SCHOLARSHIP & SERVICE

It is with extreme gratitude that KICF thanks the late Ms. Maud Wyatt for the establishment of her trust which has supported the students at KICF colleges and universities for over 50 years. In memory of her charitable support, we have prepared a document titled, "A History of Giving: The Maud Wyatt Educational Trust, 1963-2019."

Although the trust was established long ago, it is easy to notice how far-sighted and benevolent Ms. Wyatt was and we are grateful to her for these incredible gifts. Without question, this trust has served, in the words of Maud Wyatt, as a "memorial for all time in development of intellects and characters of deserving students." These corporations, foundations, and individuals have demonstrated a longstanding and heartfelt commitment to the importance of ensuring that students from all backgrounds can choose a private college education that is valuable, affordable, and effective at any of the 21 accredited non-profit institutions in Kansas.

The Maud Wyatt Educational Trust is a trust that was bequeathed to KICA, then known as the Kansas Independent College Foundation in 1961. Its initial principal was about $300,000.  The intent of the MWET is for the funds “to be fairly and equitably distributed among the private colleges and universities which may be participants” in the KICA and “for the sole purpose of aiding in their general educational work.” We have been distributing the net income from that initial amount as part of our unrestricted biannual KICA distributions ever since. 

In the Fall of 2017, our leadership deciding to change how MWET income was distributed, re-designating MWET funds to be used for KICF-Maud Wyatt Recognition Scholarships – one for each KICA member institution in good standing. This will replace the old KICF Recognition Scholarship (which only provided funds to one student across all of KICF) and instead allow us to celebrate talented KICA students, their service and successes. 

And now celebrate we do. The following 18 scholars have all been notified of their award. Each of our Scholarship recipients have demonstrated leadership, character, attention to academic excellence, appreciation for the impact that a private college education has had on his/her life, and an understanding of how that private college education has prepared them for a lifetime of personal and professional fulfillment. Some highlights from our winners' personal statements include:

• “[My School] empowered me to follow my dreams and continue a path of giving back, inspiring others, gaining an education, and strengthening the community. When I became a wildcat, there was no turning back, only forward into a better future.” 

• “Not only was the size of campus very convenient, but at this kind of school my professors would really know who I was as a person. I wouldn’t just be another student to them.” 

• “[My School] has prepared me well for my post-college plans. My education classes have equipped me with the skills to be a well-rounded, effective teacher and how to create a thriving classroom with lifelong learners. My professors have poured their hearts into their courses, providing me with tangible examples of what it will be like to work as a full-time teacher.” 

• “While public universities offer a wide array of programs and resources, [My School] stood out to me due to its personalized learning environment, close-knit community, and strong emphasis on leadership development.” 

• “When looking for a university to attend, it was my top priority to find a non-profit school that focused on its students. I especially find this important because my favorite thing to do when I have time is to volunteer for non-profits. [My School] especially follows my values and what it means to give to others.” 

• “As a student who struggles with severe dyslexia, I could tell I was going to be taken care of and accommodated because of how the staff treated me and the other students”

These awards have a dual purpose. First, they honor the student for a record of achievement in the classroom and contribution to their community. At the same time, they honor a group of individuals and organizations who have supported private colleges in the state of Kansas for more than four decades—individuals and organizations who care deeply about students and their potential for leading and serving. Congratulations to our 2025 honorees: 

• • Madeline Clark, a Baker University Business & Mass Media major from Gardner with a GPA of 4.0
  • Anna Bartkoski, a Benedictine College Special & Elementary Education major from Lenexa with a 3.9 GPA
  • Elijah Evans, a Bethany College Psychology Major from Junction City with a 3.8 GPA
  • Patricia Huerta, a Bethel College Natural Sciences major from McPherson with a 3.7 GPA
  • Zoe Smith, a Central Christian College of Kansas Marketing major from Newcastle, WA with a GPA of 4.0
  • Faith Smith, a Friends University Computer Science & Spanish major from Wichita with a GPA of 4.0
  • Nevaeh Bowman, a Hesston College Exercise Science major from Derby with a 3.8 GPA
  • Isabella Sawyer, a Kansas Christian College Leadership & Ministry major from Overland Park with a 3.9 GPA
  • Keira Hammen, a Kansas Wesleyan University Biomedical Chemistry major from Rockwell, IA with a GPA of 4.0
  • Lucas Kaneko, a Manhattan Christian College Christian & Youth Ministry major from Warsaw, MO with a 3.8 GPA
  • Rhyan Lucas, a McPherson College Biology major from Shawnee with a 3.8 GPA
  • Sage Friedline, a MidAmerica Nazarene University History & Theology major from Olathe with a 3.9 GPA
  • Isabella Torres, a Newman University Biology major from Wichita with a 3.5 GPA
  • Riley Smith, an Ottawa University Communication & Sports Leadership major from Baldwin City with a 3.9 GPA
  • Emma Willesden, a Southwestern College Psychology major from Hoisington with a GPA of 4.0
  • Aliya McClanahan, a Sterling College Biological Mathematics major from Greeley, CO with a GPA of 4.0 
  • Faith Nelson, a Tabor College Theological Studies & Social Work major from Wolsey, SD with a 3.98 GPA 
  • Ayla Pierce, a University of St. Mary Biology major from Lakewood, CO with a 3.8 GPA
  
   
  
  
   

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