Gift Serves Up New Opportunities

    Topeka, Kan. — Washburn University announced today a generous philanthropic investment from Jake and Kris Klima that will strengthen the university’s tennis program and launch a new community-focused Washburn Tennis Academy, opening more pathways for student-athletes and young players across Topeka.

    Washburn’s tennis complex enhancements include plans for new championship courts, improved spectator seating and lighting that will allow evening matches. The Klima’s gift will support those upgrades as well as establish a community tennis academy and provide scholarship support for student-athletes.

    The enhancements to the tennis complex are part of the university’s recently approved $10 million Athletics Corridor Master Plan, focused on enhancements along College Avenue from Durow Road to Southwest 18th Street. Improvements also include updates to the football locker room, a new fan-focused tailgate plaza and pedestrian upgrades. The Klima’s gift, when combined with other generous donations toward the Athletics Corridor, brings the fundraising total to more than $5 million to date.

    “We have seen firsthand how athletics can shape confidence, build character and create community,” said Kris. “Investing in this tennis complex is an investment in every student who will step on these courts with big dreams and the determination to chase them. We are proud to help open new doors of opportunity not only for student-athletes at Washburn, but for aspiring young athletes throughout the Topeka community.”

    The Klimas’ connection to Washburn runs deep. The couple first met as students and were active members of the Greek community, with Jake in Sigma Phi Epsilon and Kris in Kappa Alpha Theta. A standout student-athlete, Kris earned All-MIAA recognition for her achievements on the women’s tennis team, and she continues to champion the university today as a member of the Washburn Alumni Association and Foundation Board of Trustees.

    “This project enriches the experience of our student-athletes while strengthening the environment for fans and supporters,” said Dr. JuliAnn Mazachek, president, Washburn University. “We are thrilled to receive such incredible support from the Klima family, and to be able to give our tennis teams the best facilities and resources to excel on and off the court.”

    Washburn’s tennis programs have just come off a banner year, with both the men’s and women’s programs claiming MIAA regular season titles and the men’s team ending their season as national finalists. Additionally, Washburn Athletics boasted 50 MIAA Scholar-Athletes in 2024-2025, with a combined department GPA last spring of 3.26. Planned improvements to athletics facilities aim to attract top recruits and demonstrate the university’s commitment to its student-athletes both in and out of the classroom. The academy will also serve to expand access to tennis instruction, mentorship and competition for local youth, creating a bridge between campus and community.

    “Jake and Kris have seen directly the power Washburn has to change lives, and they have generously given in a way that will create opportunities for student-athletes for years to come,” said Marshall Meek, president, Washburn University Alumni Association and Foundation. “Thanks to their vision and generosity, we can now expand those opportunities beyond campus and into our community.”

    Construction planning is underway, with timelines to be announced as details are finalized.

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