Luke Chennell's love of history, and particularly automotive history, began when he was a child.

"I grew up around old equipment," said Luke, recipient of the Anthony and Dana Gythiel Endowed Fellowship in History. "I have six antique cars and tractors; a 1920 Ford Model T, 1930 Case C, 1951 John Deere R, 1959 John Deere 435, a 1960 Minneapolis-Moline G-VI and a 1968 Ford Mustang."

Tony Gythiel arrived in the United States from the war-torn Congo in 1963, became a WSU faculty member of the English department in 1971 and, in 1992, joined the Department of History. The Gythiels established the fund to help students and as a token of gratitude to a country that provided a future for Tony.

Luke decided to enter the field of history because he also enjoys reading old documents and piecing things together.

"I once put together a history of the Avery Company, a manufacturer of farm machinery in the late 19th and early 20th century whose founder homesteaded southwest of Sterling, Kan.," said Luke.

"Finding the local connection to a much larger story made me realize the implications of history and historical study.

"I like the intellectual stimulation history provides," he said.

Luke is an instructor of technology in the historic automotive technology program at McPherson College. He began teaching after receiving his undergraduate degree, but always planned to continue his education to receive his master's. He just didn't know where. Receiving the fellowship from the Gythiels was one of the key factors in deciding to attend Wichita State.

"Education always has a monetary factor; therefore, the financial support is genuinely appreciated," Luke said.

"I enjoy my time at WSU," he continued. "I appreciate the diverse cosmopolitan experiences. WSU has a status as a mecca for local people and people from across the nation. It fulfills a unique niche and deserves attention from individuals and businesses across the board. WSU's service is a model worthy of attention."

Luke also believes WSU has a strong traditional academic tone, which has pushed him to a higher level. He was able to participate in the graduate research summit in Topeka, which is attended by students from Kansas State and the University of Kansas in addition to Wichita State. Luke represented WSU along with nine other presenters to emphasize the importance of graduate research in Kansas. More than 60 people were present.

Luke also has been published in the student journal of the WSU history department, The Fairmount Folio. His article won the award for Fiske Hall Non-Seminar Paper. Founded in 1996, Folio is a publication of the local chapter of Phi Alpha Theta, the history honor society. The process echoes that of major professional history journals. Upon acceptance, the student must follow any revisions requested or required by the Review Board, just like professional journals function. Over the years, the authors and student editors have gone on to a wide variety of professions including law, history graduate school, university administration and business.

"My studies have led me in the direction to become a professional historian," he said.

His next goal will be to obtain his doctorate and pursue a new avenue of teaching—western history. Luke thinks this will take him out of state to Colorado or Montana.

Tony found opportunity in the United States, he and Dana are providing an educational opportunity for Luke, and, in turn, Luke is creating a legacy with his own students. This continued investment of time and treasure will have a positive impact on our lives and our communities for years to come.