Kathleen Riker
BENDER OF TWIGS INDUCTEE 2019
Kathy Riker started her career at Wichita State University in 1993 in the Office of
the Controller as a Cashier. Her role was to take money for fines, hand out paychecks,
travel advances and travel reimbursements. She remained in the role for 2 ½ years
before moving to Accounts Payable as an Accounting Specialist where she processed
invoices for payments and ensured the funding was correct. From there her career took
her to
Telecom for another 2 years until she moved into her current role as a Research Grant
Administrator where she has worked for over 11 years.
As I spoke with co-workers of Kathy, each noted she is a willing worker, one who works hard, but is always willing to help others. She has a great sense of humor and tries to see the BEST in any situation. Kathy has a personality that puts others at ease, no matter how difficult or confusing the question.
Penny Post mentioned that when she first started working at WSU, Kathy was part of the AP team and she “welcomed me with open arms. She made everyone feel comfortable.”
One funny story Penny related to me was this: “Every ICD that Kathy audited she did
this thing with her
fingers and it looked like she was playing some masterpiece on the paper instead of
a piano. For the longest time I couldn’t figure it out. One day I heard her say “1,
2, 3, 4, 5” as she was touching certain areas of the ICD. Finally, I just had to ask,
hoping that I wouldn’t embarrass myself or Kathy. Perhaps it was a medical condition
(HA!) or maybe from being in AP too long, I just didn’t know. In fact, it was Kathy’s
way of ensuring that an ICD has passed all of the necessary audits! That is Kathy,
very horough!”
In speaking with Sarah Hunt, she mentioned that one of Kathy’s greatest qualities is her ability to “make me laugh, when I just wanted to cry about whatever problem I had.”
Also, Kathy takes customer service seriously by trying to help make the situation better. Sarah related “One of my favorite stories is from her days in the Controller’s Office as a cashier. At that time the cashiers sat behind windows with bullet proof glass to wait on customers. One day she had a person paying a traffic ticket who was not happy about it at all. He asked her if the glass was really bullet proof and maybe he should bring his gun back and find out. Kathy – remaining calm and ever helpful – replied ‘Oh sir, I don’t think that will be necessary.’ Talk about a positive attitude!”
Kathy possesses the three components that make up a good employee: Dedication, Determination
and
Devotion. Many of us know that a boss’ worst nightmare is an employee who isn’t dedicated
to their job, one who doesn’t want to work or worse yet, one who shows up late, leaves
early and makes you regret the time they are here. None of this is true with Kathy!
In the area of Determination, Kathy has proven to be persistent in her desire to learn, so she could be more effective at her job. Kathy’s focus on her skills has allowed her to excel at her job, and in turn, make the office successful.
That brings us to the 3rd component of a good worker – Devotion. Kathy lives and breathes WSU. She is a true Shocker who has spent 25 years giving her best to make WSU even better!
As a “Bender of Twigs” we think of people who have shaped the characteristics of not just our students, but who have shaped and molded the culture at WSU and this definitely describes Kathy.
Kathy, thank-you for your many contributions to our office and to Wichita State.
With deep respect and appreciation,
Lois Tatro
Sr AVP Financial Services
SME: SP/SRAP
Updated: 11/262019 SRAP