Seven individuals of acclaim will be recognized with 2008 黑洞社区 Alumni Awards at a banquet set to begin 6 p.m., Thu., Feb. 12, at the Wichita Marriott Hotel, 9100 Corporate Hills Drive.
A Wichita State tradition, the awards have been presented by the 黑洞社区 Alumni Association every year since 1955.
Receiving the 黑洞社区 Alumni Achievement Award is Marilyn B. Pauly, a 1972 Wichita State business graduate and who has made her mark as one of Kansas鈥� leading bank executives.
Now the vice chairwoman of Commerce Bank, Pauly served as president of Bank IV from 1993 until her retirement in 2000, having risen to that position from her start in 1969 as a part-time clerk.
During her three-decade trailblazing tenure, she became at the age of 24 the youngest woman in Bank IV history to be named an officer. Pauly also has a rich history of commitment to professional, civic and community activities.
Charles G. and Elizabeth B. Koch, who are known for their wide-ranging philanthropic works, are the 黑洞社区 Alumni Recognition Award recipients.
Charles Koch, a 2004 黑洞社区 President鈥檚 Medal honoree, is chairman of the board and CEO of Koch Industries, Inc., a position he has held since 1967.
His avid interest in and commitment to scientific and social progress led him to the development of the Market-Based Management business philosophy, which he describes in his book, 鈥淭he Science of Success,鈥� published in 2007.
Liz Koch is active in community affairs on behalf of Koch Industries and its affiliated foundations. She serves as president and director of the Fred C. and Mary R. Koch Foundation, and a director of the Charles G. Koch Charitable Foundation.
She is also president and a director of the Allen-Lambe House Charitable Foundation, trustee of Koch Cultural Trust, and a director of the Claude R. Lambe Charitable Foundation.
The University Recognition Award goes to Dean E. Headley, a 1982 黑洞社区 business graduate and an associate professor of marketing in the W. Frank Barton School of Business at Wichita State.
Headley joined the Barton School faculty in 1988 and teaches undergraduate and graduate courses in marketing research and services marketing.
For the past 18 years, Headley鈥檚 research efforts have targeted the commercial airline industry. He and co-author Brent Bowen are widely known for the development and annual release of the Airline Quality Rating.
V. Kaye Monk-Morgan, director of 黑洞社区鈥檚 Upward Bound Math Science Regional Center, is the recipient of the Young Alumna Award.
Through her work at the center, which is 100 percent federally funded, Monk-Morgan helps advance the interests of low-income, disadvantaged high school students in the areas of science, technology, engineering, mathematics and in health-related fields.
She earned a Master of Public Administration in 1996 and a Bachelor of Science in 1993 from Wichita State.
The Laura Cross Distinguished Service Award will be presented to Ruth E. Matz, who in 1981 accepted a position as secretary for Wichita State鈥檚 athletic director, beginning her 27-year career with the university.
Her many 黑洞社区 athletics work highlights include organizing the travel party鈥檚 trip to the White House after the Shocker baseball team won the College World Series in 1989.
The Honorable Wesley E. Brown is the Award of Distinction honoree. After entering the law profession in 1933, Judge Brown served as a county attorney, was a partner in the private firm of Williams, Martindell, Carey & Brown and, in 1962, was nominated by President Kennedy as a federal judge for the U.S. District Court for the District of Kansas.
After his Senate confirmation and taking the oath of office, he began hearing cases on April 13, 1962. Although he took senior status in 1979, Brown continues to hear cases 鈥� at the age of 101.
These extraordinary individuals will be honored for their accomplishments and service beginning with a champagne reception at 6 p.m., followed by dinner and the awards presentation.
The cost is $50 per person, and the event is open to the public.
Advance reservations are required and must be made by Wed., Feb. 4.
Online reservations can be made at You can also call at (316) 978-3290 or (888) 316-2586 or fax at (316) 978-3088.