Jean and the late phil Meyers

Changing Lives by: establishing funds to support faculty excellence in the College of Human Ecology and the College of Engineering.

K-State connection: Phil is a 1942 mechanical engineering graduate and Jean a 1943 home economics graduate.

Why they gave: “In general, faculty is not recognized well enough,” Phil said before his death. “We hope these awards recognize well-deserving faculty and encourage them to change lives through their teaching and advising. We were given a lot of time and attention by faculty, and we feel that we ought to return what we can.”

Impact: The Dawley-Scholer Award — named after Jean’s grandfather, Frank Dawley, and one of Phil’s professors, C.H. Scholer — acknowledges faculty who enhance the growth of students with a caring attitude and sensitivity to diversity. Without private support, the ability to attract and retain dedicated faculty members is challenging.

What people are saying: “When our faculty is supported monetarily with these types of gifts, it is an excellent way for us to recognize their outstanding efforts in teaching and research, and overall commitment to higher education,” said Terry King, former dean of the College of Engineering. “It is also a tremendous boost to our ability to recruit and retain the very best faculty possible.”