Photos by David Mayes ’96, K-State Alumni Association
THINGS TO DO
A note from our editor Dear Readers, As the year ends, it’s important to look back, take stock and celebrate. This issue of K-Stater magazine has a lot to celebrate. We’re celebrating K-State’s 14th president, Richard Myers ’65, who led K-State through unknown waters of an ongoing pandemic, racial unrest, successes in fundraising and athletics, among many other things. President Myers will retire at the end of this year. In talking to him you can tell he has a passion for K-State that goes beyond his role. This seems fitting as he has dedicated his life to public service. K-Stater magazine also is celebrating a piece of the university’s history. Did you know that K-State paved the way for integration in the Big Seven and Big Eight? Harold Robinson, in football; Gene Wilson, in basketball; Earl Woods and Coach Dave Baker, in baseball; were all trailblazers. Milton Eisenhower ’24, ’63, K-State’s ninth president, opened the door for them to do so at a time when other conference members were absolutely against it. Coach Baker offers some great perspective and K-State’s D. Scott Fritchen ’99 does an amazing job telling this important chapter in K-State history. The Konza Prairie Biological Station is celebrating its 50th anniversary this year. Of course, the prairie itself is thousands of years older. Over the last 50 years, this 8,600-acre space of tallgrass prairie has become some of the most studied prairieland in the world. Konza, in my opinion, is among the most beautiful spots in Kansas. I find it inspiring, which is why you’ll often find photos of it within the pages of K-Stater magazine. I go out there regularly to hike along the public trails. Often, I’m thinking about the magazine and how to make it better. In this issue, we’re also celebrating K-Staters who have achieved great success. The K-State Alumni Association recently presented Dr. Jerry Jaax ’70, ’72 and Dr. Nancy Dunn Jaax ’71, ’73 with the Alumni Excellence Award for their veterinary science, biosecurity and infectious disease research. Take a minute to read our story on their careers written by K-Stater assistant editor Ashley Pauls. This issue also is celebrating plenty of other K-Staters who are thriving in their careers. Sisters Deborah Muhwezi Gladney ’10 and Anglea Muhwezi-Hall ’13 have built an app called Quick Hire to help skilled workers find employment, well, quickly. Engineer Chris Jadwin ’02 helped build a new ride in the Legoland California theme park. Tony Reames ’07 is making sure everyone in a community has access to affordable, sustainable energy in his new role as a senior adviser with the U.S. Department of Energy. Finally, I’d like to take a moment to celebrate my team, Maria Childs ’14, Ashley Pauls, Kendall Ens, Megan Reichenberger ’11, Salena Sauber ’09, Terin Walters ’05, our publisher Amy Button Renz ’76, ’86 and the rest of the Alumni Association staff. Without your help and support, the K-Stater would not be what it is today. With Wildcat Pride,
Tim Schrag ’12 Editor, K-Stater magazine 6
WINTER 2021
