Gage Roberts

Year in school: Fourth year at K-State

Major: Regional and community planning, minor in leadership studies

Hometown: Salina, Kansas

What is your earliest K-State memory?

My earliest K-State memory was in fifth grade when we were first starting with our band instruments. Mr. Brooks, our teacher — and an alumni of the Pride of Wildcat Land, the K-State Marching Band — started playing the Wabash Cannonball on his trumpet. We did the Wabash then, and little did I know all these years later I would be Wabashing in The Bill every weekend with 50,000 of my closest friends.

My earliest memory at K-State, is going in to LEAD 212 my first day of classes my freshman year, and Dr. Mike Finnegan rolled it down with a “Happy Monday!” and I knew in that moment I had found a community and campus environment that I wanted to be a part of.

Why did you choose K-State?

I chose K-State because of the incredible education provided by world-renowned professors in the design field, which I am extremely passionate about, and the fact that when you are on K-State’s campus you feel like you belong. Whatever you hope to accomplish seems achievable.

How are you involved at K-State?

I am an ambassador for the Staley School of Leadership, an ambassador for the College of Architecture, Planning & Design, and a LEAD 212 class leader. I am also involved in the Student Planning Association in which I have served as president.

What has been your favorite K-State experience?

My favorite K-State experience so far was getting the chance to travel to Des Moines, Iowa, with my Urban Design Studio and work alongside community members to help envision what a revitalization of a corridor within the city might look like. K-State is not only making a difference in Kansas, but also making a difference in communities all over the Midwest and even globally.

How does K-State care for Kansans in your hometown community?

Salina is the home to the K-State Aerospace and Technology Campus, which provides incredible opportunities in all facets of aeronautics and aviation. K-State students and faculty alike are a big part of the Salina community through small businesses, manufacturing, aerospace and all kinds of other fields. There is a lot of support by K-State in my hometown. Salina is also home to many K-State alumni who work in all different fields helping our community thrive.

Why do you want to bring K-State to your community?

I would love the opportunity to develop the K-State connection within Salina even further — both through business and academic connections, as well as the opportunity to partner with the Salina community on projects, community development and overall well-being. Salina and K-State would both thrive when given the chance to explore and envision what the future holds.