K-State News and Communications Services
MANHATTAN — Three couples have given a total of $22 million to the College of Engineering at Kansas State University, advancing opportunities for students and faculty and providing revolutionary, flexible funding for the college.
“The generosity, belief in our programs and commitment to engineering education expressed through these tremendous gifts cannot be overstated,” said Darren Dawson, dean of the College of Engineering. “This level of investment is transformative and further establishes our goal of being the top engineering program in the state. These gifts will expand our platforms and fulfill the expectations of the University Engineering Initiative Act to increase the number of engineering graduates in Kansas.”
Jim and Laura Johnson, Colorado Springs, Colorado, invested in naming the G.E. Johnson Department of Architectural Engineering and Construction Science in honor of Jim’s father, Gil E. Johnson. Gil Johnson founded Colorado Springs-based GE Johnson Construction, a general contracting firm, in 1967. A 1955 graduate of Kansas State University, Gil Johnson invested in College of Engineering students and faculty. Jim and Laura Johnson have carried on the family tradition of investing in the college and the success of its students and faculty.
Jim Johnson earned his degree in construction science from Kansas State University in 1984. He served on the Engineering Advisory Council, received the Professional Progress Award in 2003, is a member of the College of Engineering Hall of Fame and currently serves on the College of Engineering’s Innovation and Inspiration Campaign steering committee.
Ike and Letty Evans, Bluffton, South Carolina, contributed to name the Ike and Letty Evans Academic Success Center. The center offers workshops on study skills, time management, engineering careers and internships. Through the center, students can access peer-to-peer tutoring, test preparation, first-year instruction and diversity support programs such as Women in Engineering and the Multicultural Engineering Program.
Ike Evans graduated from Kansas State University in 1965 with a degree in electrical engineering. The Evanses invest in faculty and students in the college, and Ike Evans is a member of the College of Engineering Hall of Fame and served on the Engineering Advisory Council.
Tim and Sharon Taylor, The Woodlands, Texas, invested in the college by naming the Tim Taylor Department of Chemical Engineering. This investment will empower the department to recruit and retain top faculty and the best students, and provide flexible funding for department leaders to take advantage of emerging opportunities.
Tim Taylor received his degree in chemical engineering from Kansas State University in 1975. He served on the Engineering Advisory Council, received the Engineering Distinguished Service Award and was inducted into the College of Engineering Hall of Fame. He also serves on the College of Engineering’s Innovation and Inspiration Campaign steering committee.
“The Evanses, Johnsons and Taylors exemplify the generosity of the K-State family,” said Richard Myers, Kansas State University president. “Their investment in the success of College of Engineering faculty, students and programs not only elevates the college; their gifts bring prestige to the university and help propel K-State toward being nationally recognized as a Top 50 public research university.”