R. Vlach ’54 (BA), Pleasant Hope, Missouri, April 9, 2022.

55

Charlotte E. Berkihiser King ’55 (AS), St. Louis, Missouri, May 6, 2022.

Ellen Lehman Klover ’55 (AS), Halstead, Kansas, April 14, 2022.

Phyllis J. McMullen Hutchins ’55 (AS), Chesterfield, Missouri, March 22, 2022.

Willard A. Wright ’55 (BA), ’58, ’59 (AS), Austin, Texas, Feb. 15, 2022.

52

Leonard F. Dickeson ’52 (EN), Wichita, Kansas, Feb. 9, 2022.

Patricia Lawrence Chrisler ’52 (HHS), Winfield, Kansas, April 13, 2022.

Richard L. Mettle ’52 (AS), Longview, Texas, April 17, 2022.

Mabel L. Woods Moore ’52 (HHS), Banning, California, July 31, 2021.

56

Frank G. Aines ’56 (EN), Silver Spring, Maryland, March 27, 2022.

Leon J. Coup ’56 (BA), Hope, Kansas, March 2, 2022.

Charles E. Dolsberry IV ’56 (BA), Oro Valley, Ari-

zona, April 4, 2022.

Max T. Goss ’56 (AS), Prairie Village, Kansas, Feb. 11, 2022.

Thayne L. Kraus ’56 (EN), Sun City West, Arizona, March 23, 2022.

Gerald D. Lindeman ’56 (BA), Manhattan, Kansas, May 3, 2022.

Darryl E. Smika, Ph.D. ’56, ’69 (AG), Hays, Kansas, March 17, 2022.

57

Diane G. Brainard Weixelman ’57 (AS), Fort Collins, Colorado, Feb. 27, 2022.

Walter H. Dietz ’57 (EN), Wichita, Kansas, March 26, 2022.

Theodore J. “Jim” Goering, Ph.D. ’57 (AG), North Newton, Kansas, April 13, 2022.

Donald K. Lancaster ’57 (AS), Cathedral City, California, March 4, 2022.

Dolan K. McDaniel ’57 (AS), Plano, Texas, Feb. 14, 2022.

Loren W. McMurray ’57 (BA), Sun Lakes, Arizona, April 27, 2022.

Howard B. McPhail ’57 (EN), Ames, Iowa, April 12, 2022.

Merle B. “Bones” Nay ’57 (AS), Hutchinson, Kansas, May 6, 2022.

I.B. “Sonny” Rundell ’57 (AG), Syracuse, Kansas, March 11, 2022.

Harry L. Shank Jr. ’57 (AS), Arlington, Texas, Oct. 31, 2021.

Galen E. Ward ’57 (AS), Bullhead City, Arizona, Feb. 17, 2022.

EDUCATION | PROFESSIONAL DEVELOPMENT olathe.k-state.edu

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IN MEMORIAM

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IN CLASS MEMORIAM NOTES

58

Thomas L. “Tom” Alley ’58 (EN), Rancho Palos Verdes, California, Dec. 18, 2021.

Walter L. “Larry” Atzenweiler ’58 (AS), Leawood, Kansas, Feb. 24, 2022.

Reinhart B. Billiar, Ph.D. ’58 (AG), Worcester, Massachusetts, Feb. 16, 2022.

Arnold L. Bollenbacher ’58 (AG), Bluffton, South Carolina, March 15, 2022.

Barbara J. Gearhart Mosbarger ’58 (ED), Goodland, Kansas, Feb. 20, 2022.

Melvin D. “Dan” Hutchins ’58 (AG), Scott City, Kansas, April 25, 2022.

Elsie B. Johnston Speer ’58 (BA), Dighton, Kansas, March 29, 2022.

Rosalyn E. Rowell Burmeister ’58 (AS), Littleton, Colorado, Feb. 4, 2022.

Anthony F. Schmidt ’58 (EN), Richardson, Texas, Feb. 14, 2022.

Mary L. “Mary Lou” Vogelman Jacobs ’58 (HHS), Oro Valley, Arizona, April 7, 2022.

59

Carlton A. Bird ’59 (EN), Emporia, Kansas, Feb. 7, 2022.

Carol Cilek McDonnell ’59 (AS), Papillion, Nebraska, March 18, 2022.

Bob F. Jones, Ph.D. ’59, ’61 (AG), West Lafayette, Indiana, Feb. 19, 2022.

Wilbert E. Kettner ’59 (EN), Lee’s Summit, Missouri, Feb. 28, 2022.

Norman H. Kronvall ’59 (BA), Grand Junction, Colorado, Feb. 6, 2022.

James P. “Pete” Lindsay ’59 (BA), Estes Park, Colorado, Jan. 12, 2022.

Darrell R. Parnell, Ph.D. ’59 (AS), ’74 (ED), Topeka, Kansas, March 7, 2022.

Robert H. “Bob” Smith, Ph.D. ’59 (EN), Overland Park, Kansas, March 19, 2022.

Barbara J. Train Olson ’59 (HHS), Beaumont, Texas, March 27, 2022.

Cecil E. Vining ’59 (AG), Richmond, Kansas, April 30, 2022.

60

James N. Akin ’60, ’64 (AS), Wamego, Kansas, Feb. 19, 2022.

Stephen A. Douglas, Ph.D. ’60 (AS), Los Angeles, California, April 26, 2022.

John C. Forrest, Ph.D. ’60, ’62 (AG), Zionsville, Indiana, Feb. 23, 2022.

Dr. Arthur W. Gillum ’58 (AS), ’60 (VM), Little Rock, Arkansas, Feb. 1, 2022.

Wayne T. Haas ’60 (EN), Boise, Idaho, Feb. 27, 2022.

Benjamin Leibbrandt ’60 (AG), El Dorado, Kansas, Feb. 12, 2022.

John H. Minsch ’60 (AS), Golden, Colorado, April 3, 2022.

Harold R. “Sam” Salmon ’60 (AG), Placerville, California, June 8, 2022.

Ann Steiner Reid ’60 (AS), Signal Mountain, Tennessee, Feb.10, 2022.

61

Jerry F. Buchheim ’61 (EN), Tarpon Springs, Florida, April 2, 2022.

A. Katherine “Kay” Ekstrom Larson ’61 (HHS), Rock Island, Illinois, March 13, 2022.

Billy R. Emrick ’61 (EN), Albuquerque, New Mexico, March 13, 2022.

George E. Gruen ’61 (EN), Idaho Falls, Idaho, April 13, 2022.

Leroy A. Lang ’61 (AG), Norton, Kansas, March 25, 2022.

Gene F. Morris, Ph.D. ’61 (AS), Maryville, Tennessee, Jan. 15, 2022.

Susan “Sue” Rasher Shuman ’61 (AS), Salina, Kansas, April 4, 2022.

Jane E. Venard Smith ’61 (AS), Tucson, Arizona, March 22, 2022.

62

Charles V. DeGeer ’62, ’66 (AG), Medicine Lodge, Kansas, Feb. 10, 2022.

Anna Mae Edwards Buser ’62 (ED), Audubon, Iowa, April 15, 2022.

Jack L. Hendrix ’62 (AG), Moses Lake, Washington, Jan. 28, 2022.

Darrell W. Wiley ’62 (BA), Alta Vista, Kansas, March 15, 2022.

Lt. Col. Alan E. Yabui ’62 (AS), Pleasanton, California, Feb. 24, 2022.

63

Ronald E. Converse ’63 (AS), Montgomery, Texas, Feb. 13, 2022.

Dr. Dewey F. Gillett ’61 (AS), ’63 (VM), Leavenworth, Kansas, Feb. 7, 2022.

Charles C. Langford ’63, ’65 (AS), Corvallis, Oregon,

Give us a call and set up a tour today!

785.268.8597 | 2500 Farm Bureau Rd, 66502 K - S TAT E R

73

IN MEMORIAM Jan. 23, 2022.

Jimmy D. McNeal ’63 (EN), Barberton, Ohio, March 30, 2022.

Henry E. Ross ’63 (AG), Carrollton, Texas, April 27, 2022.

64

Milford M. Driskill ’64 (BA), Neodesha, Kansas, Feb. 5, 2022.

Donnell L. Dunn ’64 (EN), Terre Haute, Indiana, March 15, 2022.

Zay W. Gilbreath ’64 (AG), College Station, Texas, April 19, 2022.

Rev. L. Earl Pickard III ’64 (AG), Hutchinson, Kansas, Feb. 12, 2022.

Dorothy J. “Jane” Randles Marcy ’64 (ED), Greeley, Colorado, April 14, 2022.

65

Gerald M. Albright ’65 (AG), Delia, Kansas, Feb. 5, 2022.

Rasik Daftary, Ph.D. ’65, ’69 (AG), Springfield, Illinois, Feb. 18, 2022.

John W. Denesha ’65 (APD), Longmont, Colorado, March 28, 2022.

Royal G. Denning ’65 (AG), Reading, Michigan, March 23, 2022.

William J. “Jay” Harrison ’65 (BA), Salado, Texas, Feb. 12, 2022.

Betty J. Roop Gracey ’65 (ED), Cheney, Kansas, March 8, 2022.

Linda J. Rosenkranz Malcom ’65 (AS), O’Fallon, Illinois, March 25, 2022.

Dr. Emma K. “Kaye” Smith ’65 (VM), St. Louis, Missouri, Feb. 18, 2022.

Michael L. “Mike” Wentz ’65 (ED), Concordia, Kansas, Feb. 13, 2022.

66

Richard N. Day ’66 (EN, BA), ’69 (EN), Lake Arrowhead, California, Oct. 22, 2021.

Gloria J. Force Holdsworth ’66 (ED), Lindsborg, Kansas, April 11, 2022.

Dennis G. Gillen, Ph.D. ’66 (AS), Merced, California, Feb. 26, 2022.

Bernie L. Gilmer ’66 (AS), Indianapolis, Indiana, March 22, 2022.

Kathryn “Kathy” Holecek Hill ’66 (ED), McPherson, Kansas, March 23, 2022.

Phillip D. McManus ’66 (BA), Overland Park, Kansas, Jan. 31, 2022.

Deloris M. Musgrave Berland ’66, ’74 (ED), Manhattan, Kansas, May 9, 2022.

Edward L. “Ed” Rork ’66 (BA), Lansing, Michigan, Dec. 22, 2021.

James E. “Jim” Schoenbeck ’66 (BA), Abilene, Kansas, Feb. 16, 2022.

Lawrence D. Seidel ’66 (BA), San Antonio, Texas, March 4, 2022.

Robert E. “Bob” Stauth ’66 (BA), Scottsdale, Arizona, March 7, 2022.

David A. Trowbridge ’66 (APD), Hernando, Florida, Feb. 23, 2022.

William E. “Bill” Wilson ’66 (EN, APD), Cherryvale, Kansas, Feb. 17, 2022.

67

Rosemary C. Callaway Sutton ’67 (HHS), Overland Park, Kansas, Feb. 13, 2022.

Joan M. Campbell Bowersock ’67 (AS), Los Altos, California, March 27, 2022.

Dr. Richard J. Cortesi ’67 (VM), Albuquerque, New Mexico, Aug. 3, 2021.

Thomas J. Donahy ’67 (ED), ’69 (AS), Waterville, Kansas, April 22, 2022.

Robert E. “Bob” George ’67 (BA), Mililani, Hawaii, March 4, 2022.

Roland M. “Michael” Gunn ’67 (BA), Parkville, Missouri, Feb. 10, 2022.

Mary Jo Hirsch Cunningham ’67 (AS), Ellinwood, Kansas, Jan. 30, 2022.

Capt. Patrick C. Kelly ’67 (EN), Madison, Wisconsin, Nov. 14, 2021.

David D. Smith ’67 (HHS), Marion, Kansas, April 17, 2022.

68

Vaughn L. Flora ’68 (AG), Topeka, Kansas, March 17, 2022.

Robert D. Herman, Ph.D. ’68 (AS), Kansas City, Missouri, Feb. 23, 2022.

Larry G. Hess ’68 (EN), Waverly, Kansas, April 8, 2022.

Warren D. Richards ’68 (BA), Denton, Texas, March 7, 2022.

Larry E. Rusink ’68 (BA), Papillion, Nebraska, April 22, 2022.

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IN MEMORIAM

68

Edwin S. Broadwell ’69 (APD), Flagstaff, Arizona, May 11, 2021.

William P. “Bill” Young ’68 (AS), Wichita, Kansas, March 10, 2022.

Leonard D. Atencio, Ph.D. ’69 (AS), Durango, Colorado, March 20, 2022.

Lena L. Clancy ’69 (HHS), Frisco, Texas, April 18, 2022.

Harold G. “Hal” Nagel, Ph.D. ’69 (AG), Wagoner, Oklahoma, March 8, 2022.

Kansas, March 8, 2022.

Ivan R. Hatch ’71 (AS), Topeka, Kansas, April 1, 2022.

Dr. Ralph E. Jewell ’69 (AS), ’71 (VM), Cushing, Oklahoma, Oct. 28, 2021.

Dale F. Langland ’71 (AS), Maringouin, Louisiana, Jan. 31, 2022.

Dana L. Lundstrom Hamilton ’71 (ED), Kansas City, Missouri, March 16, 2022.

David B. McMillin ’71 (AG), Independence, Kansas, Feb. 6, 2022.

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69

Zoe Estes Slinkman ’70 (HHS), Sheridan, Wyoming, April 23, 2022.

William C. “Bill” Fronick ’70 (APD), Lake Sherwood, Missouri, March 15, 2022.

Larry M. Gray ’70 (AS), Champaign, Illinois, March 21, 2022.

Dr. Robert J. Haskins Jr. ’70 (AS), Chanute, Kansas, Feb. 2, 2022.

Robert E. “Bob” Lewis ’70 (AS), Lawrence, Kansas, April 16, 2022.

Gary J. Plumberg ’70, ’77 (AS), ’78, ’81 (BA), Manhattan, Kansas, March 26, 2022.

Bernard L. Pyle ’70 (BA), Topeka, Kansas, March 27, 2022.

Dr. Max R. Russell ’68 (AS), ’70 (VM), Wamego, Kansas, March 11, 2022.

Douglas J. “Doug” Wolters ’70 (AG), Atwood, Kansas, April 23, 2022.

71

Ronald L. Blaesi ’71 (AS), Sharon Springs, Kansas, April 23, 2022.

Janey T. Haslouer Hummel ’71 (AS), Haysville,

William E. Lockhart, Ph.D. ’72 (ED), Wamego, Kansas, Jan. 9, 2022.

Ronnie M. Runnels ’72 (AG), Cache, Oklahoma, March 4, 2022.

73

Thomas A. Briggs Jr. ’73 (AS), Fulton, Missouri, April 26, 2022.

Clark R. Duffy ’73 (AS), Topeka, Kansas, April 17, 2022.

James W. Falk ’73 (BA), Fishers, Indiana, Feb. 7, 2022.

Genitha L. Farrell Clark, Ph.D. ’73, ’95 (ED), Topeka, Kansas, March 22, 2022.

Edward J. Hickey II ’73 (EN), Mission, Kansas, March 23, 2022.

Cora A. Hogan ’73 (ED), Salina, Kansas, June 22, 2021.

Dr. Richard D. “Rick” Jamison ’73 (VM), Sidney, Iowa, May 1, 2022.

Roger A. Jarmer ’73 (AG), Garden City, Kansas, March 12, 2022.

Kathryn K. Wulf ’73 (ED), Wakeeney, Kansas, March 20, 2022.

74

Barbara J. Fiser Ruliffson ’74 (ED), Manhattan, Kansas, May 10, 2022.

David N. Hein, Ph.D. ’74 (AS), ’76, ’81 (EN), Austin, Texas, March 11, 2022.

Jerry B. Huddleston ’74 (ED), Lexington, Oklahoma, Feb. 12, 2022.

Nadine R. Karman Stueve ’74, ’80 (ED), Wamego, Kansas, April 2, 2022.

Maj. (RET) Harry W. Longbottom ’74 (AS), Yuma, Arizona, March 31, 2022.

Nancy L. Pinto-Orton, Ph.D. ’74 (ED), Warsaw, Poland, Feb. 17, 2022.

Ann L. Sipes Hall ’74 (AS, EN), Dallas, Texas, Feb. 25, 2022.

75

Christopher J. “Chris” Badger ’75, ’81 (AG), Grapevine, Texas, Feb. 20, 2022.

Maj. (RET) Joe C. Mayfield ’75 (AS), ’80, ’81 (ED), Manhattan, Kansas, Feb. 14, 2022.

Dr. Nicholas P. Schroeder ’57 (AG), ’70, ’75 (VM), Wakeeney, Kansas, March 18, 2022.

76

Catharine A. “Cathy” Brown Lykens ’76, ’78 (HHS), Shawnee Mission, Kansas, Feb. 12, 2022.

Shirley A. Guymon Branson ’76 (ED), Meade, Kansas, Feb. 14, 2022.

Gordon H. Harrington ’76 (AG), Ashland, Kansas, March 19, 2022.

Marcella T. Irby ’76 (HHS), Faribault, Minnesota, April 15, 2022.

Fred R. Johnson, Ph.D. ’76 (ED), Haviland, Kansas, April 15, 2022.

Gary C. Peterson, Ph.D. ’76 (AG), Lubbock, Texas, Jan. 15, 2022.

K - S TAT E R

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IN MEMORIAM Paula S. Ukele Miller ’76 (AS), Shawnee, Kansas, April 17, 2022.

Marvin C. Webb ’76 (ED), Bettendorf, Iowa, March 22, 2022.

81

Lynn Eatherly Duebendorfer ’77 (ED), Bethel, Connecticut, April 3, 2022.

Michael G. “Mike” Mayo ’77 (APD), ’79 (BA), Manhattan, Kansas, Feb. 20, 2022.

Charlis A. Miller ’77 (EN, AS), Centennial, Colorado, Feb. 20, 2022.

Marsha J. Poppe Koster ’77 (HHS), ’05 (ED), Clay Center, Kansas, Feb. 27, 2022.

G. Alan Sharp ’77 (AG), Chanute, Kansas, March 17, 2022.

Karen M. Jones ’81 (ED), Newton, Kansas, Jan. 29, 2022.

Ronald R. Kittelson ’81 (ED), Montrose, Colorado, Jan. 20, 2022.

Charles Pirtle ’81 (TC), San Tan Valley, Arizona, Nov. 24, 2021.

Raymond A. “Ray” Sweet ’81 (AG), Ellettsville, Indiana, Feb. 5, 2022.

William B. “Bret” Hentzler ’87 (APD), Topeka, Kansas, April 4, 2022.

James L. McKeithan ’87 (AS), Wesley Chapel, Florida, May 5, 2021.

Steven A. Weller ’87 (APD), Bloomington, Indiana, April 27, 2022.

John W. Wyatt ’87 (TC), Kannapolis, North Carolina, Feb. 17, 2022.

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Daniel M. Baker, Ph.D. ’78, ’82 (AG), Goodwell, Oklahoma, Jan. 27, 2022.

James R. Bartlett ’78 (AS), ’85 (ED), Atchison, Kansas, Jan. 29, 2022.

Michael A. Dykstra ’78 (BA), Lakin, Kansas, Feb. 3, 2022.

Janet M. Harker ’78 (AS), Nashville, Indiana, April 13, 2022.

Dr. Frederic S. Julius Jr. ’78 (VM), Elizabethtown, Pennsylvania, May 2, 2022.

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David F. Lynch ’79 (TC), Topeka, Kansas, March 23, 2022.

James A. Lucas ’80 (ED), Sarasota, Florida, April 22, 2022.

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Michael J. Gerrity ’82 (BA), Olathe, Kansas, March 25, 2022.

T. Jill Matuszak Swain ’82 (AS), Huntersville, North Carolina, April 28, 2022.

Dr. Cassius M. Tucker ’80 (AG), ’82 (VM), Schoolcraft, Michigan, March 20, 2022.

Philip B. Smith ’83 (BA, AS), Wichita, Kansas, Feb. 7, 2022.

Jeffrey A. Woods ’83 (AG), Ottawa, Kansas, March 11, 2022.

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Dennis E. JoRay ’84 (BA), Roeland Park, Kansas, Feb. 10, 2022.

Annie M. Carlson Guilmett ’85 (BA), O’Fallon, Missouri, April 18, 2022.

James A. Chibnall ’85 (APD), Kansas City, Missouri, March 31, 2022.

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Kari L. Krause Quinlan ’86 (AG), Glen Rose, Texas, April 19, 2022.

Katherine D. Costello Pacha ’87 (AG), Marysville, Kansas, Feb. 3, 2022.

Frederick D. “Dwaine” Shorman ’88 (TC), Hays, Kansas, April 24, 2022.

Kirby L. Thiessen ’88 (APD), San Diego, California, Jan. 23, 2022.

Perry R. White ’88 (EN), Lenexa, Kansas, Jan. 19, 2022.

David C. Willett ’88 (AS, EN), Severn, Maryland, March 2, 2022.

John L. Morris ’89 (AS), McCracken, Kansas, March 8, 2022.

Michael S. Ingham ’91 (BA), Kansas City, Missouri, April 25, 2022.

Arthur B. Stephenson Jr. ’91 (AS), Tucson, Arizona, March 1, 2022.

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Michael E. Lesher ’92 (BA), Bella Vista, Arkansas, Feb. 11, 2022.

Naomi C. Miller Edwards ’92 (AS), Auburn, New Hampshire, Feb. 10, 2022.

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Maria K. Santucci ’93 (AS), Redgranite, Wisconsin, March 12, 2022.

IN MEMORIAM

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James S. Anderson ’95 (AS), Concordia, Kansas, April 14, 2022.

Dr. Thomas A. Edwards ’93 (AG), ’95 (VM), Manhattan, Kansas, March 24, 2022.

Todd W. Koers ’95 (AS), Salina, Kansas, May 10, 2022.

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Stewart E. Hanson ’96 (AG), Wichita, Kansas, April 7, 2022.

Andrew S. “Sean” Noonan, Ph.D. ’96, ’02 (AS), Chicago, Illinois, April 7, 2022.

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Michele R. Longabaugh ’97 (BA), Sabetha, Kansas, April 7, 2022.

Dr. Kelly E. Weaver ’97 (VM), Fresno, California, Feb. 5, 2022.

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M. Jeremy Dobson ’98 (AG), Tulsa, Oklahoma, Feb. 21, 2022.

Jacque D. Shultz ’98, ’10 (EN), Springfield, Missouri, March 21, 2022.

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Lane A. King ’99 (BA), Hutchinson, Kansas, Feb. 16, 2022.

Kathryn M. Kootz Grimm ’99 (APD), Winfield, Kansas, April 18, 2022.

Patricia J. Neufeld, Ph.D. ’99 (ED), Sorrento, British Columbia, April 26, 2022.

Jennifer M. Smith Horn ’99 (AS), Bremen, Kansas, Feb. 9, 2022.

Nathan D. Stanton ’99 (AS), Salina, Kansas, March 12, 2022.

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Janet E. Bozarth ’00 (AS), Manhattan, Kansas, March 9, 2022.

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Susanne H. Drayer ’03 (ED), Gladstone, Missouri, March 9, 2022.

Thelma I. Thomas Roth, Springfield, Missouri, Jan. 10, 2022.

Mary B. Brookens Dettmer ’05 (ED), Shawnee, Kansas, March 2, 2022.

FRIENDS

Michael J. “Mike” Winckler ’06 (EN), Independence, Missouri, Feb. 15, 2022.

Tyler F. Gwillim ’07, ’09 (AS), Chebeague Island, Maine, March 27, 2022.

Danny L. Kirkpatrick ’07 (ED), Chapman, Kansas, May 7, 2022.

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Edward B. “Basil” Freeman ’19 (APD), Overland Park, Kansas, March 20, 2022.

FORMER STUDENTS

Leona M. Anderson Payeur, Clyde, Kansas, April 28, 2022.

Suzanne C. Caldwell Smith, Lenexa, Kansas, Feb. 3, 2022.

Sandra J. Drown Carlson, Manhattan, Kansas, March 13, 2022.

Alberta L. Harper, New Braunfels, Texas, Jan. 13, 2022.

Margaret R. Houghton Warren, Galva, Kansas, Feb. 27, 2022.

Joseph G. “Joe” Loriaux, Lenexa, Kansas, April 6, 2022.

Mona M. McDiffett-Kniebel, Alma, Kansas, May 6, 2022.

Greg L. McHenry, Manhattan, Kansas, Feb. 24, 2022.

John R. Roberts Jr., Manhattan, Kansas, March 13, 2022.

Bonita S. Bailey, Manhattan, Kansas, Feb. 18, 2022.

Paul J. Brownell, St. Marys, Kansas, March 16, 2022.

Marjorie J. Chockley, St. Louis, Missouri, March 2, 2022.

Rebecca Davidson, Scandia, Kansas, April 8, 2022.

Betty J. Fuller, Derby, Kansas, Jan. 25, 2022.

Viola C. Gritten, Belleville, Kansas, March 12, 2022.

Ramon L. Guliford, Junction City, Kansas, March 8, 2022.

Linda S. Haag, Ottawa, Kansas, March 18, 2022.

Shirley J. Henderson, Overland Park, Kansas, March 17, 2022.

Rodney W. King, Liberal, Kansas, March 21, 2022.

Wilma D. Loecker, Manhattan, Kansas, March 25, 2022.

Mary J. Oberhelman, Riley, Kansas, March 31, 2022.

Charlene J. Ryan Jeffers, Casa Grande, Arizona, Feb. 17, 2022.

Kathleen E. “Kathy” Schanze Jonas, Overland Park, Kansas, March 30, 2022.

Marilyn J. “June” Taylor Rutledge, Auburn, Kansas, March 25, 2022.

James E. “Jim” Walsh, Manhattan, Kansas, March 3, 2022.

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The Biosecurity Research Institute, or BRI, on K-State’s Manhattan campus. The National Bio and Agro-defense Facility is located adjacent to the BRI.

SECURING OUR FUTURE Biosecurity Research Institute tackles threats to plant, animal, human health head-on

BY ERIN STAUFFER PENNINGTON ’08, OFFICE OF THE VICE PRESIDENT FOR RESEARCH A global pandemic. Food shortages. Supply chain delays. Cyber and biological threats. It is clear — perhaps now more than ever before — that food and biological security are of the highest importance. The Biosecurity Research Institute, or BRI, at Kansas State University is tackling threats to plant, animal and human health head on.

WHAT IS THE BRI?

The BRI is unique in its capacity to perform research on multiple pathogens and host species in a single facility. The building houses 23 laboratories, biosafety level-3, or BSL-3; animal biosafety level-3, or ABSL-3; animal biosafety level-3 agriculture, or

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ABSL-3Ag, as well as versatile BSL-3Ag housing for multiple species; arthropod containment level-3, or ACL-3; and food processing safety labs.

The facility also has more than 10,000 square feet of educational and training space, including a simulated BSL-3 training lab. In the last 10 years, more than 400 people have been trained on how to safely work in biocontainment — including many who will eventually work at the National Bio and Agro-defense Facility.

WHAT KIND OF RESEARCH HAPPENS THERE?

Researchers at the BRI study all aspects of the food chain, as well as human health. Recent high-

lights include: • Protecting U.S. crop production by preparing for and preventing the establishment of wheat blast disease in the U.S. • Studying infectious diseases in animals, such as African swine fever, Rift Valley fever, Zika and Japanese encephalitis.

• Researching SARS-CoV-2 and processing more than 29,000 COVID-19 tests for local communities.

The BRI has been an important research center during the COVID-19 pandemic. Researchers have proved that mosquitoes cannot transmit the virus, have focused on keeping meat processing facilities safe and have investigated the longevity of the virus on different surfaces.

Photos by K-State Communications and Marketing

CLOSE-UP: BIOSECURITY RESEARCH INSTITUTE CLOSE-UP

#DYK

CLOSE-UP: BIOSECURITY RESEARCH INSTITUTE CLOSE-UP

Did you know?

• The simulated BSL-3 training lab at the BRI is one of only a few in the nation. Students and researchers learn how to properly handle, decontaminate and dispose of high-consequence agents.

• The BRI is training the next generation of scientists who will study recurring and emerging infectious diseases — more than 400 people have been trained at the BRI in the last 10 years.

• The BRI contains 113,000 square feet of lab, education and administrative space.

• The BRI played a critical role in the selection of Manhattan as the site for the National Bio and Agro-defense Facility.

• Since 2020, more than 20 scientific reports on COVID-19 have been published based on work at the BRI.

Find us online: Twitter @KStateResearch

Above and below, in the safety of the training lab, students wear personal protective equipment while practicing working with samples in a biosafety cabinet, an important piece of critical safety equipment.

HOW SAFE AND SECURE IS THE BRI?

The BRI has layers of security including outside gates, a technological firewall and 24/7 video monitoring. Safety features include extensive air filtration and waste decontamination systems. Researchers work in biosafety cabinets, which regulate air flow and use high-efficiency particulate air, or HEPA, filters. Each laboratory operates similarly with negative air pressure and HEPA filters to clean the air

many times per hour.

BRI staff and researchers must complete more than 30 hours of training, special background checks, and participate in a medical surveillance program.

Learn more about how K-State is becoming the foremost U.S. resource for public-private research collaboration on pathogens of global significance at k-state.edu/economic-prosperity.

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Photos courtesy of K-State Athletics

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LAST LOOK THIS ’CAT CAN JUMP For the first time since 2018, fifth-year senior Tejaswin Shankar ’22 was crowned the 2022 NCAA Men’s High Jump Champion on June 10 at Hayward Field at the University of Oregon. Shankar cleared 2.27m/7-5.25 on his first attempt to win the title. This is Shankar’s second outdoor national title (2018, 2022) during his career at K-State, while he was the national runner-up in 2019 and 2021.

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K-S-U Photos

K-STATERS STRIKE THE K-S-U POSE AT HOME AND AROUND THE WORLD 1 ZION NATIONAL PARK, UTAH Kayd Kohler ’17, Omaha, Nebraska; Hope Abarr Zaccaro ’16, Roeland Park, Kansas; and David Zaccaro ’16, Roeland Park 2 LIBERTY ISLAND, NEW YORK Kevin Cook ’16; Audrey Cook; and Laura Weiss-Cook ’11, all of Manhattan, Kansas 3 BILL SNYDER FAMILY STADIUM Jenna Kennedy Sloan ’08; Hannah Albers Enslow ’06; and Kayla Kirby Gray ’07, all of Hays, Kansas, after completing the 2022 Bill Snyder Highway Half Marathon

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4 BUC-EE’S, DENTON, TEXAS Alan Fankhauser ’82, Tim Schrag ’12, both of Manhattan, and BUC-EE’s Beaver mascot.

Alan and Tim were on their return from the North Texas Boots and BBQ event 5 SIENA, ITALY K-State Students Gwen Davidson, Raegen Orr, and Marika Davis, participants in the K-State Italy Arts and Culture Program 6 LEWIS, KANSAS Kayla Nelson Burr ’07; Dustin Burr ’01; and Bo Nelson ’11, all of Lewis, take a break from wheat harvest to show their K-State pride

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7 EPCOT, WALT DISNEY WORLD RESORT, BAY LAKE, FLORIDA Ethan Pauls ’16, ’19; Ashley Pauls; and Hannah Abell Pauls ’18, all of Manhattan

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WE WANT TO SHARE YOUR K-S-U PHOTO IN AN UPCOMING K-STATER ISSUE SEND US YOUR PHOTOS

Email k-stater@k-state.com

• Photos must be high-resolution (300 dpi).

• Please include the names of those in the photo (from left) and each person’s class year(s) (if applicable), city and state. Also, tell us where the photo was taken.

• Photos depicting minors must include a note of parental consent in order to be published.

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• Submission does not ensure publication.

Traveling Wildcats

Travel with us!

Learn more about traveling with K-Staters: k-state.com/travelingwildcats

Scan to learn more about the Traveling Wildcat program.

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K-State Alumni Association 100 Alumni Center 1720 Anderson Avenue Manhattan, KS 66506-1001

K-STATE.COM/HOMECOMING

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WINTER 2017

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