A generous gift from Lori Goetsch, Dean of the K-State Libraries, in memory of her mother Kathleen C. Goetsch, who passed away in 2018, is endowing a new scholarship for students in the department of Gender, Women, and Sexuality Studies. Lori’s mother, known as Kay, was born in 1919 on a farm near Walcott, Iowa. Dean Goetsch says, “My mom only had an education through ninth grade, and had to go to secretarial school to help support her family during the depression. She was one of the smartest people I know. She raised three strong daughters and always wondered how we turned out so stubborn. I thought, just look in the mirror! She was an inspiration to me when I was growing up and as an adult. My sisters and I thought it was a good use of memorial funds to honor her with this scholarship.”
Kathleen Goetsch’s obituary says that she will be remembered as a devoted wife, a wonderful mother, a talented needleworker, sewer and quilter, and an avid golfer and bridge player. Our department is very grateful to be part of honoring her life.
Dean Goetsch is especially interested in supporting students with financial need, and the department was able to award the initial scholarships in the fall of 2018 to two advanced GWSS students to help them in their final semesters at K-State. Kasey Garzillo graduated in December 2018 with her major in GWSS and a minor in American Ethnic Studies. Kasey worked throughout her college career scooping ice cream at Baskin Robbins and then at Big Lakes Developmental Center with clients with developmental disabilities. She plans to go on to earn a master’s in social work and to advocate for those who are socially marginalized. Samantha Rose plans to graduate in May 2019 with a major in GWSS and a minor in Leadership Studies. She too, worked throughout college delivering pizza and in a science lab. She hopes to go on to work in trans* justice organizations.