Greater Topeka Partnership Announces 2025 Recipients Of Partnership Annual Meeting Awards
The Greater Topeka Partnership is proud to announce the recipients of its 2025 Annual Meeting Awards, recognizing outstanding individuals who have made significant contributions to the community. The awards will be presented at The Partnership’s Annual Meeting on Thursday, April 3, at Stormont Vail Events Center’s Landon Arena.
The Partnership’s highest honor, The Wolgast Award, is named after former Topeka Mayor Larry Wolgast. Each year the recipient is selected by the chair of the GTP Chairs Council, The Partnership’s board of directors. The 2025 Wolgast Award will be presented to Dr. JuliAnn Mazachek, President of Washburn University, for her transformational leadership of Washburn University that has led to record-breaking enrollment, the launch of the Washburn Promise and Washburn Thrive scholarships, and the historic $250 million capital campaign.
"Dr. Mazachek has shown extraordinary leadership and innovation during her time as President of Washburn University," said Dr. Shekhar Challa, Founder & CEO of Kansas Medical Clinic and current Chair of the Greater Topeka Partnership Chair's Council. "I’m delighted to acknowledge her with this award, and I am thrilled to see Washburn University thrive under her leadership.”
Awards of Excellence, meanwhile, will be presented to Brooks Pettit for his outstanding work in bringing Thunder Over the Heartland to life; Dr. Scott McWilliams for his leadership in paving the way for a new middle school and Innovation Campus at Washburn Rural High School; Teresa & Bruce McPherson for their incredible generosity and a $3 million donation to Washburn Tech North; Natalie Haag for her guidance and leadership in business and policy advocacy; Amanda Chavez Thomson as a rising star in the business community through her success at Chavez Restoration; Devon Long, Darrin Marr, and LaManda Cunningham for their vital contributions to public safety and community well-being; Sherri Camp, Sarah Fizell, and Jim Williams for their instrumental role in commemorating the 70th anniversary of Brown v. Board of Education; and Leanna James, who will receive The Partnership's 2025 Ambassador of the Year Award for her unwavering support for GTP members and local businesses.
"These outstanding individuals truly represent the essence of our community and have consistently dedicated themselves to advancing the Topeka area," said Matt Pivarnik, CEO of the Partnership. "They are key collaborators in our community's success, and their efforts have been crucial in creating a brighter future for our city and county. We eagerly anticipate celebrating their achievements in front of hundreds of their peers at our Annual Meeting on April 3.”
The Greater Topeka Partnership extends its congratulations to all honorees and looks forward to celebrating their achievements on April 3. To learn more about the event or to purchase tickets, visit TopekaPartnership.com
