SAB PRESIDENT'S CORNER
Outgoing President – Carter Warta
It’s hard to believe that my time at K-State and with the Student Alumni Board is officially coming to a close. It feels like just yesterday I was stepping into the boardroom to present as a prospective new member. When I first applied to SAB as a freshman, I never could have imagined the incredible experiences and meaningful relationships that would come from this organization. I am beyond grateful for it all.
Reflecting on this past year, it has been nothing short of remarkable. We kicked off the fall with our Week of Welcome event, Purple Pursuit, during the Pancake Feed, followed closely by our annual SAB Fall Retreat at Rock Springs Ranch. SAB also had the opportunity to support the Alumni Association’s 150th anniversary celebration on the field at World War I Memorial Stadium before closing out the semester with our Holiday Party and Fall Grad Bash.
This spring presented a few challenges, with weather and scheduling forcing us to cancel two planned Wildcats Forever events. However, we bounced back with a new event, a men’s basketball watch party at JP’s in the Union. We were also thrilled to welcome 16 outstanding new members, all of whom impressed us during their interviews. For the seniors on SAB, a highlight of the semester was assisting with the annual KC Wabash CannonBall. We continued the spring with signature events like For Sophomores Only and the SAB Parent Luncheon before finishing strong with the Spring Grad Bash. One notable change this year was the absence of DYA, which has been moved to the fall moving forward.
Thanks to the dedication of past SABers during summer orientation and a standout T-shirt design, Wildcats Forever memberships saw significant growth. This momentum allowed us to bring back “Wear Your Shirt Days,” which saw great participation early in the year. Giveaways, prizes and new events—like our men’s and women’s basketball watch parties—helped us keep members engaged throughout the year.
Of course, none of this would have been possible without the incredible team behind the scenes. Thank you to Alex Niemann and the recruitment team for bringing in an exceptional new class of SABers; Avery Johnson and the membership development team for preparing them to succeed; Terin Rundus and the internal team for delivering successful Wildcat Forever events and managing our social media presence; and Hunter Engle for keeping us organized with event shifts, newsletters, attendance records and meeting minutes. And to our advisors and the entire executive team, thank you for all support, hard-work and dedication. This year’s success is a direct reflection of everybody’s commitment to this organization.
While it may take some time to adjust to my new role as an alumnus, I will always be grateful for the opportunity to serve and learn as president of this incredible organization. I’m excited to watch SAB continue to thrive and grow under the next leadership team.
Thank you for an unforgettable four years. The memories and relationships built here are ones I will cherish forever.
Go ’Cats!
Incoming President - Ibrihim Ciftci
As I step into the role of president of the Student Alumni Board, I am filled with excitement and gratitude for the countless opportunities that lie ahead. Throughout my journey with SAB, I have had the privilege of connecting with a remarkable group of passionate leaders who share an unwavering love for Kansas State University. These connections have inspired me and have shown me the profound impact that a strong alumni network can have on our university community.
As I embrace this new leadership position, I am eager to create meaningful opportunities for our alumni to reconnect with current students and actively give back to the K-State community. I believe that fostering these relationships is crucial for building a vibrant and supportive environment where students can thrive. By organizing events, mentorship programs and collaborative projects, I hope to facilitate interactions that allow alumni to share their experiences and insights, enriching the educational journey for our students.
I am particularly enthusiastic about highlighting the unique stories of our alumni and encouraging them to engage with the next generation of K-State leaders. This exchange not only strengthens the bonds within our K-State family but also cultivates a culture of giving back that will resonate for years to come. As I embark on this exciting journey as president, I look forward to working collaboratively with my fellow board members, alumni and students to enhance our community and ensure that the spirit of K-State continues to flourish. Together, we can create a legacy of connection and support that truly embodies the essence of our beloved university.
WABASH CANNONBALL KANSAS CITY 2025
SAB ALUMNI SPOTLIGHT
Matt Perrier '96
Looking back, what made your time at K-State so special, and how did it shape who you are today?
It gets used often, but the K-State family is what makes KSU special. Knowledge can be attained nearly anywhere today. Social experiences can be found with a few swipes on your phone. Personal growth can be achieved nearly anywhere. But finding a sense of family interwoven with all these other enriching experiences is unique. For decades, this is what has set K-State apart.
What was your favorite memory or most meaningful experience while serving on the Student Alumni Board?
Growing up, I was relatively gregarious and extroverted compared to most folks around me. But the first few times I entered a meeting room with the SAB crew, I was suddenly one of the more reserved and quiet ones in the bunch. I believe that being cast into scenarios that push you from your status quo is a good thing, so being the "shy" one (arguably for the first time in my life) was valuable.
How did your involvement in SAB impact your personal or professional journey after graduation?
The lessons learned while working with students and alumni of all ages and walks of life gave me confidence to work with a diverse group of people. Growing up in rural Kansas, most of my interactions were with kids of similar ages and walks of life. After being thrown in a van and carted to KSU alumni events across the state, my social and leadership perspectives were broadened significantly. This experience helped prepare me for my career, as I was ready to visit with and lead folks much older than I after graduation.
What advice would you give current SAB members or K-State students who want to stay connected after graduation?
Just keep your eyes open for opportunities. I rarely attend a KSU event or game when I don’t see someone from SAB or the Alumni Association. I’ve even stayed with SABers in their homes as I have traveled over the years. It’s a very welcoming network of people who stay plugged in.
What are you up to now, and how do you continue to stay connected to K-State?
My wife, Amy '95, and I are back on our family ranch, Dalebanks Angus. Amy is a part-time physical therapist and full-time mom / ranch wife. We have five children; Ava is a KSU senior, Lyle is a KSU freshman (both Ava and Lyle are on SAB), Hannah is a junior in high school, Henry is an eighth grader and Hope is in kindergarten.
We try to make it to a few KSU games throughout the year, some of Ava and Lyle's activities, and a couple Animal Science and Industry events in Manhattan each year.
FOR SOPHOMORES ONLY UPDATE
The 32nd annual For Sophomores Only (FSO) Weekend welcomed over 100 high school sophomores to the K-State campus for a two-day experience focused on academic exploration, student life and Wildcat traditions.
Hosted by the K-State Alumni Association’s Student Alumni Board, the event featured small group discussions, a college simulation activity and campus-wide engagement through the K-State Open House. Participants connected with current students, engaged in interactive programming and heard from university leaders including Vice President and Dean of Students Thomas Lane and Dr. Frank Tracz, professor of music and director of bands. FSO 2025 continued the tradition of introducing future Wildcats to the spirit and community of Kansas State University.
Thoughts From Incoming Ambassadors - Dalton Simmer and Emily Jones
Emily Jones: K-State has provided me with a unique educational experience that has led to unbelievable growth. Over the last two years, I have had the opportunity to be involved in impactful organizations that have taught me communication and time management skills, as well as the ability to be intentional and present in everything. The community I have found here is unlike any other, and are people I will cherish for the rest of my life.
When considering running for Student Ambassador, I felt excited to see an opportunity for my passions for K-State and building relationships with people to combine. I wanted to represent our exceptional student body by advocating for inclusivity and creating a strong sense of belonging. Through student organizations, I have had the opportunity to interact with both alumni and prospective students, and I have enjoyed doing this on a larger scale as an Ambassador.
Standing on the field before the Homecoming football game, hearing my name announced as one of the 2025 Student Ambassadors was completely surreal. I was overwhelmed with gratitude and excitement for the upcoming year with Dalton, and it will always be one of my favorite K-State memories. The opportunity to represent such an incredible community is an honor, and I’m looking forward to the experiences and relationships that the upcoming year will bring.
What makes you excited about K-State’s future?
Dalton Simmer: What makes K-State so special, and what I believe will continue to define its future success, is the deep-rooted sense of belonging that permeates campus and the Manhattan community. The K-State family isn't just a saying; it's something you feel every day, whether you're at a sporting event, in a classroom or interacting with faculty and staff. This strong foundation of tradition and community provides a supportive and nurturing environment for students to learn and grow. What excites me even more is K-State's ability to maintain this close-knit atmosphere while also embracing new ideas, technologies and ways of engaging with the world. This balance of honoring our heritage and looking forward ensures a vibrant and relevant future for the university.
Incoming Student Body Vice President Zoey Pudenz
Student Alumni Board has been an amazing experience because it encompasses leaders all throughout our campus, and being constantly surrounded by these kinds of leaders pushes you to move forward and builds your confidence to pursue new opportunities. The people in SAB have been instrumental in helping me join student government and landing job opportunities like my internship this summer. They’ve helped me grow in ways that are now reflected in all aspects of my life. It’s great to always have a network of individuals like SAB in my corner.
In my role as student body vice president, I’m excited to communicate the resources and benefits that SGA brings students, while remaining transparent with the work I do. I also want to evolve the student body more in SGA and expand the way we help individuals and organizations on campus. Further, I want to ensure advising is more standardized to ensure students all across the university are set up for their future. Taking this outside the university as well, I want to be a liaison for high school students to help them reach K-State, just how K-State reached me when I was at that point in my life.
As I head into my final year at K-State, I’m excited to be able to give back to not only the university, but also the organizations like SAB that have supported me throughout my time here.