Kansas State University - Royal Purple Yearbook (Manhattan, KS)

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DUSTY FANNING IS NAMED MANHATTAN ' S spaicv-t tar or. Alas Deafening cheers, wild antics and an outgoing personality helped Dusty Fanning, senior in agronomy, win the Screaming Fan Halls of Fame contest Oct.12 at Rtuty ' s Last Chance Restaurant Saloon. I was pumped the whole night, Fanning said. The most passionate fans all K-State home. I was proud to be in their company. Based on tailgate parties, Fanning ' s game day performances captured the true spirit of a fan, Jennifer Kirkland, senior in kinesiology, said. With his trademark chef hat and shoulder pads. Fanning did not let the crowd down. Halls, cough drop manufacturer, brought its Decibel Dome to Aggieville and 16 other college campuses in search of the loudest college fan in the country. The competition combined scores in originality, school spirit and enthusiasm, and although Fanning had confidence in his ability to perform, he said he did not expect to win. Manhattan was host to one of the contests due to its football rivalry, Dirk Gcrdcs, a Halls representative, said. We wanted to get some of the biggest rivalries. Gerdes said. College football fans are the most passionate in the country. They bleed their team colors. ' Purple and white ran thick in his veins, Fanning said. He said he had been a K-State fan for as long as he could remember. I love to cheer them on and wish them the best of luck, ' he said. K-State has great fan support that has built with IC2111 improvements. Fanning walked away with the top prizes: bragging rights as K-State ' s loudest and a trip to the national contest. He traveled to the College Football Hall of Fame in South Rend, Ind. Ike. 16 to meet 12 other finalists. Fanning did not place in the contest but said he enjoyed his experience. Fanning ' s friend and neighbor Angie Rottinghaus, senior in secondary education, hoped to be one of many accompanying Fanning on the trip but weather did not allow them to go. We just told him to make the most of the trip and enjoy the experience. Rottinghaus said. Dusty did a good job of motivat- ing himself. lie had unmatchable school spirit and pride. While at nationals, Fanning showcased abilities that hit 105 decibels, louder than a power mower. Doubling normal conserva- tion, Fanning dropped only six decibels to the national winner from the University of California at Los Angeles. It was an honor to show other schools the quality of our fans, ' Fanning said. Even opposing teams noticed the pride and excellence in Wildcat fans. 23 STUDENT LIFE

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Decked out in his football pads and chef ' s hat, Dusty Fanning, senior in Agronomy, erupts to claim his title as Manhattan ' s Loudest College Football Fan. (Photo by Matt Ramey) The crowd at Rusty ' s Last Chance Restaurant Saloon gathered to watch Fanning. Dusty is the No. 1 K-State fan, Jennifer Kirkland, senior in Kinesiology, said. I had to watch him show off his stuff. (Photo by Evan Semon) A tiall ' s representative mediates the part contest. Representatives used a Decibel Dome to determine who would travel to Indiana to compete for the title of America ' s Loudest College Football Fan. (Photo by Evan Semen) 22 UNSEEN 11:77);71t

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UNIVERSITY PRESIDENT CREDITS SUCCESS TO rum EFFORT Wallsonvfilsb When he arrived in Manhattan, President Jon Wefald was an outsider. Jan. 26, fourteen years later, he became the ultimate insider when Gov. Bill Graves and the Native Sons and Daughters of Kansas presented him with the Distinguished Kansan of the Year Award. Ma someone who came from the state of Minnesota, I am pleasantly stunned to be notified that I would be the recipient, Wefald said. I am not an outsider. it certifies the fact that I am now a Kansan. This is a very special honor for me and my family? The Wefalds moved from Minnesota to Manhattan when Wefald, who had been Chancellor of the Minnesota State University System, accepted the position as K-State president. When we made the decision to move, our friends klt sorry for us, Ruth Ann Wefald. the president ' s wife, said. They thought Kansas was a cultural wasteland. In fact, the Flint Hills arc beautiful. I always enjoy the Kona Prairie. ' When they arrived in Kansas, the Wefalds hit the ground running. They managed to be parents to their two sons, Skip and Andy, and university leaders at the same time. The example that they have set as parents has really led me to try to be that kind of parent to my children? said Andy, the couple ' s youngest son. I didn ' t realize how much they taught me until I had my own kids. My dad works, he works so hard. 1 appreciate that. Many factors played a role in Wefald ' s success, but he said his partnership with his wife and teamwork within the institution stood out the most. When their children moved our and starred their own families, Ruth Ann said she had more time ro dedicate to the areas of campus she felt needed help. I never really felt like I had an empty nest, she said. I was a little relieved because I could work on projects without feeling guilty that I should be with them? The first lady ' s projects concentrated on successful fund-raising for programs such as the Flint Hills Breadbasket and the construction of the Marianna Kistler Beach Museum of Art. In the past 14 years she served as chairperson and honorary chairperson for countless committees across the campus and the community. Wefald said volunteer work was Ruth Ann ' s part of the Wefald team. I would say ever since we ' ve been married, Ruth Ann has been a full-fledged and equal partner? Wefald said. ' When we came to Kansas you could really see the team at work. She has never held an official position or been paid for anything. She has been a volunteer. She has her heart and soul set on helping the university. She works about as many hours as I do, but it is all volunte er work. , • . • • On their way to the Office of the Presi- dent in Anderson Halt, the Wefalds dis- cuss their busy week. The president ' s house was located at 100 Wilson Court. (Photo by Steven Dearinger) In his presidential suite at KSU Stadium during a football game, Wefald U.S. Senator Pat Roberts. (Photo by Evan Semon) UNSEEN