A community gathering was held outside Anderson Hall Tuesday evening as state, local and faith leaders came together in support of Kansas State University President Richard Linton, who earlier in the day announced his diagnosis of throat and tongue cancer.
Senior Vice President and Chief of Staff Marshall Stewart began the program.
Stewart will assume presidential duties in Linton’s absence, as the president receives daily cancer treatment over the next few months at the KU Cancer Center in Kansas City. Linton will continue to work remotely. Stewart says he’ll fill in where he’s needed.
Among the many speakers Tuesday, U.S. Sen. Jerry Moran offered his thoughts and prayers and thanked the public for coming out and showing support.
Manhattan Christian College President Kevin Ingram says he’s prayed for President Linton weekly since taking over at K-State, but told Linton Tuesday he would be moving him up to his daily prayer list.
Many faith leaders provided words of comfort to the Linton family and the K-State Community, including Pastor Barry Park from University Christian Church.
Father Gale Hammerschmidt from St. Isidore’s Catholic Student Center…
Regent Cynthia Lane, from the Kansas Board of Regents, called on the university community to lift up the president, who she says has lifted up the university through his leadership.
K-State will continue to push forward Linton’s key initiative, the NextGen K-State Strategic Plan, which will be launched later this year.
