K-STATE AT SALINA’S OPEN HOUSE WELD-A-THON BENEFITS LOCAL CHILD April 20, 2004 SALINA – Kansas State University at Salina students and faculty came together at the April 3 Open House to make a difference in a young member of their community. Students and faculty joined together in the weld-a-thon to benefit a local child. Steven Lawson, son of K-State at Salina graduate Virgil Lawson, received a liver transplant in January 2003 and now faces a lifetime of medication and medical costs. K-State students and faculty decided to help defray the ongoing expenses. With materials donated by Grain Belt Supply, students and faculty welded a metal masterpiece during the annual Open House. The sculpture was designed by David Towne, freshman in mechanical engineering technology from Salina. The K-State at Salina Entrepreneurial Club coordinated two fund raisers for the project, including a silent auction for the completed sculpture and a “penny war.” For the penny war, members of clubs and residence halls were encouraged to drop their loose change in buckets, with a bucket designated for each organization. Pennies counted toward the club’s points, while silver coins or dollar bills counted against the pennies’ points. Kathy Brockway, K-State faculty coordinator of the weld-a-thon, believed the event was a success. “Any time you provide the opportunity to bring students and faculty together to help benefit a graduate and members of the community, our campus jumps on the chance. I think it is a great reflection of the K-State tradition here at Salina.” |