K-State is often described as a family. While the definition of family may vary widely, we are consistent in our efforts to recognize and celebrate the critical role families play in student success.
This fall, the University will celebrate 90 years of K-State Family Day on Saturday, September 15, 2018. There will be traditional programming like K-State Family Tailgate, Legacy Pinning Ceremony & Brunch, K-State Football and Soccer, the Latin Jazz Band, and so much more. You can find a complete schedule of activities here.
Chair of K-State Book Network and Associate Professor of K-State Libraries Tara Coleman
Tara Coleman, web services librarian and associate professor, also serving as the chair of the K-State Book Network, sits down with Mindy Weixelman, director of parent and family relations to discuss the K-State Book Network and its recent selection for the 2018 common reading book, “The Hate U Give” by Angie Thomas.
PFA:Tara, thank you for taking the time to share with parents and families the purpose of the K-State Book Network and the common reading book, and how it will translate into their student’s college experience. The K-State Parents and Family Association aims to communicate programs and initiatives taking place on campus in a timely, thorough, and direct manner.
Tara: Great! Everyone involved with the K-State Book Network appreciates the opportunity to engage with parents and families.
May 2018 Graduate Trenton Kennedy from Frankfort, Kansas.
K-State PFA Intern Sadie Polson recently caught up with Trenton Kennedy, a May 2018 graduate of Kansas State University with a degree in Entrepreneurship and a minor in Political Science. Through his involvement in organizations such as Student Governing Association, Blue Key Senior Honorary, and Beta Theta Pi Fraternity, Trenton’s K-State experiences have proven essential in navigating the recent transition into his professional career.
Sadie: Describe your transition from college to career. What are you doing now? What were some of the major adjustments?
Trenton: I am currently living in Washington, D.C. where I serve as a press assistant to Senator Jerry Moran (R-Kan.). My transition from college to career was short. Many of my friends going into the private sector have spent their time between college and career back-packing Europe or at the lake. Public service doesn’t lend well to excessive spending, so I started after spending a short two weeks in my hometown of Frankfort, Kansas. The transition has been interesting – I am slowly getting used to the hours and having two phones. I’ve spent summers in DC doing internships, so it doesn’t feel unfamiliar. However, I know when college football season rolls around and I’m not watching the Cats from Bill Snyder Family Stadium, things will feel very different.
Office of First Generation Students Assistant Director Rebeca Paz
As Director of Parent and Family Relations, I have the opportunity and pleasure to collaborate with Rebeca Paz, who is known on campus as a valued resource, advocate and overall champion for first-generation students. While Rebeca is not new to K-State, she is leading a new endeavor for first-generation students and families.
PFA:Congratulations for launching the new Office of First-Generation Students! K-State’s land-grant mission offers students a pathway to success. How will having an office enhance our abilities to support first-generation students?
Rebeca: Yes, I’m very excited about this announcement. The generous support of the Suder Foundation has made our dream become a reality. The Office will serve as a model for universities across the country — informed and inspired through a unique partnership with the National Association of Student Personnel Administrators (NASPA) Center for First Generation Student Success, another key program funded by the Suder Foundation.
K-State PFA Intern Sadie Polson recently sat down with Jim Parker, Director of Lafene Health Center, K-State students’ health and wellness facility. Conveniently located at 1105 Sunset Avenue, across the street from Marlatt Hall and the Kramer Dining Center, Lafene is focused on providing students with a cost-effective, physician-directed healthcare experience.
K-State PFA Intern Sadie Polson recently sat down with Jim Parker, Director of Lafene Health Center, K-State students’ health and wellness facility. Conveniently located at 1105 Sunset Avenue, across the street from Marlatt Hall and the Kramer Dining Center, Lafene is focused on providing students with a cost-effective, physician-directed healthcare experience.
PFA: Thank you for visiting with us today, Jim! Tell us about the range of services your staff provides to K-State students.
Jim: Lafene Health Center (LHC) is a fully accredited outpatient health center that offers a wide range of health and wellness resources. These resources, both clinical and academic, are available to eligible students. Clinical offerings include primary care/family practice medicine, sports medicine, dermatology, women’s and men’s health, mental health medication management, ADHD testing, physical therapy, athletic training, allergy and immunization services, foreign travel consultations, laboratory services, and a full-service pharmacy. This fall, LHC will initiate massage therapy services for eligible students, faculty, and staff.
K-State is often described as a family. While the definition of family may vary widely, we are consistent in our efforts to recognize and celebrate the critical role families play in student success.
