Inspired by his parents, K-State alumnus, Jimmy Counts, established a scholarship as part of the K-State Family Scholarship match program
Jimmy Counts, 1996 Kansas State University graduate in architecture, utilized matching funds to establish a scholarship for students in the College of Architecture, Planning and Design. This scholarship was made possible by the K-State Family Scholarship match program.
“I was the recipient of a scholarship for one semester. At the time, it made a significant difference for me and my family — I never forgot that,” Jimmy said. “I hope by endowing a scholarship matched with funds from Mary Vanier, we will continue to make a difference in students’ lives and their academic futures.”
With the K-State Family Scholarship Program, new gifts of $30,000 are matched with $30,000 from the seed fund, for a total of $60,000. $10,000 goes into an expendable fund, making $2,000 scholarships available to be awarded to students immediately. The remaining $50,000 goes into the endowment, ensuring future generations of Wildcats will receive scholarships as well.
“I read an article about Mary Vanier’s generous gift and goal, and it resonated with me,” Jimmy said. “It’s a unique opportunity to give back to K-State and ‘APDesign’.”
Jimmy’s inspiration to establish this scholarship originated with his parents as they encouraged him to pursue his degree in architecture.
“They instilled in me the values of advocacy and philanthropy,” Jimmy said. “Without them, I would not have been able to afford the education that has shaped me as a person and allowed me to pursue a profession that I love.”
Learn more about how you can take advantage of matching opportunities through the K-State Family Scholarship Program at ksufoundation.org/family, or contact John Morris, senior vice president of development at johnm@ksufoundation.org or 785-532-7587.
The K-State Family Scholarship Program supports Innovation and Inspiration: The Campaign for Kansas State University, raising $1.4 billion to advance K-State 2025 goals.
