Catherine Conklin Yingling Endowed Library Fund

Born in Pittsburgh, Kansas in 1916, Catherine Conklin moved to Wichita with her family in 1927. She married Ernest V. Yingling, Jr., owner of Yingling Cessna Aircraft and Yingling Chevrolet of Wichita, in 1938. Mrs. Yingling attended the University of Wichita from 1933-34 and was a member of Alpha Tau Sorority. A master bridge player, she also loved travel, music, and books. It was her passion for reading which led to her generous gifts to WSU and the Wichita Public Library.

Upon her passing in August of 2000, she bequeathed a portion of her estate to establish the Catherine Conklin Yingling Endowed Library Fund. Her fund helped to create the Yingling Leisure Reading Collection with the WSU University Libraries. Through this endowed fund, Mrs. Yingling supports those who share her passion for reading.