KCKCC to induct Breidenthal into Education Hall of Fame

By ALAN HOSKINS

There are few bigger supporters of Kansas State University than George Breidenthal.

The boat house used by the K-State rowing team bears his name and he regularly travels with the women’s basketball team.

But his first experience with K-State was not what might be considered ideal. “I was a member of the rowing team and between athletics and other things, I did not do a lot academically,” admits Breidenthal.

“After one year, I came back home and went to Donnelly College and the nuns there got me on the right path. Although I’m not Catholic, all my courses were taught by priests and nuns and in those days nuns were scary. I had a lot to learn and they gave me the opportunity and got me on the right path.”  

A path that would lead to Breidenthal’s induction into the Mid-America Education Hall of Fame at Kansas City Kansas Community College Saturday, Nov. 3.

A fund-raiser for the KCKCC Endowment Association, the dinner and induction ceremonies are open to the public and reservations may be made at 913-288-7166 or pmccartney@kckcc.edu.

After earning an AA from Donnelly, Breidenthal continued his education at what was then Kansas State Teachers College at Emporia where he majored in history and earned a teaching degree in secondary education. “I learned a lot about teaching. I did my student teaching in a trailer at Emporia High School and probably learned as much from the students as they learned from me.”

Graduating in 1972, Breidenthal stuck around two more years, taking classes in sociology and getting an insight into the business world by working a job that included shifts at a Quick Mart convenience store, dance club and a Ramada Inn.

Over $206K raised at Donnelly College scholarship dinner

Donnelly College’s Sixth Annual Scholarship Dinner raised more than $206,000 for scholarships and for establishment of the Breidenthal Family Endowed Scholarship Fund.

More than 500 guests gathered at the Jack Reardon Convention Center on Sept. 27th to pledge their support of Donnelly’s mission and to honor Board of Trustees member and Class of 1969 graduate George Breidenthal.

The theme of the event – Small Keys Open Big Doors – reflects Donnelly’s commitment to broadening higher education opportunities for first generation college students. In fact, 85 percent of the College’s students are the first in their families to attend college.

More than 75 percent of Donnelly students are low-income and the College is the region’s only federally designated Minority Serving Institution and Hispanic Serving Institution.

Though annual tuition is just under $6,000, it is cost – not ability – that remains the students’ biggest hurdle to earning their college degrees. The availability of scholarships plays a critical role in helping students enroll in college.

Dan and Pat Haake, a 1972 graduate, along with Dr. Cynthia Lane, Superintendent of Kansas City, Kan., Public Schools, served as chairs of the dinner. Willard B. Snyder and Dr. Mary Davidson-Cohen served as honorary chairs.