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K-State Today

December 3, 2014

Two K-State graduates to receive 2015 Distinguished Young Alumni Award

Submitted by Andrew Zender

Two Kansas State University graduates, Corey Fortin, Kampala, Uganda, and Matt King, Washington, D.C., are the recipients of the K-State Alumni Association Student Alumni Board's 2015 Distinguished Young Alumni Award.

The award recognizes two K-State graduates who are younger than 35 and are using the scholarship, leadership and service experience they acquired at K-State to excel in their professions and contribute to their communities. The K-State Alumni Association and Student Alumni Board will honor Fortin and King when they return to campus Feb. 23-25 to give keynote presentations and visit with student groups and university classes.

"In fulfillment of the K-State Alumni Association's mission to serve alumni as their link for life to the university, we are pleased to support the Student Alumni Board in presenting this award to simultaneously honor some of our most accomplished young graduates while creating new ties among alumni, students and faculty," said Amy Button Renz, alumni association president and CEO.

Fortin, a native of Oberlin, Kansas, is a commissioned member of the U.S. Foreign Service with the United States Agency for International Development in Uganda. USAID is the lead government agency that works to end extreme global poverty and enable resilient democratic societies to realize their potential. 

While at K-State, Fortin served as a member of Agriculture Ambassadors, Student Senate, Alpha Zeta agricultural honorary, Agriculture Council and 4-H, among other roles. He graduated from K-State in 2006 with degrees in agribusiness and animal sciences and industry. Fortin also earned a master's degree in agricultural economics from the University of Arkansas.

King, a native of Wichita, Kansas, is a fund analyst for the World Bank Group, an international development institution in Washington, D.C., that provides finance and technical assistance to developing countries. King helps manage two funds capitalized at $283 million that support energy access, renewable energy and energy-efficiency projects.

While at K-State, King was the co-founder of the nationally recognized K-State Proud campaign and president of Student Alumni Board, among other roles. A member of Phi Beta Kappa, he graduated summa cum laude from K-State in 2007 with a degree in political science and natural resources and environmental sciences before continuing his education as a Fulbright scholar at Oxford University, where he earned a master's degree in environmental change and management.

"We believe there is a lot of value in bringing back distinguished young alumni because of their ability to relate to students and engage in campus activities," said Adam Wilkerson, Student Alumni Board president. "This year's recipients truly embody the spirit of service and accomplishment that this award seeks to recognize, and we are very excited to honor them."

More information on the Distinguished Young Alumni program is available online