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 Don & Elizabeth King (2025)

Given annually, the Fairmount Founders Award recognizes those who provide outstanding service and exceptional generosity to Wichita State University. This year’s recipients, Elizabeth and Don King, have gifted more than $150,000 in scholarships to international students studying at WSU since they established the Elizabeth & Don King International Scholarship in 2006. Additionally, they have contributed generously to projects across the campus over the years and actively demonstrate their unwavering commitment to enhancing the university’s global reach. Their scholarship continues to create opportunities for students from around the world, leaving a lasting impact on Wichita State University.

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  • 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