Clark and Sharon Bastian were named recipients of the 2021 Fairmount Founders’ Award at the annual Fairmount Society dinner held Aug. 19, at Mark Arts. The award is given annually by the WSU Foundation to those who provide outstanding service and exceptional generosity to Wichita State University.

The Bastians have often expressed their belief that the growth and prosperity of Wichita and the surrounding region are closely tied to the success of Wichita State.

They have made significant gifts in support of the university, including to the campaign to build a new home for the W. Frank Barton School of Business. The new facility, Wayne and Kay Woolsey Hall, will open in 2022, providing a state-of-the art learning environment for tomorrow’s business leaders. The Bastians also are passionate supporters of the WSU School of Art, Design and Creative Industries, the Ulrich Museum of Art and WSU Tech.

“Just as notable as their financial giving is the depth of their dedication and affection for Wichita State,” said Elizabeth King, WSU Foundation president and CEO. “Without the support of people like Clark and Sharon, Wichita State would not be as vibrant and dynamic as it is today.”

Clark Bastian has served on the WSU Foundation’s board of directors and its National Advisory Council. He currently is chair of the Dean’s Advisory Board for the W. Frank Barton School of Business. Both Clark and Sharon are dedicated to the betterment of their community, devoting time to a wide range of civic and charitable organizations.

The couple met while they were students at Wichita State. They married a year after graduation, Clark with a degree in business administration and Sharon in mathematics/studio arts.

Clark Bastian went to work for the family-owned Fidelity Bank, rising in various leadership roles to become chairman and CEO. Today, the couple’s son, Aaron, is president/CEO and their daughter, Sarah, serves on the board of directors. Sharon worked for a municipal bond firm and later served on the board of the local girl scout council, including a stint as its interim CEO.

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Wichita State University serves as the Kansas urban-based research university, enrolling more than 15,000 students from every state in the U.S. and more than 100 countries. Wichita State and WSU Tech are recognized for being student centered and innovation driven.

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