Lifelong Emporian Charles Wilhite has always had a passion for three things: farming, sports and helping others. Wilhite graduated from Emporia State University during the fall of 1951 with a Bachelor of Science in Business: Business Administration degree, and ever since he has been an avid supporter of Hornet Nation.
For the past half-century, Wilhite has volunteered countless hours at Sauder Alumni Center, attended Hornet athletic events and given Emporia State students opportunities to achieve their dreams by establishing scholarship funds and supporting other initiatives. A private bell-ringing ceremony held recently in the Sauder Alumni Center celebrated the latest gift from Wilhite.
This time, Wilhite’s gift to Emporia State will support the Unrestricted Annual Fund, Hornet Athletic Scholarship, Campus Beautification, Charles Wilhite Business Scholarship and Roy, Ivol, and Charles Wilhite Scholarship. His generosity to the Emporia community originates from experiences in his youth.
“When I was a child, my family and I hardly had anything,” Wilhite said. “We didn’t have a lot of the nice things in life and often times went without. Even today, I always appreciate everything I have because of my humble beginnings.”
Emporia State’s track and field program received Wilhite’s first gift after Kim Maxwell, former Emporia State University Foundation president, approached him about taking part in their fundraising program. That one gift to the track and field program set the wheels in motion for new opportunities that let Wilhite create his legacy at Emporia State, becoming a lifelong, loyal donor to Emporia State University.
Wilhite volunteered his time at the Sauder Alumni Center from 1993 to 2005. He had the opportunity to meet numerous students and took the time to really get to know them. Wilhite has maintained many friendships with the students he volunteered with at the Sauder Alumni Center over the years.
Wilhite’s legacy continues to be felt by the current generation. Emporia State track and field student-athlete Luke Stenzel, a current recipient of the Roy, Ivol and Charles Wilhite Scholarship explains the difference Wilhite has made in his life.
“This scholarship has had a huge impact on my life here at Emporia State,” Stenzel said. “Due to Mr. Wilhite’s generosity, I have been able to maximize the amount of time both excelling on the track and academically in the classroom. I would like to extend my sincerest thanks to Mr. Wilhite for the opportunity he has granted me here at Emporia State University.”
“Charles models what it means to be a member of Hornet Nation,” said Shane Shivley, president of Emporia State University Foundation. “I have known Charles since I was a student here at Emporia State and have always been impressed by his dedication to the university and students. He has selflessly given his time, treasure and talents over the years. He makes me proud to be a fellow Hornet and friend.”
About Now & Forever
In 2012, Now & Forever: The Campaign for Emporia State University, set out with a working goal of raising $45 million dollars through the most comprehensive campaign in university history. Determined to build spirit, camaraderie and a sense of pride of membership in our Hornet Nation, we needed to share our victories. By ringing Silent Joe during each celebration, we are announcing to the world that the Hornet Nation is Silent No More.
For information about how you can be a part of Now & Forever, the Campaign for Emporia State University, please contact campaign manager Carol Cooper at 620-341-6463.