Matthew McKernan is an Extension agent in more ways than one
Everyday Matthew McKernan ’15 helps Kansans in Sedgwick County through his work as an ornamental horticulture agent for K-State Research and Extension.
“My mission is to really help bring the university resources, the knowledge and the expertise that the university has out into the community and specifically to the folks of Sedgwick County, so that they can better their lives and utilize that knowledge and resource in their everyday life,” he said.
He interacts with Kansans from all walks of life in Wichita and Sedwick County who are looking to improve their landscaping, need help with plant identification, pest and disease analysis and more. His office even maintains a garden hotline: (316) 660-0190.
“I work with a wide variety of community members,” McKernan said. “Sometimes that's people that bleed purple. Sometimes that's crimson and blue or yellow and black. We work with all members of the community. It's really exciting to hear from the folks from K-State though, who are alumni or have connections to the university and have the passion and the energy that they talk about Kansas State University. It just helps us have an immediate connection.”
In his spare time, he also keeps K-Staters connected to the university through his involvement with the Wichita Alumni Club steering committee.
“It’s a natural fit,” he said.
The committee is responsible for organizing annual events and activities for K-Staters in the area including the Wichita Wine Dinner – which raises money for student scholarships; tailgates before the K-State vs. Wichita State baseball game played at Eck Stadium; the Wichita Beer Tasting; and the dessert social where scholarships are extended to incoming K-State students.
“Serving with the Alumni Association is just an easy extension for me to be able to give back to the community and support all the people who've supported me throughout my life so far,” he said.
You might even say McKernan is an extension agent for alumni outreach.
“That's going to have to go on a new name badge,” he said with a smile.
McKernan said there are plenty of ways to get involved with the Wichita Alumni Club, the easiest would be to attend upcoming events. Other ways would be to provide financial support to events or provide donations to support the student scholarships or to get involved with the steering committee.
McKernan’s favorite event of the year is the Wichita Beer Tasting. The club recently started hosting the annual event at MBC Lounge in Wichita which proudly serves Manhattan Brewing Company beer giving a small taste of the Little Apple to those in ICT.
“It's neat to visit some of the local establishments of our area, and gather with a whole bunch of Wildcat alumni and just relax, have some drinks, try some new things, and get together and support fellow Wildcats,” he said.
Learn more about the Wichita Alumni Club.