During a career in education that spanned more than five decades in positions from administrative assistant to college president, Dr. Rosemary A. Kirby’s impact on what is today known as WSU Tech is immeasurable. She is described by many as a pioneer and glass ceiling breaker for female leaders in education.
Under Rosemary’s leadership, the Wichita Area Vocational Technical School was transformed into the Wichita Area Technical College (WATC) in 1996. That change was a pivotal point in the school’s history and allowed the college to begin awarding certificates, diplomas and the Associate of Applied Science Degree. She remained focused on continuous program improvement and the needs of students until she retired in 2000. WATC became known as WSU Tech in 2018.
Rosemary has inspired and touched the lives of hundreds of teachers, colleagues and students throughout her lifetime. It is because of her purpose, passion, influence, leadership and love of education that the WSU Tech Foundation has established an endowed scholarship in Rosemary’s name so that her legacy of lifelong learning will continue to inspire students for years to come.
Additionally, a sculpture in her honor has been installed at WSU Tech’s main campus at the National Center for Aviation Training. Designed and sculpted by WSU Tech Faculty Member David Selenke, the bronze statue (pictured below) depicts two young children working on a toy airplane. Titled “Rosemary’s Legacy,” it showcases the dream of a career in aviation held by so many and highlights the nobility of all technical fields.
A dedication ceremony was held on Tuesday, June 22 and supporters of the Dr. Rosemary A. Kirby Legacy Scholarship Fund (which will award an annual scholarship to a deserving student in Rosemary’s name) were invited to attend. See photos from the event here.
It is with heavy hearts that we share that Dr. Rosemary A. Kirby passed away on Saturday, August 28, 2021. We are deeply honored that her family selected the Dr. Rosemary A. Kirby Legacy Scholarship Fund as her designated memorial.
How To Give
Contributions to the Fund are still being accepted. Please click here to give online or mail a check to:
WSU Tech Foundation
Attn: Dr. Rosemary A. Kirby Legacy Scholarship Fund
4004 N. Webb Rd.
Wichita, KS 67226
Please contact WSU Tech Foundation Director Courtney Sendall with questions.
csendall@wsutech.edu | 316-677-1034
Donors
Thank you to all who have contributed to the Dr. Rosemary A. Kirby Legacy Scholarship Fund!
*(List current as of October 19, 2021)
Platinum Supporters
$5,000+
Donelda Brown Trust
Roger D. and Irene Lowe
Spirit AeroSystems
Textron Aviation
Wichita Aero Club
Gold Supporters
$2,000 – $4,999
Dondlinger Construction
Becky Tuttle
Silver Supporters
$500 – $1,999
Dr. Russell and Julie Coad
Rex and Jill Coad
Kim Cobble
Cornejo & Sons
Tom Gentile
Kansas Gas Service
Charles and Liz Koch
Derry and Kay Larson
Robert and Pam Layman
Lyndsay and Justin Moll
William and Dorothy Sauder
Roger Scholfield
Courtney Sendall
Sheree Utash
Paul Wheeler Family
Wichita Area Builders Association
Friends of Rosemary
Up to $499
Alan and Barbara Howarter
Ann Wommack
Bob and Betty Pippin
Bob and Jane Wallace
Bonnie Turvey
Brady Nursery
Brian and Elizabeth Gaudreau
Brian and Linda Hopper
Carolyn Grissom
Catherine Roberts
Charles Cardwell
Cindy and Stan Smith
Dan and Mary Whitney
Dan and Sarah Curtis
Dave and Lorie Cunningham
David and Deborah Murray
David and Margaret Valerio
DeDe and Scot Pierce
Derek and Beth Slack
Diana Wolfe
Diane and Scott Post
Diane Close
Don and Willa Edwards
Donald Adkisson
Doris Wyatt
Dr. Jan and Susie Cobble
Dr. Randy Newby
Duane and Cindi Dunn
Dwight and Kathleen Totten
Ed and Rita Johnson
Eddy and April Lucas
Edward and Marguerite Lincoln
Eldon and Annette Childs
Frank and Beverly Sauerwein
Frank and Nancy Mattke
Fred and Patty Thurlow
Gary and Cathy Harmon
Gerri Wortman
Greg and Elizabeth Doxon
Harley and Donna Foos
Jack and Diana Storm
Jan Longhofer
Jane and Richard Farris
Jean Seeger
Jerry and Christina Kukuruda
Jim and Becky Rogers
Jim and Chari Sowers
Joanne Pafume
Joe and Vicki Douglas
John and Carolyn Reed
John and Kendall Thurlow
John and Kriste Weber
John Hope
John Schwendeman
Judy Johnson
Judy Mount
Karl and Carol Childs
Keith and Mim Hiesterman
Kendall and Cheryl Wood
Kenneth & Alison Jack
Kim Davis
Kimberly Lett
Kristin and Kaelan Cobble
Larry and Ruby Schrader
Lois Jordan
Lori and Darren Farley
Lucynda Raben
Lyle and Meri Golden
Margaret Meyer
Margaret Shady
Martha Bruce
Mary Stauffer
Micheal and Diane Dixon
Mr. and Mrs. Melvin Lawrence
Randy and Cathy Ellsworth
Robert and Lila Keefer
Roger and Ying Krause
Roy and Nadine Hayden
Sandi Webb
Sarah Leftwich
Scott, Jennifer and Daniel Wise
Shelly and Cameron Prichard
Shirley and Dale Padding
Stephanie Williams
Steve and Kristin Cooper
Tim Norton
Timothy and Barbara Nelson
Tony and Cathy Durando
