Kansas State University

MANHATTAN —The estate of Elnita Jezek, Holyrood, has provided a $1.67 million gift to Kansas State University through her trust. The funds will support the Elnita Ehler Jezek Scholarship for students in the College of Business Administration, where Jezek earned her bachelor's degree in 1939.

The scholarship is endowed, which means it will provide a continuous source of support for the purpose specified by Jezek. The principal of the fund is maintained and invested in perpetuity, and awards are made from earnings.

Jezek was a member of Zeta Tau Alpha sorority and the American Association of University Women. She was also a member for more than 50 years of the Order of the Eastern Star, including service as matron of Holyrood O.E.S. 420, worthy grand matron of Kansas, grand treasurer of Kansas O.E.S. and committee member of General Grand Chapter O.E.S. She was active in her church, St. Paul's United Church of Christ, including past service as president of St. Paul's UCC Guild.

Jezek was a member of the Kansas State University Foundation's Presidents Club, a philanthropic leadership organization for friends and alumni of the university, and the Land Grant Legacy Society, an organization for those who have included the university in their estate plans. She also served as a KSU Foundation trustee for 12 years.

"She was successful in her church, the Eastern Star, and she thought a lot of K-State. Those were her three main priorities in life and she lived them out," said Jezek's cousin and caretaker, Raymond Hanken. "She was a very intelligent person, a very good conversationalist and entertainer, a very good reputation everywhere she went. She was just a good person."

"Elnita Jezek's lifelong love for K-State and the College of Business Administration was evident through her consistent financial support over many years," said Ali Malekzadeh, Edgerley family dean of the College of Business Administration. "She knew the value of a K-State business degree and helped generations of students achieve their dreams. Now, her final gift leaves a tremendous legacy that will help business students pursue excellence in their education."

Philanthropic contributions to Kansas State University are coordinated by the KSU Foundation. The foundation staff works with university partners to build lifelong relationships with alumni, friends, faculty, staff and students through involvement and investment in the university.