CONTINUINGA FAMILYLEGACYAlumni Association scholarship recipient saysWashburn ‘is in our blood’By Ernie W. Webb III • ernie.webb@washburn.eduGlynnis Debenham is the latest in a long line of Ichabods that includes her grandfather, parents and a sister. The AlumniAssociation legacy scholarship recipient is the vice president of membership and marketing for Washburn StudentsToday, Alumni Tomorrow, a member of Delta Gamma and the president of the Panhellenic Council.Asa little girl, Glynnis Debenham often attended Washburn basketballgames decked out in a cheerleading outfit.As the daughter of Washburn alumni GlendaCafer, bba ’83, and David Debenham, jd ’80, andgranddaughter of longtime basketball coach GlennCafer, being an Ichabod came naturally.“Washburn is a tradition in my family,” GlynnisDebenham said. “I grew up with Washburn, and I’vealways loved Washburn. It’s in our blood.”Not surprisingly, her choice for college was an easy one.“Washburn was the only school I applied to,” shesaid. “There was never a thought that I’d go anywhereelse. My parents always told me I could go wherever Iwanted to, but I wanted to go to Washburn. I liked thefact that I’d get more time to work with professors andknew I’d be more comfortable.”A junior pursuing a bachelor of education degreewith an emphasis in early childhood education,Debenham has settled in nicely at Washburn,immersing herself in life on campus. In addition toattending classes, she is a member of Delta Gamma andpresident of the Panhellenic Council.Debenham balances those responsibilities with workingat the Alumni Association and as a summer orientationcounselor. She also is vice president of membershipand marketing for Washburn Students Today, AlumniTomorrow, the Alumni Association’s student group.“My parents raised us to have a good work ethic, andI’m grateful for that,” she said. “We were taught that if youwanted something, you have to earn it, and I’ve alwaysremembered that. I think it’s important to be involved.”Debenham is one of 70 students who received alegacy scholarship from the Alumni Association for the2015-16 academic year. The scholarships are funded bythe organization’s 5K Bow Tie Run and Campus Walk,license plate program, gifts from individual donors andearnings from the Alumni Association scholarship fundestablished in 1944.Debenham’s family has several Washburn alumni,including her parents, uncle Doug Cafer, bba ’86, and29 Alumni News
aunts Sheri Cafer, ba ’98, and Mitzi Cafer Rogers,ba ’80. Her sister, Lindsey Debenham, is a student at theWashburn University School of Law.“This is where my grandpa coached for so many years;this is where my mom and dad and aunts and uncle wentto school. I feel blessed to be here,” Glynnis Debenhamsaid. “I’m very grateful to receive a scholarship from theAlumni Association. Scholarships really help to ease thefinancial obligation of going to college.”Though she attends Washburn at a time whenmultiple new facilities are being built, Debenham notedthe history of campus as one of the reasons she enjoysattending college here.“I like to think when I walk through the halls thatmy family walked down the same halls,” she said. “Ithink that’s special. It gives me a great sense of pride.”DIFFERENT NAME, SAME FUNFor years, alumni and friends have supported the AlumniAssociation scholarship fund by participating in the Fun Run andCampus Walk. In 2015, they’ll have the opportunity to continuesupporting legacy scholarships Oct. 3 in the Bow Tie Run.Consider it a formal name for an informal event. TheAlumni Association board of directors recommended the namechange, but the event won’t change much otherwise.“It will continue to be a 5K run and 2-mile campus walk,”said Susie Hoffmann, director, Alumni Association. “Our alumniALUMNI SCHOLARSHIPSTo apply for an Alumni Association scholarship, a student mustbe a legacy, defined as a student who has a parent(s), sibling(s)or grandparent(s) who is either a graduate of or is attendingWashburn University or Washburn Institute of Technology.To receive a scholarship, applicants must be a memberof Washburn Students Today, Alumni Tomorrow (WU STAT),the Alumni Association’s student group. In addition, theirparent, sibling or grandparent must be a member of theAlumni Association.and friends have done a terrific job supporting this event, and weknow it’s one they look forward to. We’re thrilled to host a fun,impactful event for the Washburn and Topeka communities.”The 2015 Bow Tie Run begins at 8:30 a.m. Oct. 3 outsideof the Bradbury Thompson Alumni Center. Refreshments willbe provided after the race in the alumni center. Those runningin the 5K will be eligible for awards. First-place medals willbe given to male and female winners in various age divisions.There also will be drawings for prizes.About 200 people participated in the 2014 run and walk,helping to support 70 students who received more than$30,000 in scholarships for the 2015-16 academic year.Registration is $25 for runners and $15 for walkers. Childrenage 12 and under can compete for free. Register online atGiveToWashburn.Org/BowTieRun.Same-day registration will be available beginning at 7 a.m.Oct. 3, but you will be charged an additional $5 and are notguaranteed a T-shirt.If you would like to sponsor or volunteer for the Bow Tie Run,contact Hoffmann at 785.670.1643 or susie@washburn.edu.WU STAT membership is only $10 per year and includes200 discounts at local and national businesses, survival kitsduring finals week, free admission to After Hours and footballtailgate parties, and numerous other networking opportunities.Read about the group at washburn.edu/alumni-students.Note: The legacy scholarship application won’t be openuntil the end of the fall semester. Read more about ourscholarships at washburn.edu/alumni-scholarship.Alumni News 30
Change language