New scholarship recognizes students' talent in urban food systems, alumni's legacy
Thursday, June 22, 2023 | Written by Beth Jones
OLATHE — A new scholarship for Kansas State University Olathe graduate students honors the legacy of two alumni who were pivotal in the campus’ establishment.
The Daniel C. and Kathy Richardson Graduate Student Support for Agriculture, Food and Related Disciplines Scholarship provides funding to students pursuing their M.S. in horticulture with an emphasis in urban food systems degree at K-State Olathe. The scholarship provides $1,275 to eligible students.
The scholarship is named for both Daniel “Dan” C. Richardson, D.V.M., American College of Veterinary Surgeons Diplomate, and Kathy Richardson. Dan Richardson graduated from K-State's College of Veterinary Medicine in 1977 and served in adjunct associate and full adjunct professor of surgery positions at K-State’s College of Veterinary Medicine and later as the CEO of K-State Olathe. Kathy Richardson received her master’s degree in biology from K-State with a research focus in pancreatic regeneration.
K-State Olathe has always been near and dear to the Richardson family’s hearts. In 2008, K-State leadership asked the couple to lead the development on its new Olathe campus, which opened April 2011. While Dan Richardson worked developing the campus building, Kathy Richardson became involved with the Olathe Persons with Disabilities Advisory Board. Her work centered on ensuring that buildings in Olathe — including the K-State Olathe campus — met and exceeded Americans with Disabilities Act requirements. As a result of her efforts, the Olathe campus received the first award for accessibility given out by the board and the City of Olathe.
The couple, who met while attending K-State, were married for 48 years until Kathy Richardson died in 2023.
This new scholarship is designed to honor Kathy Richardson’s legacy, as she had a lifelong love of both science and education.
"Dan Richardson was the first CEO and Dean at K-State Olathe, and he and his wife, Kathy Richardson, were instrumental in launching the K-State Olathe campus," said Debbie Kirchhoff, executive director of strategic initiatives. “We are so grateful for their dedication to K-State Olathe and their recent gift to provide scholarships for the students at the campus. Their generosity will impact many students to help them pursue their education.”
The Daniel C. and Kathy Richardson Graduate Student Support for Agriculture, Food and Related Disciplines Scholarship is available to graduate students at K-State Olathe starting in the fall.
To be eligible for consideration, students must be:
- Graduate students enrolled in any agricultural degree program at K-State Olathe.
- Conducting research in programs focused on food safety or food security.
- Collaborating with other programs, which might include, but not be limited to, the College of Agriculture.
To learn more or apply, visit olathe.k-state.edu/scholarships.