2024 Bender of Twigs

It is no small task to try and encapsulate Lynette’s extraordinary contributions to Wichita State University over the past 25 years. I first met Lynette when she began as a Communications Specialist; she was a part of the precursor department to what is now Strategic Communications. Her gift of writing was recognized, and she very shortly moved over to launch the communications program in the WSU Foundation. As a passionate and effective communicator, Lynette then moved into a development role, as she could beautifully articulate to our donors the need for private support. Over the past 25 years, Lynette has served multiple academic areas including the College of Health Professions, Ablah Library and now presently, the Cohen Honors College and the Fairmount College of Liberal Arts and Sciences. During this period, Lynette also earned her Master of Arts in Communication from Wichita State. Lynette has raised millions of dollars in the form of scholarship support, new building projects and various campus programs. She is widely respected and appreciated by our donors for being a good listener and knowing how to match our donors’ passions with university priorities.

But Lynette has accomplished so much more than her successes with philanthropy. She is an excellent mentor and is known at the WSU Foundation & Alumni Engagement as someone willing to invest time and energy to help less experienced team members grow. Lynette also has translated this willingness to advance others by her involvement with the Association of Fundraising Professionals, Heartland Chapter, this year serving as the organization’s president.

While I was at the WSU Foundation & Alumni Engagement, we used Strengths Finder as a tool for learning about our team members. Lynette’s “Achiever” strength defines so much of who she is at her core. She derives energy from exceeding goals; she loves new challenges. Her “Communication” skills are evident through her exceptional gift of choosing the right written and spoken words. Some of us who know her might say that Lynette’s “Arranger” skill is demonstrated through her amazing ability to create beautiful flower arrangements. But as for her work, it is most obvious with her ability to juggle multiple details by staying flexible and adapting to new plans, no matter how complex. With “Harmony” as a strength, Lynette tries to find the common ground among disparate views. And finally, she has the strength of “Input”. Lynette is inquisitive and interested in new knowledge, making her a perfect fit for the Fairmount College.

Lynette is supported by her loving family. With her husband Dan, children Mattie and Gabe, and now as a grandmother, Lynette has never failed to put her family first. I am sure they join me in congratulating Lynette on being a new member of WSU’s Bender of Twigs.