The (1970s)
C S E PUNN M O A C (C
) N O I T
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IN THIS (ISSUE) News from your class agent News From Your Class Agent 1 What’s New With You? 2 Classmate Updates 2 25 Years of Graduate Education 2 Athletic Hall of Fame Inductees 3 Inauguration Date Announced 3 Faculty Spotlight: Dr. Eick 3 Spring Alumni Events 4 From the Desk of Lisa Tilma 4
The seventh annual Humanitarian of the Year award was recently bestowed on one of our classmates, Ronald W. Holt, G’73. This award recognizes leaders who make significant contributions benefitting others in the Wichita community through their guidance, philanthropic and/or selfless actions.
Soon he was involved with many other community organizations, leading him to see volunteerism as “the rent we pay for living.”
In 1970, Ron started at Friends University on the G.I. bill. He went to work as a meter reader at KG&E during this time because the flexible hours allowed him to work, go to school and raise a family.
In June 2002, Ron joined Sedgwick County as Assistant County Manager. His role as project leader for Intrust Bank Arena in downtown Wichita brought his nomination to the Humanitarian selection committee, leading to his selection as the 2011 recipient of this prestigious award.
Over the next 30 years with KG&E, Ron moved up the ranks from meter reader to eventually serve as chairman of the board and then President. He retired from the company, now known as Westar Energy, in 2001.
Rick Fitzgerald, G’70 1970s Class Agent cfitz1@cox.net You are invited to the inauguration of President Dr. T.J. Arant.
His exposure to community service began while serving as KG&E’s personnel representative. He took his supervisor’s position on several community-based committees, serving first on committees for the United Way and the American Red Cross. This began his lifetime of giving to the community.
Ron lives in Wichita with his wife, Karen. They have a daughter and two sons: Alana, Ron Jr., and Stacy, and 10 grandchildren. Congratulations to Ron Holt, who was also our Distinguished Alumnus at Friends University in 2003, and to his entire family. Well done!