Kansas Wesleyan University will celebrate the contributions of four distinguished individuals during the Alumni Awards ceremony at Homecoming 2024. The event will be held on October 19 and will honor Zach Brown ’13, Rich Zeeman ’90, Justin Taylor ’16, and local business leader Larry Marshall for their service and achievements.
“These four individuals embody what it means to be a Coyote,” said Ken Oliver, executive vice president of advancement and university operations. “Their service to KWU and their communities, as well as the successes they’ve had in their careers, make them great examples for our students and those around them. We’re privileged to bestow these honors on these individuals.”
The awards include the Young Alumni Award, Alumni Achievement Award, Alumni Service Award, and Alumni by Choice Award. The recipients’ full bios are highlighted below:
- Zach Brown ’13, Young Alumni Award
Zach Brown has built a career centered on justice and public service. A former History and Speech major at KWU, Brown now serves as an assistant district attorney in Dallas County, Texas, handling numerous cases in the criminal justice system. During his time at KWU, Brown was involved in athletics, debate, forensics, and student government, all while maintaining academic excellence. - Rich Zeeman ’90, Alumni Achievement Award
Rich Zeeman is a seasoned executive in the education and ed-tech sectors, having held senior leadership roles across multiple organizations. A Salina native, Zeeman has played a key role in shaping operational strategies for large-scale educational institutions. He holds an impressive array of degrees, including an honorary doctorate, and is known for his visionary leadership. - Justin Taylor ’16, Alumni Service Award
Justin Taylor is the assistant vice president for information systems at KWU, overseeing the university’s technology infrastructure. Taylor led the transition to a new campus-wide software system that significantly improved services for students, faculty, and staff. His expertise in advanced networking, cybersecurity, and database administration has been pivotal to the university’s success. - Larry Marshall, Alumni by Choice Award
Larry Marshall is a prominent Salina business leader and veteran. A former Navy lieutenant who once oversaw the daily feeding of over 3,000 personnel aboard a ship, Marshall is now known for managing his family-owned car dealership and for his extensive involvement in the local community. His connection to KWU has spanned decades, following in his father’s footsteps as a supporter of the university.
The Alumni Awards ceremony will be held alongside the Jerry Jones Athletic Hall of Fame induction at Muir Gym, starting at 8 a.m. Tickets are available for purchase at one.bidpal.net/joneshofandalumniawards.
