5.24.21
Notable news at the WSU Foundation
Milestone anniversaries
Recognizing WSU Foundation employees who are marking significant work anniversaries.
Shannon Koehn
Help us congratulate Shannon on an impressive accomplishment – serving Wichita State and the WSU Foundation for 25 years!
Shannon’s title at the foundation is director of prospect research. In short, she uses data science and her background in database management to identify individuals and organizations that show an interest in supporting Wichita State.
A first-generation college graduate and proud Shocker, Shannon worked for the WSU Alumni Association for about 10 years, leaving her job as director of alumni records to start her career with the WSU Foundation. She has a bachelor’s degree in management information systems and – just this spring – earned a master’s degree in public administration.
A lifelong Kansan raised in western Kansas to a family of farmers and ranchers, Shannon and her husband live in Bentley, where she is a member of the city council. She also volunteers in her community, recently heading up a small group that secured funding for a new park. She also was a volunteer firefighter for a couple of years.
As for personal interests, Shannon is an avid gardener who finds great reward in that pursuit. “With farming roots that run deep, it is no surprise I am most at home with my hands in the dirt,” she says.
Shannon says she has many good memories of her time at Wichita State.
“I have had the privilege of working with many wonderful people and have witnessed the complete transformation of the WSU campus,” she says. “My favorite memories are watching students receive their diploma and knowing that, in small part, our work at the WSU Foundation has helped make that happen.” As an employee celebrating her 25th anniversary, Shannon will be honored this year with the university’s Bender of Twigs award. Bender of Twigs is a reference to the similarity between the way a young sapling bends toward the light as it grows, and how faculty and staff help lead students in their search for knowledge. This designation is bestowed upon employees who have 25 years of service to Wichita State University.
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