Kansas State University

The accomplishments of Kansas State University alumni can be found all around the world—Herbert Diamond invented the snooze button alarm clock, Eugene Rasmusson discovered the El Niño weather cycle and Charlie Hall developed one of the most popular watermelon varieties in the world.

Hall ’60 developed the Crimson Sweet watermelon, which is grown in more than 50 countries and the most popular type of watermelon grown in the United States. It is famous for its smaller seeds, sweeter flavor and increased resistance to plant disease.

Growing up on a small farm in Ark., Hall spent much of his time helping his family grow, harvest and process fruits and vegetables. “I spent a lot of time in the gardens and always like working with plants,” said Hall. Continue reading “Success is sweet for alumnus” →

Col. Kevin Brown stood tall and proud and often ventured “outside the wire” with his soldiers in Baghdad. Under the sizzle of the Iraqi sun, I watched him meticulously pin medals on their uniforms.

When he retired in 2011, he walked the Appalachian Trail to clear his head and began a tough Ph.D. program in security studies at Kansas State University. Continue reading “Doctoral student helps disabled Iraqi girl” →

A former Kansas State University graduate student has been awarded the 2013 National Association for Surface Furnishing’s (NASF) Scientific Achievement Award.

Yinlun Huang, professor of chemical engineering and materials science at Wayne State University, received the award for his key theoretical contributions to the surface finishing industry.  Continue reading “Alumnus recognized by the National Association for Surface Furnishing” →

A former Kansas State University student athlete and graduate student has been awarded the Vivien Coe Richard Top Teens Leadership Award.

Dr. James “Jim” Heggie, the former senior educational specialist and program director of education and community relations at the Center of Health Equity and Evaluation Research at the University of Texas M.D. Anderson Cancer Center, was recognized for his outstanding service in introducing career opportunities in the medical profession to youth. Continue reading “Former track star receives leadership award” →

K-State has come a long way in the past 150 years and there is no telling what the next 150 years will bring. Your commitment and support will be essential as we work together to enhance the scholarly experiences for our graduate students.  We hope you will consider how you might support these efforts by providing internship or research opportunities, serving as lecturers, contributing to scholarship and fellowship programs, serving on panels for professional development workshops and reconnecting with your mentor and/or department and sharing your success stories.  To explore ways to contribute to the graduate student experience, contact Tracy Robinson, development officer for the Graduate School, at (785) 532-7568 or tracyr@found.ksu.edu.