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K-State Today

May 8, 2024

Kaus granted Blue Key honorary membership

Submitted by Blue Key

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Jodi Kaus, left, and RJ Salmen. Kaus was named an honorary Blue Key member.

The Kansas State University chapter of Blue Key Senior Honorary has named Jodi Kaus, director of Powercat Financial, as an honorary member for her embodiment of the organization's motto, "Serving I Live."

Honorary membership may be extended to faculty members, administrators, staff members, university alumni and key support of Blue Key or campus life. This membership status is reserved for individuals who demonstrate unselfish devotion to the best interest of the university or Blue Key. Blue Key recognizes college students at senior institutions of higher education for balanced and all-around excellence in scholarship, leadership and service. Honorary members are selected by the current Blue Key class.

Kaus has served as the director of Powercat Financial since the program's founding in 2009. During her tenure, she has left a significant impact on faculty, staff and students, including the hundreds of student employees who have worked under her leadership. Her initiative has taken Powercat Financial from its roots — a closet in Hale Library — to a now campuswide program that provides financial education to all students. She has been a catalyst for K-State's Financial Futures Initiative that is bringing together resources to provide holistic financial well-being support to all members of our campus community. Through her steadfast leadership, Powercat Financial was awarded the 2023 Outstanding Financial Counseling Center award by the Association for Financial Counseling and Planning Education.

Kaus uses what makes her unique to contribute to her family, our community and the planet. Her responsibility and responsiveness are evident in her drive for talent development, project management and work efficiency. Her unwavering dedication to student success and financial well-being through advocacy and proactive initiatives has earned her the heartfelt endorsement for honorary membership.

Other honorary members of K-State Blue Key include Mary Tolar, dean of the Staley School of Leadership; Pat Bosco, vice president for student life and dean of students emeritus; Alf Landon, former Kansas governor; Bill Snyder, former K-State head football coach; Amy Button Renz, former CEO and president of the K-State Alumni Association; Frank Tracz, director of K-State Bands; and Jon and Ruth Ann Wefald, former K-State president and first lady.