K-State alumni, Craig and Carolyn Swann, give back to the university to provide more opportunities for students and to leave a profound legacy
K-State alumni, Craig and Carolyn Swann, always wanted to show appreciation to their alma mater by giving back. Their aspiration finally came to life with help from the K-State Family Scholarship Program — an initiative to increase scholarship opportunities for students.
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.
“With the K-State Family Scholarship match program — thanks to the generosity of Mary Vanier — we recognized this would allow us not only to double the impact of our gift, but give us the direction we needed in establishing a scholarship that would leave a lasting legacy,” Carolyn said.
Craig graduated from K-State in 1977 with a degree in political science and Carolyn earned her marketing degree in 1979. More than 33 years ago, the Swann’s moved to Texas but still wear purple with pride.
“Everywhere we have lived, our neighbors, friends and co-workers soon learn of the affection we have for the Wildcats,” Craig said. “Since we have resided for so long in Texas, we love the idea that north Texas students might also want the opportunity to attend our alma mater.”
Craig and Carolyn established a universitywide scholarship, which is available for students from north Texas.
“We know an education at Kansas State University means a quality education, a family atmosphere and a lifelong tendency to Wabash,” Carolyn said. “We feel honored and privileged to give toward a scholarship that will enable north Texas students to have the same opportunity.”
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 785-775-2007 or by email. 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.
