News Releases
4/3/08
It took 12 years for University of Kansas alumnus Kenneth Nevius to earn his bachelor’s degree at KU. His perseverance paid off. And now, with a successful career of his own, he’s made estate plans to provide scholarships to help future generations of KU students.
Nevius’ bequest will provide a significant endowed scholarship to promote diversity among KU undergraduates. The Student Involvement & Leadership Center, KU's umbrella organization to develop and enhance leadership skills, will oversee the selection process for the scholarships.
“I wanted to continue to benefit others long after I’m gone,” said Nevius, who earned his bachelor of general studies at KU in 1976. “I’m happy to be able to do it through KU Endowment.”
Marlesa Roney, vice provost for student success, said the scholarship is important to the university. “Diversity is the very heart of the University of Kansas, and we are deeply appreciative that this major scholarship will benefit future KU students,” Roney said.
Nevius, who lives in Shawnee, works in accounting for Black and Veatch, a global engineering and construction firm based in Overland Park. He said the education he received at KU opened doors to a career that included worldwide travel and ultimately led to a network of friends in many countries.
“I would not have had that opportunity had it not been for me sticking with it to get a good education,” Nevius said. “I’m a huge proponent of education. Not only does it help you achieve your goals in life, but also, the more education that someone can garner, the broader their thinking, the more creative their thinking, and the more enlightened they become.”
There was nothing easy about the way Nevius went to college. His full- and part-time jobs ranged from milkman and factory worker to bank teller. He dropped out of college several times. It was often tempting, Nevius said, to remain in the workforce with a steady paycheck rather than complete his college education. He hopes his scholarship will encourage and enable other students to continue their formal education despite financial challenges.
“When you’re young and starting out, sometimes you think it’s better to get a job than to stay in school,” Nevius said. “You don’t always see the long-term benefits of having an education.”
The gift will be managed by KU Endowment, an independent, nonprofit organization serving as the official fundraising and fund-management organization for KU. Founded in 1891, KU Endowment is the first foundation of its kind at a U.S. public university.
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