Fairmount Society

Our Most Distinguished Supporters

Fairmount Society

Our Most Distinguished Supporters

Our most distinguished supporters

Fairmount Society derives its name from the university’s earliest days, when, in 1895, it was established as Fairmount College. Today, the three giving tiers of Fairmount Society represent the individuals whose generosity enables the advancement and excellence of Wichita State University.

Members are invited to the annual celebration, Fairmount Forever, our most exclusive event, and are also honored at the Heritage Gala. Associate status is awarded to corporations, businesses and foundations.

Fairmount Society Distinctions

Lifetime Achievement Member: Giving exceeds $1 million
Lifetime Distinction Member: Contributions fall between $500,000 and $999,999
Lifetime Member: Donations range from $250,000 to $499,999

Fairmount Founders Award Honorees Martin and Donna Perline (2025)

Martin and Donna Perline have been devoted members of the Wichita State University community since arriving in 1965, when Martin began what became a 50‑plus‑year career as a beloved economics professor and longtime faculty athletics representative, ultimately earning induction into the MVC Hall of Fame. Equally dedicated, Donna has been one of WSU’s most active and engaged supporters. Together, they have given consecutively for 43 years, supporting academics, fine arts, athletics, scholarships and more. Deeply committed to helping students overcome financial barriers, the Perlines have committed an estate gift to endow scholarships in economics, fine arts and multiple fields of study. After more than five decades of teaching, service and philanthropy, Martin and Donna Perline’s legacy will continue to strengthen Wichita State and its students for generations.

  • FAIRMOUNT FOUNDERS AWARDEES
    • 1988 – H. Dene Heskett ’35
    • 1989 – Mary I. ’89 and K.T. ’36 Woodman
    • 1990 – Anita M. Lusk ’38/55
    • 1991 – Mickey ’45 and E.W. “Pete” ’42 Armstrong
    • 1992 – Anita ’53 and Lawrence M. ’53 Jones
    • 1993 – Rie Bloomfield
    • 1994 – Galey Coleman
    • 1995 – Jeri and Jack Hinkle
    • 1996 – Mildred J. Marcus, Howard N. and Rose M. Marcus, and Jerome D. Marcus
    • 1997 – J. Dean Rickman
    • 1998 – Dr. Sammy H. ’88 and Jacqueline M. Kouri
    • 1999 – Anna Kathleen Walsh ’28/39
    • 2000 – Joan S. Beren ’83
    • 2001 – Al and Middy Abercrombie
    • 2002 – Roberta Watkins Adams ’36
    • 2003 – Ralph Vautravers ’52
    • 2004 – Paula and Barry ’72 Downing
    • 2005 – Jean Garvey
    • 2006 – Wincel Vee Gordon
    • 2007 – Dorothy ’29 and Bill Cohen
    • 2008 – H. Russel Bomhoff
    • 2009 – Jan and Jerry ’63 Aaron
    • 2010 – Darlene ’72 and Bob Anderson
    • 2011 – Debbie Haynes ’76 and Larry Beamer
    • 2012 – Curtis D. Gridley ’80 and Tracy A. Hoover
    • 2013 – Kansas Health Foundation
    • 2014 – John ’59 and Barbara McCune
    • 2015 – David ’70/72 and Rynthia Mitchell
    • 2016 – Bill ’64 and Donna ’73 Ard
    • 2017 – Thornton Anderson ’47
    • 2018 – Bob White ’71/76
    • 2019 – Jane McHugh ’80
    • 2021 – Clark ’75 and Sharon ’76 Bastian
    • 2022 – Alex Ammar and Pamela Clancy ’80 Ammar
    • 2023 – Steve Feilmeier ’85
    • 2024 – Denis ’77/80 and Shirley ’77/80 Dieker
    • 2025 – Don & Elizabeth King