You hear it all the time: “Every Man a Wildcat.” The popular phrase ripples through crowds at each football game, unifying fans behind a rally cry that connects Wildcat nation. When you’re in that crowd, your background is irrelevant. Nobody questions who you are, where you came from or what you’ve experienced — All that matters is that you’re there to cheer on the ‘Cats. 

This mindset forms the basis of the K-State Family — another phrase heard often around Manhattan. In the spot that we love full well, the sense of community is apparent. Students travel from all around the world to receive an education here, at a university where the students were ranked friendliest in the nation, according to The Princeton Review. Whether it’s a Saturday at The Bill or an Ireland trip to follow The ‘Cats, purple pride emanates from students and staff. 

Established in 1896 as The Student Herald, The Kansas State Collegian regularly provides news of consequence to the K-State community. Our paper publishes weekly and uploads daily social media content. Amid covering the key stories at K-State — conducting interviews, photographing events and writing articles — it’s easy to lose sight of the Wildcats behind them. 

Introducing, “K-State Walks of Life,” the 2025 Collegian special edition. Within the following pages, our staff unravels the purple thread that ties together each and every member of the K-State community, woven together to form the diverse tapestry of our campus. This feature-focused issue invites readers to walk a mile in another’s shoes, exploring the paths that brought students, faculty, alumni and more to K-State. 

Our section headers from this issue are lyrics pulled from K-State traditions. From our Alma Mater, written by H.W. Jones in 1888, “Loyal to thee” reminds us that our Wildcat pride isn’t conditional. “Glory in the combat,” from Harry E. Erickson’s University Fight Song, explores the variety and importance of K-State athletics.

We hope the stories in this special edition not only allow you to venture down someone else’s path, but to put your best foot forward and take strides of your own. 

Welcome to “K-State Walks of Life.”