Conversations with the 2024 Alumni Fellows: How K-State prepared me for my career
As proud K-Staters, we don’t have to be reminded of the phrase “purple is more than
just a color.”
We know it well: that unifying sense of purple which symbolizes K-Staters’ sense of
family, and the impact our university makes on the lives of students, long after they
leave the classroom.
Purple indeed is “more than just a color” for this year’s class of 2024 Alumni Fellows.
These distinguished K-Staters’ alma mater has inspired them on their career journeys
and continues to drive their success.
Since 1983, the Alumni Fellows program has brought distinguished alumni back to campus
to meet with students and faculty and to share their expertise in the classroom and
at informal settings.
We asked this year's group of honorees to share how K-State prepared them for their
careers and made a difference in their lives.
Shelly Kessen ’96
College of Agriculture Fellow
Senior vice president and partner, FleishmanHillard
“K-State was invaluable in providing an excellent education both in and beyond the classroom, including internships, chapter/club leadership opportunities, and hands-on experiences such as serving on the staff of the ag student magazine, The Agriculturist. Thanks to the ideal combination of conceptual, technical and practical skills developed while I was at K-State, I was able to help contribute to my employer and clients right from the start.”
Doug Mann ’85
College of Architecture, Planning and Design Fellow
President of corporate development and HNTB board of directors
“Great role models in servant leadership and how to be successful in life, as a person, as a professional and a contributor for all things good. Great CAPD names like Dennis Law ’76, Dennis Day, Chip Winslow ’80, Tony Barnes, Tim DeNoble and Stephanie Rolley ’82, to name a few, and great K-State leadership names like Jon Wefald, Pat Bosco ’71, ’73, Jack Hartman and Bill Snyder. All these great leaders have been an inspiration in servant leadership and have shaped my life and professional career to emulate the best of their attributes. All of these leaders are role models in humility and lifting others through their example.”
Adam Rack ’13
College of Arts and Sciences Fellow
Co-founder, Revino
“K-State wasn't just about academics; it provided a platform for me to explore diverse ideas and perspectives. From engaging discussions on sustainable architecture or permaculture farming practices to a panel with Supreme Court Justice Sonia Sotomayor, the campus offered a wealth of opportunities open to anyone. I was able to test my viewpoints, build skills and establish core values that provide a compass to thrive, regardless of my career path.”
Brad Rundquist ’95, ’00
College of Arts and Sciences Fellow
Dean of the College of Arts and Sciences, University of North Dakota
“The geography faculty at K-State were excellent role models for me both as outstanding teachers and productive scholars. I also appreciated that they were approachable and highly engaged in the successes of their students. Those are characteristics that I have tried to emulate in my career. I also was given opportunities to work with faculty and students from different academic departments at K-State, and even at different universities. Exposure to diversity of perspectives on research questions greatly benefitted my appreciation for cross-disciplinary work and development as a scholar.”
Rob Schneider ’79
College of Business Administration Fellow
Managing partner, Prairie Capital Management
“The relationships I developed prepared me for dealing with people from all walks of life. Between my classmates, professors and mentors I developed, it showed me I could get along with anyone by just being myself, being a good friend and a good listener. I was very lucky to meet so many good people who taught me a lot.”
Christian Z. Goering ’05, ’07
College of Education Fellow
Professor of English education, University of Arkansas
“K-State was the entirety of my graduate education; I started taking courses as part of the Flint Hills Writing Project in 2002 at the invitation of Dr. Todd Goodson. That led to my first major publication in the field and then to me enrolling in a master's degree program. Right as I was set to complete my master's, Dr. Goodson, who served as my major professor through both degrees, called and offered me a graduate teaching assistant position. While I loved what I was doing — teaching high school English — I couldn't pass up such an opportunity and reported for my Ph.D. just a couple of weeks after the master's graduation. What followed continued my preparation to be successful in higher education and when I started as an assistant professor at the University of Arkansas, I built on the foundation created in Manhattan, Kansas. What was true through all my coursework, etc. at K-State was that I loved it; I loved going to school and even after teaching English all day in Topeka and driving to Manhattan, I'd have a difficult time going to sleep on those nights after class. I'm still having fun and try to remember to celebrate every step of the way, even when rejections — a natural part of working in higher education — happen.”
Jesse Schriner ’92
Carl R. Ice College of Engineering Fellow
Global commercial cloud leader, Microsoft
“K-State provided a foundation of engineering knowledge that has enabled me to solve unique engineering problems around the world and across industries.”
Jake Quigley ’06, ’09, ’11
Global Campus Fellow
Vice president of operations, Benchmark Senior Living
“K-State’s gerontology program provided me the foundation for my career in the senior living industry. The K-State community provided me a robust college experience where I was able to learn and explore a variety of academic offerings, find mentors in both faculty and staff and enjoy the collegiate experience through many offerings such as fraternity life, the athletic programs and numerous campus offerings. The College of Human Ecology [Editor’s note: Now known as the College of Health and Human Sciences] taught me, in a world focused on things, focus on people. This has been a driver in my career in serving seniors.”
Elizabeth J. Abraham ’95
Graduate School Fellow
Director of new product strategy, Corning Life Sciences
“K-State opened my world into experimental research. It not only gave me a strong scientific background and technical skill set but also taught me to apply those tenets to problem-solving in the real world. It provided me an opportunity to appreciate diversity of thought and allowed me to learn from others as well.”
Andrea Albright ’05
College of Health and Human Sciences Fellow
Executive vice president, Walmart Sourcing
“Kansas State University provided me with a great foundational base, but I think the experiences and people were the most impactful. K-State also fostered lifelong relationships while on campus and has done the same post-graduation through its strong alumni network. The skills and connections I gained have allowed me to flourish in my professional journey.”
Kirk Demuth ’07
College of Technology and Aviation Fellow
Vice president of operations, Perennial Climate
“K-State has provided both a solid foundation of skills for my career and a vast network of colleagues, that have allowed me to excel in my entrepreneurial career path.”
Howard Erickson ’59
College of Veterinary Medicine Fellow
Professor emeritus, College of Veterinary Medicine at Kansas State University
“I had outstanding faculty when I was a student. The buildings on the campus are named after them: Leasure Hall, Dykstra Hall, Coles Hall, Trotter Hall and Mosier Hall.”
The 2024 Alumni Fellows and will address students and faculty in classes and receptions
April 17-18 during the 2024 Alumni Fellows week.
Alumni Fellows return to discuss current business and industry trends and to meet
with students and faculty. The program is sponsored by the K-State Alumni Association,
the Office of the President and the Deans’ Council.
For more information about the Alumni Fellows program, visit k-state.com/Fellows.