Del and Sharon Thielman

Changing lives by: providing hospitality to K-State’s solar car team during the 2005 North American Solar Car Challenge.

A different way to give: Equipped with a double-door refrigerator, a 10-pound ham, five briskets and an abundance of chicken breasts, the Thielmans’ motor-home served as a haven for the team at the end of each race day.The Thielman's have also given to K-State's College of Engineering, athletics department and for the university's greatest needs, in addition to including K-State in their estate plans.

Student gratitude: “With the Thielmans on the race, the team was able to focus on preparing the car for the coming race day,” said Matthew Dickson, solar car team member and senior in mechanical engineering. “Having a little bit of air conditioning each evening went a long way toward keeping us going when the temperatures were in the upper 90s all day. It was helpful to have a little time in their home in order to rejuvenate us mentally and physically each night before getting back to work.”

Why they gave: “We want to share the K-State experience and hope that every student will understand the care that the faculty provides for them,” Del said. “We feel that we need to have the ability to share with others what we have received from K-State.”

Impact: Throughout the race, students and advisers considered Del, a 1960 mechanical engineering alumnus, and Sharon, who also attended K-State, to be indispensable. Not only did the Thielmans provide meals and a place to rest, but their time, energy and effort provided immeasurable encouragement for the students. “They (the students) have such great interest in what they are doing,” Del said. “These students did their work with enthusiasm and skill. We found that the young people of today are as fine as you will ever meet. It was very enjoyable to visit and be with them — that was the finest thing that came out of our trip.”