Lammers Gift Advances Athletics Corridor Plan

    Topeka, Kan. - Washburn University announced today a $500,000 challenge gift from Kent and Rhonda Lammers to support fundraising efforts for improvements to the university’s tennis complex. The gift is part of Washburn’s Athletics Corridor Master Plan and is designed to inspire additional giving by doubling the impact of contributions toward the project.

    The Lammers’ challenge gift will support critical upgrades to the Washburn Tennis Complex, including expanded court width to enhance playability, new lighting and improved spectator seating. These enhancements are a key component of the Corridor Project, a comprehensive initiative to modernize athletics facilities along College Avenue, creating a cohesive and welcoming athletics district stretching from Durow Road to SW 18th Street.

    “This gift is an investment in our students and the Washburn experience,” said Dr. JuliAnn Mazachek, president, Washburn University. “Kent and Rhonda’s generosity reflects their deep belief in Washburn and in the power of athletics to build community, pride and opportunity. Our student-athletes pursue excellence every day—in the classroom and in their sport—and these transformed facilities will create the place for them to thrive. Kent and Rhonda’s leadership will benefit generations of Ichabods and raise Washburn’s prominence nationally while enhancing our campus and expanding opportunities for youth and families across our community.”

    The Corridor Project focuses on enhancing the fan experience, improving facilities for student-athletes and creating versatile event spaces that strengthen campus and community connections. In addition to tennis complex upgrades, the plan includes a new Tailgate Plaza with expanded gathering areas and a small stage for campus events, improved pedestrian pathways connecting College Avenue and Mulvane Street, and renovations to the football locker room to support recruiting and program excellence.

    “Challenge gifts like this are transformative,” said Marshall Meek, president, Washburn University Alumni Association and Foundation. “Their gift not only accelerates much-anticipated improvements to the tennis complex but also provides momentum for the entire Athletics Corridor Master Plan. Kent and Rhonda’s gift encourages others to join in shaping the future and ensuring continued excellence of Washburn Athletics.”

    The Lammers’ connection to Washburn runs deep. A former Ichabod tennis player, Kent earned his Bachelor of Business Administration with an emphasis in finance from Washburn. He also serves as a trustee for the Washburn University Alumni Association and Foundation, has served as a three-term president of the Topeka Tennis Association and held board positions with the Washburn Ichabod Athletic Fund, Capper Foundation and CASA of Shawnee County. Kent and Rhonda reside in Berryton and are proud parents of David, a Washburn legacy graduate and former Ichabod baseball player whose wife, Taylor Mayhew-Lammers, also graduated and played soccer at Washburn.

    The timing of the gift aligns with a historic period of success for Washburn tennis. Both the men’s and women’s programs recently captured MIAA regular season titles, with the men’s team finishing the year as national finalists. Across Washburn Athletics, 50 student-athletes were named MIAA Scholar-Athletes in 2024–25, and the department posted a combined GPA of 3.26 last spring.

    In tandem with a recent gift from Jake and Kris Klima, the tennis complex improvements will also help launch a new, community-focused Washburn Tennis Academy. The academy will expand access to tennis instruction, mentorship and competition for local youth, creating a meaningful bridge between the university and the Topeka community.

    With the Lammers’ challenge gift leading the way, Washburn University invites alumni, friends and community members to help meet the challenge and play a role in shaping the future of Ichabod Athletics and the Athletics Corridor Master Plan.

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