‘One of the all-time great K-Staters’: Wildcats mourn death of Donna Vanier
Kansas State lost one of its oldest and most influential philanthropists when Donna Vanier died over the weekend.
She was 85.
“We are deeply saddened by the loss of one of the all-time great K-Staters in Donna Vanier,” K-State athletic director Gene Taylor said in a statement. “Words cannot begin to explain the impact the Vanier family has had on the entire Kansas State community, and Donna’s caring personality and love for the Wildcats will forever be remembered.”
The Vanier family has donated much to K-State over the years, in particular its athletic department. The Vanier name can be found at many areas inside Bill Snyder Family Stadium, and the Wildcats train and operate out of the Vanier Family Football Complex located on the stadium’s north end.
Born in Salina, Vanier spent most of her adult life with her husband Jack on the CK Ranch outside of Brookville.
She spearheaded many campaigns during her life. At K-State, she had a role on the KSU Foundation Borad of Directors, the Ahearn Scholarship Board, the Powercat Auction and the Beach Museum of Art Board of Visitors.
The school awarded her with the Kansas State University Medal of Excellence, which recognizes individuals who have gone above and beyond others to help the university with philanthropic contributions.
“Donna Vanier exemplified what K-State family is all about,” K-State president Richard Myers said in a statement. “She personified our values and set an example of leadership and graciousness that extended to all whose lives she touched. She will be missed, but her legacy of service and kindness to others will be remembered. Donna will live on in our collective memory as a great friend to her state and university.”
Funeral service plans will be made and announced when gathering restrictions are lifted following the coronavirus pandemic.
This story was originally published May 25, 2020 at 4:20 PM with the headline "‘One of the all-time great K-Staters’: Wildcats mourn death of Donna Vanier."