October 4, 2022
The Enthusiastic Supporters
Last Friday afternoon, we had an alumnus and his daughter drop by the state extension office asking for advice regarding navigating campus and Saturday’s game. I could hear and sense his and his daughter’s excitement from my office, even with my office door closed, and I walked out to join their conversation with Susie.
The alumnus was from the Class of 1972, and this was the first time back. He was extremely proud of his time at Kansas State University, how his Kansas State University experience had helped him through the years, and how happy he was to be back. I called him “Mr. Enthusiasm” in my mind. When he left, I smiled and thought: “This is why we do what we do!”
We often think and complain about the naysayers, detractors and downers we meet in our work. We let them get us down. I am willing to bet, however, that every extension volunteer, professional, local unit, center and department has a Mr. or Ms. Enthusiasm: People who believe, support, and are thankful for the work we have done and do.
Let’s think of them whenever times get tough, and reach out to them to thank them for being an enthusiastic supporter of Kansas State University and K-State Research and Extension.
I bet doing so will make their day. And your day, too.