Manhattan Tech Receives Impact Award

Manhattan Area Technical College is honored to receive the Impact Award from the Wamego Chamber of Commerce, presented Friday, January 30. The award recognizes individuals or organizations that make a lasting, positive impact on the Wamego community through leadership, service, partnerships, and meaningful contributions to local growth. 

For Manhattan Tech, that impact starts, and ends, with people. 

“This award is a validation of the decision of college leaders and our board of directors to invest in being present in the community and to have a long-lasting partnership with the school district and the businesses,” said Manhattan Tech President Jim Genandt. “Our primary mission is skilled workforce education leading to good jobs with good wages in occupations essential to healthcare, manufacturing, construction, and more.” 

Over the years, Manhattan Tech has worked closely with Wamego-area schools, employers, and community partners to expand access to education that leads directly to in-demand careers. From early college opportunities for high school students to hands-on training aligned with local workforce needs, the college’s presence in Wamego is rooted in showing up, listening, and building for the long haul. 

“The added capacity to help area students get early college experience and credit, and to work with the community on future skilled workforce initiatives means Manhattan Tech will keep making an impact in support of economic and community development in Wamego,” Genandt said. 

That impact is felt every day by the people who live and work in the community. 

“Living in Wamego, I frequently hear how happy people are that we are here, and that sense of appreciation truly means a lot,” said Suzanne Duncan, Director of the Wamego Center. “I have personally benefited from the graduates who work in our community, whether it’s through replacing our air conditioner or providing care at the hospital.” 

For Duncan, the work goes beyond classrooms and credentials. It’s about being available, dependable, and invested in the future of the town. 

“Because people can ask for help at any time, I have the opportunity to positively contribute to the community, and help it continue to grow,” she said. “There is no place like Wamego.” 

Manhattan Tech is proud to be part of that growth by training the workforce, supporting local businesses, and helping students build skills that stay right here at home. The Impact Award is a reminder that when education, industry, and community work together, everyone benefits.