Maxine Viney

is honored with a Brick from Michael A. Cate

Maxine (Sherwood) Viney was born 2/15/1912. Her family, the Sherwood’s, are well respected building contractors in Wichita. Maxine attended the University of Wichita where she graduated Summa Cum Laude from the school of business in 1934. At one time she was executive secretary to the Garvey family; later, she worked for many years as the bookkeeper for the Lancelot Tile Company. When Maxine’s husband, Glenn, died she was left to raise three children ages 12, 10, and 6. This challenge she took in stride and met head on.

I first met Maxine at Kansas State University during a Mother’s weekend for my fraternity. Walt, her eldest son, and I had pledged Delta Upsilon fraternity. I was impressed the first time I met Maxine. She had a warm and engaging personality, an infectious laugh, and a sense of vitality that was readily apparent to all who came in contact with her. Her glass was always half full, never half empty. Walt and I became good friends and roomed together our senior year.

After I graduated from KSU and returned from Viet Nam, I became interested in attending WSU and pursuing a degree in speech/language pathology. The GI Bill was available for me to use to go back to school, but it would not be enough money for me to attend classes full-time. I had student loans while attending KSU and had repaid them in full while in the military. Upon trying to get a new government backed student loan, I soon realized that in the eyes of the lending community, I was not a good candidate for a loan. Upon learning of my plight, Maxine, marched down to her bank and talked with the loan officer assuring him that she had such faith in me that she would stand behind any loan. Needless to say, I got the loan. Maxine, even went further and let me stay in her home for a few months rent and board free. I offered to pay her, but she would not hear of it. It is easy to see why I consider Maxine my heroine. Her boundless generosity, willingness to help some one in need, and faith in her fellow mankind were hallmarks of a truly kind, intelligent, vibrant, and caring individual. There are far too few people like Maxine Viney in this world. She made a difference in my life and left me eternally grateful for having known and loved her like a second mom. Her legacy of kindness has taught me to give back to others whenever possible. Sadly, Maxine died on 11/24/2001, but I know that I still have a guardian angel watching over me.

Submitted by Michael Andrew Cate