K-Stater celebrates 90th birthday with hot air balloon adventure
This summer, K-Stater Marilyn Lucas ’57 checked off the final item on her 90th birthday
year bucket list: riding in a hot air balloon over the Rio Grande.
“We took off in the dark of dawn and were in one of 16 balloons. It took about an
hour,” Lucas said. Upon landing, the basket tipped over, but that did not spoil the
joy of the moment for Lucas, who will turn 90 on Nov. 22.
Lucas’ birthday celebration road trip also included parts of Route 66; Albuquerque
and Santa Fe, New Mexico; Sedona, Arizona; lots of museums; and history. There was
also a stop to stand on a corner in Winslow, Arizona — referenced in the classic Eagles
song Take It Easy.
Marjorie Frauenfelder ’57 — Lucas’ Alpha Chi Omega sorority classmate — also joined
her on the road trip. Frauenfelder will turn 90 on Oct. 26.
Former K-State student Darl Wilkens served as the driver on the trip, and Lori Hawker
was the photographer.
“It really was a lot of fun,” Lucas said. “We had a grand time.”
Learn more about Marilyn Lucas and her time at K-State with our Q&A below:
What is your favorite memory from your time at K-State?
Joining the Alpha Chis. I really had a good time: going through rush, finding a house
that I really liked.
What inspired you to pursue your education at K-State?
I specialized in dietetics and nutrition and am happy to report I spent my entire
life in that field.
How did your experiences as a K-State student impact you as a person?
I loved college. I loved learning and mixing with other people. The variety of people
I met. Don’t forget Kites! It’s still there; was there not long ago. Went with Marjorie
and Darl and did a K-State tour. It was great fun. Even went for ice cream.
What lessons that you learned at K-State did you carry with you?
I’m a believer in any kind of education at K-State. We could choose whatever we wanted.
It was a great kind of freedom in learning.
What are some of your favorite ways to show your purple pride today?
I wore my purple T-shirt for our first football game. Sat down and watched the whole
thing — exciting game.
— Special thanks to Sheri Baldwin for supplying content for this article.