Debra and Jim Gordon use matching funds to create two scholarships
Debra and Jim Gordon’s enthusiasm for K-State and giving back is evident through their life experiences. Growing up on small farms and participating in 4-H allowed Debra and Jim to enjoy a close connection with K-State. Both were the first members of their extended families to graduate from college.
Using matching funds through the K-State Family Scholarship program, the Gordons created two scholarships — one for students in the Department of Apparel, Textiles and Interior Design and one for business students.
Debra has worked closely with the College of Health and Human Sciences through her work with the Make It With Wool contest, which is sponsored by the Department of Apparel, Textiles and Interior Design.
“The opportunity to give back so more families can afford the benefits available with a college degree was a huge motive for this gift,” Debra said.
She is deeply invested in the fashion design program, working with many K-State students over the years in the Make It With Wool contest, plus volunteering her time to teach local youth to sew. Her dedication makes the college a natural choice for their gift.
As a national 4-H scholarship recipient and a 1976 K-State graduate in business and accounting, Jim looked for an opportunity to help future students. He recalls living at the Straube Scholarship House and listening to the marching band practicing in the open field where the College of Business Administration now stands. The Gordons have also established a fund for the College of Business, providing opportunities for many future K-Staters.
“We had already made commitments to fund scholarships for K-State. The matching gift helped us decide that it was time to make those gifts now. We hope this gift and future gifts we have planned will help K-State be more competitive in keeping Kansas kids in Kansas,” Jim said.
“It feels right to give back. Giving when you are not required to feels right. K-State has given us so much, being able to help future generations of K-Staters is a real joyous occasion. We hope these scholarships will help hard working, innovative students achieve their educational goals.”
