May 5, 2020
Chandra Ruthstrom to Retire from K-State After 40 Years
The Center for Engagement and Community Development (CECD) is announcing the retirement of its project coordinator, Chandra Ruthstrom, at the end of the current fiscal year after 40 years at the university. “I wish Chandra the very best in her retirement,” said David Procter, director of CECD. “There has been no one more dedicated to the mission of CECD and, I believe, no better representative of Kansas State University than Chandra Ruthstrom.”
Chandra began working for K-State in 1980 when she worked for animal sciences Extension. In 1983, Chandra took a position with the 4-H state office. From 1985 to 2006, Chandra served as the administrative assistant in the department of speech communication, theatre, and dance. In this position, Chandra served as the fiscal officer and human resources representative in the department working with all the academic sub-units as well as the debate and forensic programs.
In 2006, Chandra was hired as the administrative assistant / project coordinator for the newly formed Center for Engagement and Community Development where she has worked with innumerable campus / community partnerships, two Carnegie applications, three campus-wide engagement surveys, and seven national Rural Grocery Summits. She received K-State’s Award of Excellence and Employee of the Year Award in 2018.
As Chandra prepares to retire she has reflected on her time at K-State stating, “I’m looking forward to this new and exciting chapter in my life. I'm truly blessed beyond words to have worked at the Center for Engagement and Community Development. It's been a wonderful experience and one that I will never forget.”
A retirement event is planned for a later time when we can gather together and celebrate Chandra’s service to the university and the next phase of her life.