Ahearn Fund Announces 1896 Giving Society
Jun 03, 2026 | Athletics, Ahearn Fund
MANHATTAN, Kan. – K-State Athletics and the Ahearn Fund have announced the creation of the 1896 Lifetime Giving Society to celebrate and recognize the most dedicated supporters of K-State Athletics whose cumulative philanthropic support have reached $1,896,000 or more.
Established to honor those who have made a transformational impact, the society celebrates a legacy of generosity that has helped build and sustain championship-caliber programs, as well as providing opportunities for student-athletes to succeed on and off the field.
"We have some of the most dedicated and loyal donors in all of college athletics," Athletics Director Gene Taylor said. "During a time in our industry when increased revenue streams and donor support are needed most, K-Staters continue to step up in support of our student-athletes and programs. The creation of this giving society is something that we feel is important as we recognize those who have contributed significantly over many years in support of all our programs."
The name arises in honor of 1896: the year Kansas State first began competing in intercollegiate athletics, which symbolizes a tradition of excellence that continues to grow with each generation of K-State student-athletes.
1896 Society Donor Benefits
The department will be honoring and recognizing the inaugural class during the football game against Washington State on Saturday, September 12.
For more information, please contact Senior Associate Athletics Director for Development, Rob Heil at rheil@kstatesports.com.
Established to honor those who have made a transformational impact, the society celebrates a legacy of generosity that has helped build and sustain championship-caliber programs, as well as providing opportunities for student-athletes to succeed on and off the field.
"We have some of the most dedicated and loyal donors in all of college athletics," Athletics Director Gene Taylor said. "During a time in our industry when increased revenue streams and donor support are needed most, K-Staters continue to step up in support of our student-athletes and programs. The creation of this giving society is something that we feel is important as we recognize those who have contributed significantly over many years in support of all our programs."
The name arises in honor of 1896: the year Kansas State first began competing in intercollegiate athletics, which symbolizes a tradition of excellence that continues to grow with each generation of K-State student-athletes.
1896 Society Donor Benefits
- Name or family name etched in limestone on the west side of Bill Snyder Family Stadium.
- 1896 Lifetime Giving Society commemorative plaque.
- On-field or on-court recognition during a football or men's basketball game.
- Invitation to a Bi-Annual reception honoring society inductees.
- Recognition on the Ahearn Fund virtual donor wall in Bramlage Coliseum.
The department will be honoring and recognizing the inaugural class during the football game against Washington State on Saturday, September 12.
For more information, please contact Senior Associate Athletics Director for Development, Rob Heil at rheil@kstatesports.com.
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