Kansas State University

MANHATTAN — Through a new scholarship program, deserving Kansas State University business students are getting the chance to pursue their educational dreams.

The College of Business Administration's American Dream scholarship program helps students prosper through hard work. The program, which launches April 1, involves young College of Business Administration alumni as well as distinguished alumni.

"The American Dream scholarship provides an innovative vehicle for young alumni to engage with the college by helping another student's American dream come true," said Ali Malekzadeh, dean of the College of Business Administration. "We want to allow deserving students the chance to succeed with a top-quality business education that leads to exceptional career opportunities. Creating links between generations of alumni is an added benefit. This is the first program of its kind in the nation, and I am confident it will succeed because K-Staters are the most passionate alumni in the nation."

Through the program, young alumni build 50-member teams and each team member donates $10 a month for four years. Through these donations, each team provides one College of Business Administration student with an annual scholarship for four years. Experienced alumni serve as a team's philanthropic mentor and provide guidance.

Tim and Sue Regan, both 1978 Kansas State University graduates, are the philanthropic mentors of the American Dream program. Together they are sharing their time, treasure and talent to help young alumni understand the joy of giving back.

"Tim and I liked Dean Ali's plan to keep new alums connected with the university through involvement in the scholarship program," Sue Regan said. "We received loans, grants and scholarships that allowed us achieve our goal of a college education. Having the opportunity to help others work toward achieving their dreams is a real privilege."

Tough economic times, increased student loan debt and substantially reduced state support for public institutions of higher education are among the factors that have put the attainability of the American dream in jeopardy for many American families.

Through the scholarship program, young alumni are able to help students reclaim the American dream. Kyle Landau, who graduated from the College of Business Administration in 2012, is chairing the young alumni task force.

"By working together and pooling our resources, we can make a world of difference for a young student," said Landau, an equity research analyst with U.S. Capital Advisors LLC. "That student will now have the opportunity to displace the time burden of meeting financial need with increased engagement in the classroom and throughout campus in general."

For more information about the American Dream scholarship program, visit http://www.cba.k-state.edu/americandream.