Bender of Twigs

History & Past Honorees

Bender of Twigs was conceived in 1951 by then University of Wichita President Harry Corbin (1949-1963), his assistant Kathryn Griffith and English professor Bill Nelson.  This unique designation is bestowed upon employees who have served 25 years of service to Wichita State University.

The name "Bender of Twigs" is a reference to the similarity between the way a young sapling bends toward the light as it grows and how faculty and staff help lead the student in their search for knowledge.

In Bender of Twigs tradition, each honoree chooses a friend or colleague to provide written remarks on their behalf and these are presented to the honorees, along with a framed certificate of their induction into the Order.  The Citation of the Certificate was written by Bill Nelson, professor emeritus of English and reads:

“To all persons to whom these presents may come greeting, be it known to all wielders of the rod, leaners on the lectern, pupilmongers and pedagogues, as well as pencil pushers, mainframe methodologists, memo maniacs, procedure pathologies, office ontologists, and computer compulsives, and also the tidiers, tillers, toilers and Cushman cowboys that, having completed twenty-five years of faithful service for the honorary order of Bender of Twigs, has accordingly been admitted to that order with all rights, privileges and immunities thereunto pertaining in witness whereof we have caused this diploma to be signed by the President of the University and our corporate seal to be hereto affixed in the City of Wichita...” 

Starting in 2019, honorees were given the option to select a supervisor, colleague, or mentor to provide a write-up about them. You can select a link, to those who have opted in, to read their profile.

Those achieving the Bender of Twigs distinction will be honored at a recognition dinner and ceremony, receive a service pin, a token of appreciation, and a framed certificate.

Updated: 06/11/2025 NH