Donor spotlight: Ron Gaches and Mark Willard

We welcomed longtime economics and College of Arts and Sciences supporter and donor Ron Gaches in early February. We are grateful for all that Gaches has done for our college. This visit focused on several economics' initiatives, including ongoing efforts to award scholarships, provide faculty support, and renovate facilities. Gaches shared his wisdom and vision for higher education. He offered resources and emphasized the importance of resource flexibility in pursuing academic excellence.

Da Silva, department head, spent time with Gaches and thanked him for demonstrating his incredible support and generosity through pledging additional funds to the Department of Economics’ Excellence Fund. (Left to right: Peri da Silva and Ron Gaches.)

We also welcomed Mark Willard as a massive asset to our advisory council. Willard earned a master's degree in economics from K-State in 1988 and has held key positions at several prominent telecommunications firms. He returns to campus on April 24 to attend the Department of Economics Advisory Council meeting and join us for our annual department banquet. We are deeply appreciative of his recent pledge to form the Willard Family Economics Ph.D. Award, which will support our graduate program.