Archive for September 2005

09/30/05— Clarke establishes scholarship for engineering students at Kansas State University

A bequest from the estate of Richard L. Clarke, Prairie Village, Kan., has provided $821,908 to the Kansas State University Foundation to establish the Richard L. Clarke Scholarship.

The purpose of the fund is to provide financial assistance to students enrolled in the College of Engineering at Kansas State University.

Clarke graduated from Kansas State University in 1949 with a bachelor’s degree in electrical engineering. He served as a sergeant in World War II and as a second lieutenant in the Korean War. Clarke worked as an electrical engineer, managing special projects for Black and Veatch Corporation. He died in 2004.

“After his retirement he enjoyed traveling, attending many American Organ Society conventions,” said Clarke’s cousin, Pat Criswell. “He was a collector of fine organ music. Perhaps his greatest love was his close relationship he had with his church, Christ Episcopal Church in Overland Park.”

“Once again, engineering students at Kansas State will benefit from the generosity of our committed alumni,” said Terry King, dean of the College of Engineering. “This scholarship, established in honor of Richard Clarke, is a valued and appreciated gift that will support the educational endeavors of young men and women for years to come.”

Clarke is a member of Presidents Club, a KSU Foundation leadership organization for friends and alumni of K-State.

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09/30/05 — Berryton couple establishes fund for K-State Veterinary Medical Teaching Hospital

Robin and Becky Roeckers, Berryton, Kan., have made a commitment of $500,000 to the Kansas State University Foundation to establish the Robin and Becky Roeckers Fund and the Robin and Becky Roeckers Endowed Fund.

The purpose of the Robin and Becky Roeckers Fund is to provide medical care and treatment to the Roeckers family’s animal companions through the Perpetual Pet Care Program. When the Roeckers’ animal companions no longer need care, the Robin and Becky Roeckers Endowed Fund will be established to support the Veterinary Medical Teaching Hospital in the College of Veterinary Medicine at K-State.

Becky Roeckers is a 1985 graduate of Kansas State University with a bachelor’s degree in life sciences-biology. She is a biologist for the water pollution control division of the city of Topeka, Kan. Robin Roeckers is a graduate of Washburn University and is a procurement officer for the city of Topeka.

“We are glad to see society changing to accept companion animals as an integral part of the family,” Becky Roeckers said. “By supporting the KSU Veterinary Medical Teaching Hospital and the Perpetual Pet Care Program, we are not only providing for the future of our beloved pets should something happen to us, but also for the companions of families to come.”

“It’s gratifying to know that people such as the Roeckers appreciate what we try to teach to our students every day — to provide compassionate and high-quality veterinary care to every animal that we treat,” said Ralph Richardson, dean of the College of Veterinary Medicine. “Their gift to the Veterinary Medical Teaching Hospital will be a perpetual reminder that we have a daily opportunity to provide veterinary services to clients who really care. We are deeply appreciative.”

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09/16/05 — Bedford establishes award for dietetics faculty

Mary Ruth Bedford, El Paso, Texas, has made a gift of $55,674 to the Kansas State University Foundation to establish the Bedford Distinguished Faculty Award.

The award will provide financial assistance to secure outstanding faculty for the Department of Hotel, Restaurant, Institution Management and Dietetics in the College of Human Ecology. The recipient of the award will be a faculty member who has expertise in food service management and who has demonstrated excellence in teaching and research in academic settings, with preference given to a registered dietitian.

Bedford graduated from Kansas State University in 1971 with a master’s degree in dietetics and institutional management, and received a doctorate in adult education in 1975. She has been active in The American Dietetic Association and received its Medallion Award in 1995 for her contributions to the association and the dietetic profession .

Bedford is a member of Presidents Club, a KSU Foundation leadership organization for friends and alumni of K-State.

“My early associations with KSU go back to Bessie Brooks West and Grace Shugart as well as their books, which were like Bibles to dietetic practitioners,” Bedford said. “Mrs. Shugart made it possible for me to study for my master’s degree under her guidance, and she supported my efforts to earn a doctorate at KSU. Since then I have continued my interest in the KSU programs through contacts with many KSU persons, particularly in HRIMD.”

“Dr. Mary Ruth Bedford is one of our most outstanding graduates and loyal supporters of our department and its programs,” said Deborah Canter, head of the Department of Hotel, Restaurant, Institution Management and Dietetics. “Her generous support has made it possible for us to enhance the quality of the educational experiences for our students. Dr. Bedford has always been forward-thinking and innovative, as evidenced by her ongoing support of our distance education efforts in dietetics. It is because of loyal and generous alumni such as Dr. Bedford that K-State’s food service/hospitality management and dietetics programs are recognized across the country and internationally for their excellence.”

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09/16/05 — Tressin creates scholarship to benefit K-State College of Veterinary Medicine

Deanna Tressin, Manhattan, Kan., has made a commitment of $50,000 to the Kansas State University Foundation to establish the Deanna Tressin Scholarship.

The purpose of the fund is to provide medical care and treatment to Tressin’s animal companions through the Perpetual Pet Care Program. When her animal companions no longer need care, the College of Veterinary Medicine at K-State will award scholarships from the fund’s annual earnings.

Tressin is a native of Junction City, Kan. She graduated from Kansas State University with a bachelor’s degree in secondary education in 1962 and received a master’s degree in education in 1968. Tressin is a retired teacher from Geary County USD 475.

“I’m glad to participate in this program that benefits both the donor’s pet and KSU veterinary students,” said Tressin. “My Pomeranian and Maltese have experienced kind, effective treatment from KSU vets, interns and student vets. Knowing that my little dogs will be cared for is comforting, and knowing that my gift will provide scholarships to future veterinarians is satisfying.”

“The College of Veterinary Medicine is fortunate to be the recipient of this very special gift. It reminds us of the love that people have for their four-legged friends,” said Ralph Richardson, dean of the College of Veterinary Medicine. “This scholarship support will go on in perpetuity and will remind our future veterinarians of the responsibilities we accept as caretakers of animal health and welfare.”

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09/14/05 — Grevas is new director of constituent development for KSU Foundation

Bill Grevas, Salina, Kan., has been named director of constituent development for the Kansas State University Foundation in Manhattan, Kan. Grevas will be overseeing directors of development for the nine academic colleges at K-State, as well as university programs such as K-State libraries, diversity and student life. He was previously employed by the foundation as senior director of development for the College of Technology and Aviation at K-State at Salina. Prior to joining the foundation in 1999, Grevas was director of business and development at Sacred Heart Jr./Sr. High School in Salina.

Grevas earned a bachelor’s degree in human services counseling from Wayne State College in Wayne, Neb., in 1985.

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09/09/05 — Minneapolis, Minn., couple makes lead gift to Kansas State University Center for Leadership Studies

Mary Lynn and Warren Staley, Minneapolis, Minn., have contributed the lead gift to establish and build the K-State Center for Leadership Studies, whose mission is to develop knowledgeable, ethical, caring and inclusive leaders for a diverse and changing world.

“The unprecedented growth and vibrancy of Leadership Studies and Programs at K-State can be attributed to the value it adds to the fundamental goals of majors from across our entire university. A new building will help inspire future students to join us in our pursuit of excellence in leadership,” said Michael Holen, dean of the College of Education.

Mary Lynn Staley graduated from Kansas State University in 1965 with a bachelor’s degree in elementary education. While at K-State, she was a member of Delta Delta Delta sorority, Chimes honorary and student government. She is actively involved in her community and the world at large, holding leadership positions with the Twin Cities United Way and Board of Governors of Eleven Who Care, and participating in the Habitat for Humanity Jimmy Carter Work Project in Durban, South Africa, and Veracruz, Mexico.

Warren Staley, chairman and chief executive officer of Cargill Inc., also graduated from Kansas State University in 1965 with a bachelor’s degree in electrical engineering. He received an MBA from Cornell University, Ithaca, N.Y., in 1967. While at K-State, he was president of Beta Theta Pi fraternity and Interfraternity Council, and was active in Blue Key leadership honorary. He is a member of the Board of Directors of U.S. Bancorp, Target Corporation, and former Chairman of the Board of the Greater Twin Cities United Way. Additionally, Staley serves as a member of the President’s Export Council.

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09/07/05 — Borcks create leadership scholarship at K-State

Lee and Kathleen Borck, Larned, Kan., have made an annual commitment of $30,000 to the Kansas State University Foundation to establish the Borck Leadership Scholars fund. This scholarship fund will also be endowed through a $1 million bequest. The Borcks have previously made $729,000 in gifts for scholarships, research, facilities and general support of Kansas State University.

The Borck Leadership Scholars fund will provide 15 annual scholarship awards. Recipients must be graduates of a Kansas high school. The scholarship is renewable with preference given to freshman Leadership Scholars who maintain a minimum 3.15 grade point average. Additional preference will be given to students enrolled in education, business or agricultural economics.

Lee Borck graduated from Kansas State University with a bachelor’s degree in agricultural economics in 1970. He is the owner, president and CEO of Ward Feed Yard Inc. in Larned. Borck was honored as a K-State distinguished agriculture economics alumnus in 1998, K-State Outstanding Stockman Award in 1992 and College of Agriculture Alumni Fellow in 1995. He earned the Huck Boyd Leader of the Year in 2003. Borck is the past chairman of the KSU Foundation’s Executive Committee and current chairman of the KSU Foundation’s Board of Trustees. Kathleen Borck graduated from K-State in 1981 with a bachelor’s degree in elementary education. She is employed by Unified School District 495. She is a member of the KSU Foundation’s board of trustees, KSU College of Education Development Council and Beach Museum of Art Friends’ Advisory Board.

The Borcks have served as chairs of the KSU Foundation’s Presidents Club a leadership organization for friends and alumni of K-State. They are also members of the K-State Alumni Association, of which Lee Borck is a past chairman of the board.

“We bleed purple,” Kathleen Borck said. “We have a strong desire to support future leaders of our country in their quest for a KSU education.”

“The Borck family continues to be huge supporters of the university’s commitment to K-State students,” said Pat Bosco, associate vice president for institutional advancement and dean of student life. “This award will make a difference to a great deal of students and is very much appreciated.”

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