After more than a decade of planning events Michelle Elkins will retire
By Tim Schrag '12
The K-State Alumni Association is known for hosting world-class events and programs. For the last 11 – nearly 12 – years, many of those events were possible, at least in part, because of the meticulous planning of Michelle Elkins ’87, director of alumni awards and engagement.
Because of Elkins’ attention to detail, many annual events including the Wabash CannonBall Colorado, North Texas Boots & BBQ, the Alumni Awards Evening, Houston Crawfish Boil, the Dr. Ron and Rae Iman Outstanding Faculty awards, the Alumni Fellows program, along with many other events, went off without a hitch.
“I never liked being the center of attention, and so being behind the scenes was the best place for me,” she said.
Elkins will retire later this month.
"Michelle's high-quality events have been attended and celebrated by countless alumni and friends during her career and her long-lasting relationships with volunteers is a true testament to the impact she's had in her role at the Association,” said Andrea Bryant Gladin ’02, Association vice president of alumni engagement. “Her commitment to K-State and her love for her alma mater is evident in the meaningful moments and relationships she has created."
Each event requires months of planning, work and coordination behind the scenes with volunteers, campus partners, Association staff and many others to make it all possible.
“The staff has always been great to work with,” she said. “I've been the face to these events, but I couldn't have done it without all the staff that are there behind me.”
Additionally, she’s made countless friends with various volunteers across the country who help plan and host events for the Association.
“You really do get to know the group of people that attend these events,” she said.
Each event is different; some are more formal, some are relaxed, but Elkins said they all celebrate K-State and in doing so help the Association in its mission to reach, connect and serve the Wildcat community.
Although she doesn’t have a favorite event per se, moments like the armadillo races at North Texas Boots & BBQ, the family atmosphere of the Houston Crawfish Boil, and the friendships she made from the Wabash CannonBall Colorado stand out to Elkins as she reflects on her almost 12 years with the Alumni Association. She’ll retire just a few days shy of that milestone.
Elkins said she enjoys the work because it allows people to connect with K-State, a spot she’s loved since childhood. Her father, Dick Elkins ’56, ’63, was the longtime director of admissions at K-State. She grew up going to events at McCain Auditorium, attending K-State basketball games in Ahearn Fieldhouse and cheering on the football team.
“I've always loved Manhattan,” she said. “I love the energy that the students bring. I love the summers when it quiets down, and then when they come back, and everything revs up again. I remember going around to see the different sororities and fraternities at Homecoming to see their floats in front of their houses when we were little. There’s just energy in a college town. There's nothing like it.”
Prior to her time as an employee of the Alumni Association Elkins served as a member of its board of directors. She had made a career in loan originations at Sallie Mae.
“I’ve always been connected to higher education, this was a great way to ease into retirement,” she said.
Upon retirement Elkins said she plans to travel some, relax and spend time with family and friends.