Written by Tiffany Roney
Dawne Martin, assistant dean for diversity in the College of Business Administration, is one of six Kansas State University individuals receiving the 2016 Presidential Awards for going above and beyond in providing education, development and vision to students and professors.
The awards include a $5,000 honorarium sponsored by the university president’s office and Curtin Property Company, a real estate development firm with offices in Manhattan and Kansas City.
Dawne Martin is receiving the Presidential Award for Excellence in Undergraduate Advising.
“These talented teachers are dedicated to helping students succeed at K-State and preparing them for future accomplishments,” said Kirk Schulz, university president. “We are grateful for their efforts and appreciate the continued support of Chris Curtin and Curtin Property Company to reward them for their dedication, which advances K-State’s goal of becoming a Top 50 public research university by 2025.” 
“We are pleased to join with the K-State president’s office in recognizing and rewarding these highly talented educators,” said Chris Curtin, president of Curtin Property Company and its Manhattan associates at Georgetown Apartment Homes and Westchester Park Apartments. “Their commitment to their students’ success, to professional excellence and to K-State is inspirational to all of us.”
Martin starts building relationships with students from underrepresented groups at the high school level by leading College for a Day, which introduces teens to campus. During the summer bridge program for incoming freshmen, she often works into the evening engaging students and administering study halls. Additionally, she serves as an adviser for the Multicultural Business Student Association, partners students with tutors, explains financial aid processes, connects students to internship recruiters, assists students with acquiring job interview attire, and maintains mentoring relationships well into graduates’ careers.