Riding for Students

Just after 5 p.m.on Tuesday, July 23, a group of bikers pulled into the parking lot of Washburn Institute of Technology. Clad in motorcycle jackets adorned with patches and skulls, riding loud Harleys and assorted bikes and circling up by the front entrance, they made quite an impression as they were met by staff members of Washburn Tech and the Washburn University Alumni Association and Foundation.

They are the Kaw River Punishers, the local chapter of the Punishers Law Enforcement Motorcycle Club, a brotherhood of bikes comprised of current or former law enforcement officers, firefighters, military personnel, EMTs, first responders and likeminded individuals. They were there to present Washburn Tech with a $7,300 check for the scholarship fund they created, to support dependents of first responders pursuing technical education at Washburn.

“We are so grateful for your support,” said Chaz Havens, m ed ’16, assistant dean of instructional services, who received the gift on Washburn Tech’s behalf. “This is going to be a big help for a lucky student or students.”

The Punishers decided to fundraise for their scholarship last fall when JW “Shrek” Patterson, c ’20, c ’21, as ’23, a member of the group, proposed the idea. Patterson, a former Washburn Tech student himself who is now an instructor in the industrial production technology program, understands the need for scholarship funds and recognized that even small contributions can significantly impact a student’s life.

“Students at Tech often need help with fees, supplies, tools, textbooks, things beyond tuition, that can be hard to cover for students,” explained Patterson. “The Punishers are always looking for ways to give back to the community, and I knew this was an area where a little can go a long way. When I approached them with the idea, they got on board right away and have really thrown themselves behind the effort.”

The Punishers made it their fundraising cause for their annual bike ride this June, initially setting a goal of $4,000. However, with the support of members, families, friends and well-wishers, they easily surpassed this goal and raised more than $7,000.

“Since this was our first time raising money for this scholarship, we weren’t quite sure what to expect,” said Patterson. “But we surpassed all expectations; it was a great success, and we were very happy with the result. Now, we hope to make this a regular thing and do it again next year.”

Bryan “BB Gun” Cannon, who helped present the check on behalf of the Punishers, agreed and said he and his fellow riders were pleased to make a difference.

“This is a cause we can all get behind, helping the sons and daughters of first responders continue their education and better themselves,” Cannon noted. “People don’t always have that image of motorcycle clubs, but community service is a big part of what we do. Yes, it’s about riding bikes, getting together and having fun, but at the same time, we’re always looking for ways to give back and help people. We’re proud to do that with this scholarship at Washburn Tech.”

“It’s not every day we have a bunch of bikers pull into the parking lot,” laughed Havens. “But when they come with a big check to help our students, it sure is appreciated.”