Source: Cherie Geiser, 785-532-7442, cgeiser@k-state.edu
News release prepared by: Donna Ekart, 785-532-7452, dfe@k-state.edu
Wednesday, March 4, 2009
EVENTS, EXHIBIT AT K-STATE LIBRARIES HONOR UNIVERSITY'S FIRST LADIES
MANHATTAN -- The history of Kansas State University's first ladies is being celebrated with an exhibit, program and reception at K-State Libraries' Hale Library.
The first ladies exhibit is now open through March 27 in the fifth-floor gallery of Hale Library. It features photographs, artifacts and information about each of K-State's 13 first ladies, from original first lady Frances Denison, current first lady Ruth Ann Wefald and incoming first lady Noel Nunnally Schulz. While their individual interests and activities varied widely, collectively the first ladies became leaders in campus and community organizations; hosted visiting dignitaries, faculty and students; and carried out countless other roles to benefit the university and the Manhattan community.
The first ladies will be the topic of a program co-sponsored by the Friends of the K-State Libraries in Hale Library's Hemisphere Room at 3:30 p.m. Wednesday, March 25. The program will feature Michaeline Chance-Reay, K-State assistant professor of secondary education and the author of "Land Grant Ladies: Wives of the K-State Presidents." In addition, Sharon Reagan, president of the Friends of the K-State Libraries, will honor current first lady Wefald; and Lori A. Goetsch, dean of K-State Libraries, will discuss the evolving first ladies portrait gallery in Hale Library.
Following the program, a reception will be in the fifth floor gallery.
"As we say farewell to Ruth Ann Wefald after so many years of service to the Manhattan community, K-State, and especially the K-State Libraries, we feel like this is a good time to celebrate the legacies of all of the first ladies of Kansas State University and make certain their contributions are not lost to history," Goetsch said.
The exhibit, program and reception are all free and open to the public. To make reservations for the program or for more information about the Friends of the K-State Libraries, contact Cherie Geiser at cgeiser@k-state.edu or 785-532-7447.
