Brother and Sister Wildcats,
There comes a moment in each year - and this is it - when it's appropriate for every man and woman among us to pause for a moment and remember just who we are.
WE are K-State, and WE are Family.
Sure, we see the hashtag and that word displayed on blocks of wood, banners and even on our stadium, but it's more than just a word. It's belonging. It's a commitment. It's buy-in to something bigger than any individual or single group. It's a concept in which we should find pride.
It's important right now to rally as Family. The year past has been a jarring cascade of political absurdities, natural disasters, personal sadness and tragedies, challenges for our universities and schools, disappointing confrontations and senseless terror.
Well, it's time to come together and look ahead.
As our volleyball, soccer, cross-country and football athletes prepare for a busy week of competition ... as The Pride of Wildcat Land readies its performances ... as the Cheer Squad and Classy Cats prep for a hectic week ... as new students rush about trying to find their ways and get to classes on time ... as the staff at the stadium refine new processes for entry ... as a recovering Bill Snyder gets ready to lead his team onto the field for what may be a special year ... pause if even for this moment.
Pause and remember: WE are the fans, students and/or parents of students, graduates and supporters of one of the nation's top universities. WE are fortunate inheritors of rich traditions and the insider observers of dynamic and positive change. WE are the faces and attitudes others see when they speak of K-State.
Like most families, we grump and scab-pick opinions, argue pros and cons on virtually any subject, bemoan disappointments, vociferously defend our own and take pride in K-State's successes. Understood.
But, let's make the commitment to act like K-Staters and members of a very special, Purple Family. Get the flags out and flying. Wear your Purple proudly. Wish everyone well, but cheer like hell for K-State, our student-athletes and our university. Rep our Family well! Make K-State proud of you!
(And, while we're at it, let's help the younger generations here understand the roots of the football program they think they know. One easy way to do that is to encourage them to read this.)
I hope Steve Campbell and his 15th-ranked (FCS) Bears are ready for the welcome we're preparing. I hope you find joy in our family reunion. I urge you to explore the ever-changing KSU campus before the game. I wish you good choices in finding a designated driver (as appropriate).
It's kick-off week. Enjoy!
Later...
There comes a moment in each year - and this is it - when it's appropriate for every man and woman among us to pause for a moment and remember just who we are.
WE are K-State, and WE are Family.
Sure, we see the hashtag and that word displayed on blocks of wood, banners and even on our stadium, but it's more than just a word. It's belonging. It's a commitment. It's buy-in to something bigger than any individual or single group. It's a concept in which we should find pride.
It's important right now to rally as Family. The year past has been a jarring cascade of political absurdities, natural disasters, personal sadness and tragedies, challenges for our universities and schools, disappointing confrontations and senseless terror.
Well, it's time to come together and look ahead.
As our volleyball, soccer, cross-country and football athletes prepare for a busy week of competition ... as The Pride of Wildcat Land readies its performances ... as the Cheer Squad and Classy Cats prep for a hectic week ... as new students rush about trying to find their ways and get to classes on time ... as the staff at the stadium refine new processes for entry ... as a recovering Bill Snyder gets ready to lead his team onto the field for what may be a special year ... pause if even for this moment.
Pause and remember: WE are the fans, students and/or parents of students, graduates and supporters of one of the nation's top universities. WE are fortunate inheritors of rich traditions and the insider observers of dynamic and positive change. WE are the faces and attitudes others see when they speak of K-State.
Like most families, we grump and scab-pick opinions, argue pros and cons on virtually any subject, bemoan disappointments, vociferously defend our own and take pride in K-State's successes. Understood.
But, let's make the commitment to act like K-Staters and members of a very special, Purple Family. Get the flags out and flying. Wear your Purple proudly. Wish everyone well, but cheer like hell for K-State, our student-athletes and our university. Rep our Family well! Make K-State proud of you!
(And, while we're at it, let's help the younger generations here understand the roots of the football program they think they know. One easy way to do that is to encourage them to read this.)
I hope Steve Campbell and his 15th-ranked (FCS) Bears are ready for the welcome we're preparing. I hope you find joy in our family reunion. I urge you to explore the ever-changing KSU campus before the game. I wish you good choices in finding a designated driver (as appropriate).
It's kick-off week. Enjoy!
Later...
