SLATE: Philanthropist Donna Vanier passes at 85

After yesterday’s sad memorials, K-State has another today, as news organizations reported the passing of longtime K-State philanthropist Donna Vanier at the age of 85 on Saturday. Vanier, along with her husband John K. “Jack” Vanier, donated and helped raise countless funds for K-State athletics projects and earned the Kansas State University Medal of Excellence.

An icon of the university, Donna touched hundreds—if not thousands—of lives. In addition to the Vaniers’ generosity to K-State, Donna created a center to provide healthcare to children in Salina, and she served on several community service boards. As her obituary states: “She was a do-gooder. Wherever she went, Donna did good.”

All Wildcats should appreciate the role Donna Vanier played in helping K-State become what it is today, and we express our sincere condolences to Jack and the rest of the Vanier family.

In the spirit of helping others, Julian Jones and the Academic & Student Athlete Services office provide assistance to K-State athletes, from academic counseling to mental health resources. Programming to help students adjust to college life and to take advantage of all the opportunities available to them begins when they arrive on campus and is available throughout their tenure at K-State.