Wayne Wittenberger

Changing Lives by: Honoring a long-lost classmate through a gift of securities and a bequest establishing the Thomas Jackson Mechanical Engineering Scholarship benefiting African-American students majoring in mechanical engineering.

A favor and a gift: Wayne Wittenberger never forgot Tom’s assistance on a final project for their airplane design class in 1942, a project Wayne desperately needed to finish in order to graduate on time. Tom’s thoughtfulness and willingness to help was a favor Wayne would repay 63 years later when he made a gift to K-State in Tom’s name.

Two students, two paths reunited: Wayne graduated with a bachelor’s degree in engineering from K-State and a master’s from Yale. Tom also earned an engineering degree from K-State before moving to California to receive a master’s degree in engineering from UCLA. The two classmates were reunited for the first time in 63 years in 2005 at the College of Engineering’s annual Seaton Society event.

Why he gave: “I have been the beneficiary of four years of free college education, two at the U.S. Naval Academy and two at Yale, plus a wonderful education at K-State,” Wayne said. “Mary (wife) and I have enjoyed a comfortable life to a great extent as the result of these good fortunes. It is our hope that providing this scholarship is not only an acknowledgement of Tom Jackson’s help at a crucial time, but also a sound investment in the education of those who follow us.”

What people are saying: “I recognize that somebody did this for me,” Tom said. “It’s daunting, in a way. I like the idea behind the scholarship, and I really appreciate the honor.”

“This scholarship will provide financial support to many deserving students,” said Mo Hosni, department head in mechanical and nuclear engineering. “We appreciate Wayne’s thoughtfulness in establishing this student scholarship in honor of his friend and classmate.”