At the spring KSU Foundation Board of Trustees meeting, trustees Lee Borck and Jackie Hartman Borck, Manhattan, Kansas, were awarded the Kansas State University Medal of Excellence, which recognizes those who have advanced K-State through exceptional service, leadership and philanthropic contributions.
Lee received his degree in agricultural economics from K-State in 1970. Jackie earned two degrees from K-State: a bachelor’s in secondary education in 1980 and a master’s in family economics in 1983.
Lee and Jackie have both served on the Alumni Association Board of Directors and Alumni Association Tradition Founders and are lifetime members of the Alumni Association. They are members of K-State Athletics’ National Leadership Circle. They proudly support university programs, including the Marianna Kistler Beach Museum of Art, McCain Auditorium, K-State Libraries and the K-State Gardens. Jackie served as the university’s chief of staff and director of community relations for nearly a decade. She continues her K-State legacy of leadership serving on many campus and community boards. Lee served on the KSU Foundation Board of Directors and is past board chair. He currently serves on the Innovation and Inspiration Campaign steering committee and numerous advisory councils across the academy.
“Lee and Jackie are dedicated K-Staters who define what it means to provide extraordinary service to Kansas State University as volunteers, mentors, philanthropic leaders and enthusiastic Wildcat fans,” said K-State President Richard Myers. “We very much appreciate their commitment to advancing what makes K-State great today and in the future and are excited to celebrate Lee and Jackie by awarding them the university’s Medal of Excellence.”
In addition to their volunteer service and financial support for universitywide programs, the Borcks have established or contributed to funds that support students, faculty and academic programs. These funds include the Lee and Jackie Borck Risk Management Director’s Excellence Endowment, the Amy Button Renz Alumni Association President’s Excellence Fund, the Barry Flinchbaugh Chair in Agricultural Economics, and three scholarships that support students universitywide.
“Jackie and Lee are avid Wildcat fans and have supported K-State in ways that continue to transform the academic experience and quality of life for K-State students, faculty, staff and the Manhattan community,” said Greg Willems, KSU Foundation president and CEO. “Together, they have demonstrated their deep appreciation for the people of Kansas State University through giving back financially and with their time and expertise. They have had a profound impact on the university community, and we are honored to celebrate them with the Medal of Excellence.”