Karen Gelvin

is honored with a Brick from the Interfraternity Council.

1991 marked the beginning of a new era for the Greek system at Wichita State. Karen Gelvin was named Director of Student Involvement, a division of Student Affairs. She was responsible for over 160 student organizationsm and seeing to it that each and every one of them was running smoothly. One of her main responsibilities was that of Greek Advisor.

She made it a personal crusade to see that all of the students on campus had an organization that they could be involved in. If a student went to her with an interest in mind, she would see to it that they had a place that they could be a part of, and have the opportunities that were available in each organization. She organized and kept track of the constitutions each organization was required to have. She was in charge of countless programs designed to help the students get involved on campus. Karen also updated a leadership file that was available to everyone on campus, and actively made available all the information she had on leadership and involvement by speaking to classes and faculty about the opportunities available.

Those of us that had the honor of working directly with Karen know that her job, although a huge responsibility, was something that she loved because she could see the results of her work in her students. She was not an advisor in name only, she took an active role in seeing to it that the students of Wichita State were given first-class treatment.

Karen saw to it that students were properly rewarded for their involvement on campus. She organized the annual Greek Convocation where Greek students were recognized for such things as philanthropy and excellence in the classroom and received awards as outstanding graduates. She also played an active role in helping organize the All Campus Student Leadership Retreat.

If a student had a grievance or just needed to get something off of his or her chest, Karen's door was always open. She was always willing to take time out of her unbelievably busy schedule to sit down and listen with an open ear to whatever problems we came to her with, many of which were less than pleasant. She is one of those special people who truly believes that everyone has potential and she actively sought to bring that potential to the surface in all of the students that she dealt with.

Karen, for all of the times that you stood up for us, were patient with us, guided us, woke up at 3:00 in the morning in Chicago to explain to Dean Rhatigan why he had been awakened by a phone call, put in twice as many hours a week as you were required, and the amount of faith you had in us as well as respect, we give you our heartfelt thanks. Few others have had such an impact on so many. You have turned many of us from lost children into proud, responsible adults. Good luck in all you do.

Submitted by Interfraternity Council
Written by Aaron S. Hamilton

July 22, 1998