Friend of the College Award

2017 Recipient: Meadowlark Hills

More than just a place, Meadowlark is a not-for-profit organization devoted to caring for seniors in the Manhattan area. Meadowlark provides senior-living services and wellness programs throughout the area, as well as a full spectrum of senior-living options at Meadowlark Hills, our continuing care retirement community.

Meadowlark was founded in 1974 when a group of citizens noticed that the city's retired population was growing smaller and smaller due to lack of living options. To help keep Manhattan's community thriving and to give older adults more choice in the matter of where they live during retirement, these citizens partnered with six local churches to create Meadowlark Hills. Built on the concepts of continuum care, respect and compassion, Meadowlark Hills opened in 1980.

Since its opening, the organization has undergone great transformations to encompass and honor the household model. Meadowlark is each resident's home. Staff, residents and board members are committed to enhancing quality of life by nurturing individuality and independence. Meadowlark is growing a value-driven community while leading the way in honoring inherent senior rights and building strong and meaningful relationships with all whose lives are touched.

Meadowlark has been a longtime partner and friend of Kansas State University and the College of Human Ecology. Both organizations share a common goal of improving the quality of life for older Kansans and identifying and responding to the challenges and opportunities of an aging society.