John and Susan Bolton’s children named a scholarship in their honor to benefit students in K-State’s College of Veterinary Medicine.
Parents often wonder if they are making a difference through the years of homework, laundry, family shuttle services and teachable moments. For Dr. John and Susan Bolton, their three children provided an answer when they accessed K-State Family Scholarship match funds to name a scholarship in John and Susan’s honor, which will benefit students in Kansas State University’s College of Veterinary Medicine.
“K-State was very good to me and provided me with an education that has allowed me to have a career in the field of my choice. Once our youngest graduated from K-State, I began to wonder what I had done to give back to ‘that spot that I love full well’. I realized that my K-State legacy is my children. This scholarship is just a more tangible example of that”
The Boltons’ children and their spouses, Jennifer and Ben, Amanda and James, and Tom, had planned to create a scholarship in John and Susan’s honor using the match programs offered by their employers. When they learned about the K-State Family Scholarship match program, the siblings and their spouses realized they could create a unique gift for their parents while maximizing their support for K-State veterinary students.
“Our parents instilled in us a significant appreciation for education, which has been the foundation of our ability to make a difference in the lives of others,” said Jennifer and Ben. “We are grateful to the matching gift programs from both our employers and the K-State Family Scholarship program for the impact it has on K-State students.”
John graduated from K-State in 1982 with a bachelor’s degree from the College of Arts and Sciences and in 1984 with his doctorate in veterinary medicine from the College of Veterinary Medicine. Though Susan is a Wildcat by marriage, she has adopted K-State as if she grew up Wildcat. Both John and Susan say that Kansas State University became part of their family identity as well as vacation destination during football season.
“When you first go away to college, it is probably the greatest adventure you’ll have up to that point. Manhattan is a fantastic place to have that experience,” said John. “I’m thankful that this scholarship will help to pay that opportunity forward.”
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.
“We are hopeful that future generations of K-Staters will be afforded the same opportunities that we have enjoyed as a result of our educations,” said Amanda and James.
“Our parents were an inspiration and encouraged us to pursue an education that leads to opportunities for successful careers,” said Tom. “We appreciate their persistence and their mentoring and hope this gift will share their legacy with other K-Staters.”
Learn more about how you can take advantage of matching opportunities through the K-State Family Scholarship Program here.
Click the link and check to see if your company will match your gifts to Kansas State University.
