ESU bids Schallenkamps farewell

President Kay Schallenkamp, grandaughter Alyssa Newbury and Dr. Ken Schallenkamp

President Kay and Dr. Ken Schallenkamp, who will depart Emporia State University in June, were honored Saturday night at a farewell reception. In a moving tribute, friends of ESU donated $24,600 to establish a scholarship for students in the Schallenkamps’ name.

The president since 1997, Dr. Kay Schallenkamp was a leader of vision, integrity and mentoring, her peers said at Saturday’s farewell in Webb Lecture Hall on campus, and Ken Schallenkamp was described as a man of tremendous energy.

President Schallenkamp will become the president at Black Hills State University in South Dakota on July 1, returning to the state where she and Ken grew up and became first-generation college students. The evening’s remarks painted a picture of the legacy the couple will leave on Emporia and ESU.

Elaine Henry, chair of the art department, repeated ESU’s often-heard slogan, “In the Center of It All.” Students are the center of ESU’s mission, she said, because of the president’s guidance. “It hasn’t been in our mission,” Henry said. “It has been our mission. You’ve made your mark on us and on me, and I’m going to miss you.”

The strong desire to reward student success is at the center of the scholarship, the President Kay and Dr. Ken Schallenkamp Scholarship. It’s a part of the ongoing scholarship campaign, Building Blocks for Success, which is nearing its $15 million goal with $12.6 million raised. Behind each scholarship is a story like the Schallenkamps, of ESU’s friends recognizing the value of rewarding student success for generations to come.

The Schallenkamps, who gasped when the $24,600 figure was announced, couldn’t be happier. “This is really overwhelming,” the president said. “It really is the best job in the world to be around 18-year-olds who believe they can solve all the world’s problems all at once.”

One obstacle at a time, the Schallenkamps have put ESU and its students on solid ground to solve those world problems. Dr. DeWayne Backhus, who chairs the departments of physical sciences, said the departments were in need of major investments nine years ago, in order to retain its competitive edge.

“We were at a crossroads when the president came here,” Backhus said. “She became aware of our needs within a few weeks of being here, and she marshaled the forces to meet our needs.”

Dr. John Schwenn, vice president for academic affairs, lauded Schallenkamp’s vision. Spotting developing trends, she would guide the university in specific directions – and then later, Schwenn and others would hear about the trends as “new” at conferences. “She knew what was coming. She knew what was happening,” he said. “We’re where we are because of her.”

Ken Schallenkamp is an assistant professor in the School of Business. One of his colleagues there, Dr. faye smith, spoke of his magnetic personality. “Ken has a gift of allowing all of us to catch his flame, and we willingly catch his fire,” smith said.

Mark Schreiber, who is active in the Emporia Area Chamber of Commerce, agreed. Despite their busy schedules, both Schallenkamps were always completely involved and attentive to the community projects they helped with.  “In fact, a few weeks ago someone compared Ken to the Energizer Bunny,” Schreiber said.

The Schallenkamps were presented with a Kansas flag that was flown above the state capital on May 8. Just as they’ll remember ESU and Emporia when they see the flag, this community will remember the Schallenkamps.

“Tonight we’re here simply to say thank you,” Schreiber said. “You’ve touched our university and our community, and we’ll never forget you.”

Last Updated July 2, 2007>