Sources: Amy Button Renz, arenz@k-state.com, 785-532-5050; Julie Lea, juliel@found.ksu.edu,
785-532-7564; Randy Peterson, rspete12@kstatesports.com, 785-532-7975

Thursday, Sept. 24, 2009

SIDEBAR: ENROLLMENT NOT THE ONLY THING LOOKING UP AT K-STATE: ALUMNI, FOUNDATION AND ATHLETICS ALSO REPORT GOOD NEWS

MANHATTAN -- In addition to reporting a record enrollment, record number of students of color, and record number of on campus students in Manhattan, Kansas State University's Alumni Association, Foundation and athletics department also reported significant successes in the past year.

The K-State Alumni Association reported an increase in event attendance this year.

"We are excited that K-Staters have again demonstrated why they are regarded to be among the most loyal alumni and fans in the nation," said Amy Button Renz, president and CEO of the K-State Alumni Association.
"By showing up in record numbers for watch parties, alumni club, Catbacker and other events across the state and around the nation, we are truly grateful for their great pride and the vital support they provide our university."

Playing a significant role in the increase was the participation of President Kirk Schulz and Director of Athletics John Currie.

"Alumni, friends and students enjoyed having the opportunity to meet them as they attended our events this summer," Renz said. "Their enthusiasm and passion for K-State has resonated with the Wildcat Nation."

Due to the continued loyalty of alumni and friends, for the 13th consecutive year the Alumni Association also ranks number one in the Big 12 for the percentage of graduates who are members, Renz said.

Alumni and friends of Kansas State University contributed $81.5 million to K-State through the KSU Foundation during the fiscal year that ended June 30, 2009. This is the fifth-largest total in the 65-year history of the foundation.

"K-State's alumni and friends are unmatched in their dedication and generosity," said Paul Stephenson, Wichita, Kan., chairman of the KSU Foundation Board of Trustees. "Given the economic climate we have faced during the year, we are humbled and grateful to end the year with our fifth-highest giving total. We want the 42,946 alumni and friends who contributed this year to know that their generosity is deeply appreciated. We would especially like to thank the 6,239 people who made gifts to K-State for the first time in this past fiscal year."

Of the $81.5 million total received during the fiscal year, $56.1 million was received in cash, real estate or appreciated securities, and $25.4 million was committed through pledges and deferred gifts, which will come to the university at a later date.

The athletics department reports a number of academic achievements by K-State athletes:
K-State owns the No. 1 graduation rate of all schools in the Big 12 following the 2008-09 season. This is the second straight year K-State has led the conference in this distinction.

K-State women's basketball was ranked 13th in the Women's Basketball Coaches' Association Academic Top-25 following the 2008-09 season. The Wildcats were one of just two BCS schools to appear in the ranking (Villanova was No. 18). This is the fifth time, and the second consecutive year K-State has appeared in the top-25. K-State was second in 2007-08.

The K-State men's and women's track and field teams were recognized by the United States Track and Field and Cross Country Coaches' Association as an All-Academic Track and Field team. Both squads ranked second in the Big 12 in GPA, with the men's squad holding a 3.125 and the women a 3.328. Overall the K-State men ranked No. 30 out of 67 teams, while the women were No. 38 of 130.

K-State has four Academic All-Americans with Loren Groves, second team - women's track and field; Shalee Lehning, third team - women's basketball; Jeron Mastrud, second team - football; and Scott Sellers, first team - men's track and field.

K-State reports 59 Academic All-Big 12 selections with four in baseball; two in men's basketball; seven in cross country; five in football; five in men's golf; four in women's golf; two in women's tennis; 16 in track and field; six in women's volleyball; and eight in women's basketball, the most in the Big 12 – and the only school to have all recipients of honor on the women's basketball first team.