W.A. Michaelis Jr. Endowed Scholarship in Business

Mr. Walter A. ‘Mick’ Michaelis Jr. left his home in Russell, Kan., to establish his own drilling company in Wichita. He began with one 5,000-foot rotary rig and eventually owned seven before selling them all. He was described as ‘one of Kansas’ best known drillers’ by a newspaper in 1954.

Mr. Michaelis, a dynamic and successful businessman, is the president of Graham-Michaelis Corporation, located in Wichita. He acquired his first bank, Stockyards National Bank in 1965. His first real estate venture was a modern commercial strip in Wichita. He has acquired several other businesses over the years. Friends and acquaintances have described his accomplishments as the fruit of hard work, loyal friendships and a low-key unassuming personality. Mr. Michaelis is married to Mary Frances Michaelis and they have two children, Mike and Susie.

He established the W. A. Michaelis Jr. Endowed Scholarship in business to support students majoring in the subject. Mr. Michaelis generosity not only paved the way for students to realize their dreams, but also served as a great inspiration for students aspiring to own businesses in future.

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