Debbie Sue Banman Giskie
2021 PROFESSIONAL SCHOLARSHIP
The Kansas Association of Airports (KAA) Professional Scholarship is established in recognition and memory of Debbie Sue Banman Giskie a long time member of the KAA as well the association’s Secretary/Treasurer for many years. Debbie was born in Topeka and raised in Newton graduating from Newton High School in 1973. Debbie and her husband, Edgar, moved to Liberal in 1976 where they raised two children, Matthew and Angela.
Debbie’s public service career began with the City of Liberal in October 1976 and over her 44 years with the City her positions included Airport Manager for the Liberal Mid-America Regional Airport, City Clerk, interim City Manager and staff liaison to Arkalon Park. She worked diligently to improve the security and image of the airport with one of her major achievements, benefitting the community and region, included attaining direct air service to Denver. Her community involvement included the Lions Club, past president; International Pancake Day, board member and manager of its talent show; Original Town of Liberal Revitalization, board member; Soroptimist Club; Chamber of Commerce, board member; Mid-America Air Museum, board member; Lego Robotics Program volunteer and tournament judge.
The KAA selected Debbie Sue Banman Giskie as the honoree of its professional scholarship program because of the high standards, values, ideals, image and respect that she represented and brought to our industry.
2021 PROFESSIONAL SCHOLARSHIP
The Kansas Association of Airports (KAA) is making available a $1,500 scholarship for an
individual working in airport management/administration or related occupations in Kansas. To be
eligible for the scholarship the applicant must be a U. S. citizen. The applicant does not need to
reside in Kansas however the place of business where employed must be in Kansas.
PURPOSE
The purpose of the scholarship is to promote excellence in airport management by providing a
scholarship to an individual in airport management/administration or related occupation with the
desire of furthering their career in airport management.
DETAILS
The scholarship shall be used for tuition and fees, books and classroom materials in an accredited,
airport management based educational program or for American Association of Airport Executives
(AAAE) sponsored A.A.E., C.M., and A.C.E. programs. Associate, undergraduate and graduate
level programs are all eligible. The scholarship may not be used for past expenses nor for
conference fees and expenses. If the winner is not currently enrolled in an eligible program the
KAA will not issue payment until such time evidence is provided showing enrollment in an eligible
program within six months of notice of scholarship award.
APPLICANT'S ESSAY
The applicant shall provide a not-to-exceed one page, double-spaced essay of their professional
accomplishments, plans for a career in airport management/administration as well as their goals
for working within the community and professional organizations. The essay shall be signed and
dated by the applicant.
LETTER OF RECOMMENDATION
Although not mandatory it is requested the applicant’s supervisor provide a Letter of
Recommendation indicating their relationship with the applicant and knowledge of the applicant’s
aviation interests and experience. The letter shall be on the business’s letterhead, signed and dated
by the supervisor.
APPLICATION
For an application to be considered these items must be received at the address shown on the
Application Form no later than 5:00 p. m., Friday, September 24, 2021:
- A completed scholarship application
- The applicant’s essay
- Evidence of current or pending enrollment in an eligible program
- Evidence of current or recent employment (if currently unemployed)
- Letter of Recommendation (not mandatory)
An application received after the deadline is subject to not being considered.
AWARD OF SCHOLARSHIP
The KAA scholarship committee will review all eligible applications and select the applicant that
most closely meets the scholarship’s purpose.
A check will be issued directly to the scholarship recipient once all conditions are satisfied.
MISCELLANEOUS
The KAA reserves the right to not award the scholarship and to waive irregularities.
The KAA will endeavor to keep the personal information contained in the application confidential.
All other things being deemed equal, the application received first will receive preference.
Information provided beyond what is requested on the Application Form will not be evaluated.
The scholarship chair and point of contact is:
John Oswald, P. E.
Airport Engineering and Planning Manager
Wichita Dwight D. Eisenhower National Airport
316-946-4700
airportengineer@wichita.gov
Scholarship Criteria