The Graduate School, in partnership with Graduate Student Council (GSC), hosted the first GSC Alumni Reunion July 14-16. The Reunion brought graduate students who served as committee and executive leaders of the GSC while they were graduate students at K-State back to the Manhattan campus. The Reunion gave the attendees an opportunity to experience how the university campus has changed since they were students and to participate in networking events that reconnected classmates, colleagues, faculty, current GSC leaders and K-State administrators.
The first day of the Reunion, alumni visited with faculty and program administrators from their department. The group took a stroll along the Manhattan campus, stopping to explore the newest buildings. The group ended their campus tour in Eisenhower Hall, the Graduate School’s new home, where they enjoyed a Call Hall ice cream social while interacting with current GSC leaders. The second half of the day included a tour of K-State athletic facilities. The alumni finished the evening with a social hour at Colbert Hills Golf Course.
Day two of the reunion started with a guided walking excursion of the Konza Prairie Biological Station led by docent, Mr. Earl Allen. While walking the prairie, alumni learned about and witnessed the riches of the prairie. From there, alumni traveled to Liquid Art Winery for a social and enjoyed the beautiful views of Manhattan.
“The Konza Prairie hike was my favorite memory – it really emphasized the essence of K-State, Manhattan, and Kansas, and how unique and special they all are.”
Saturday concluded at Dr. Carol Shanklin’s house, Dean of the Graduate School, with a dinner catered by Cox Bros. BBQ. Amy Button-Renz, CEO and President of the Alumni Association, brought greetings on behalf of the Alumni Association. At the cookout, alumni reminisced about when they were students and discussed the experiences of being back on campus.
“Seeing old friends and colleagues from GSC was probably the highlight, but getting to meet officers who came right after I left K-State and the current GSC officers was great! We enjoyed our trip back to Manhattan so much and it’s due, in large part, to the great conversations and fun we had with other GSC Alumni! Thank you for arranging this! We won’t wait 5 more years to return!”
The GSC Alumni Reunion concluded on Sunday, July 16 with a brunch at Wahoo Fire & Ice. The Graduate School presented the alumni with memorabilia. Dr. Carol Shanklin gave final remarks by reflecting on the past, present and future accomplishments and activities of the Graduate School and the Graduate Student Council.
If you are interested in connecting with the Graduate School or your department for future alumni reunions, please contact Dr. Carol Shanklin.
Mark your calendars – the next GSC Alumni Reunion will be June 7-10, 2019.