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Kissingers Continue to Support Political Science

Carol and Don Kissinger

We wish to thank Don and Carol Kissinger for their continued support of the department. Their notable gift will allow the department to continue to thrive for future generations of students and provide even more opportunities for future K-Staters.

They met in a political science class at Kansas State University, working under Dr. Michael Suleiman and the founder of the department, Dr. Lou Douglas. These key moments laid the groundwork for their careers and ability to travel the world. Their education at K-State shaped Don and Carol Kissinger’s lives and has now influenced them to create an endowed excellence fund in the Department of Political Science.

“We decided that our donation to political science at K-State was best done at the departmental level where the most good would come from our donation,” Carol said.

Although their relationship was started in the political science department, the Kissingers also appreciate the close ties K-State has with the military. Carol grew up with close relatives in the United States Air Force, and Don got his Air Force commission through the AFROTC program at K-State.

The Kissingers recalled an enjoyable campus life of playing bridge at the student union, and washing their cars at Pillsbury Crossing. Now, giving back to K-State is a homage to the lifestyle they enjoyed in their early years together and to an education cultivated in the political science department they hope will grow with their endowed gift.

“We hope our gift will inspire more critical thinking about the world and help build the reputation of the political science department,” Don said.

They have been supporting political science and security studies over a long time and their annual gifts have had a tangible impact on students. For security studies students their annual donations have helped to increase graduate student stipends and to purchase computers and software.  They have also helped graduate students travel to conduct field work and to present their work at professional conferences. A range of opportunities have been provided for our students that would not otherwise be available.  Importantly, these opportunities have allowed the type of experiences and opportunities for critical thought that Don and Carol envisioned, and that are so important for students.

 

The department and faculty are greatly appreciative of their continued support!

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