The K-State physics community held a dedication ceremony on Friday, October 18, for the Peggy Mathews Physics Community Room in Cardwell 119. The room honors the legacy of Peggy Mathews, who served as the department's office manager for over 35 years before her retirement in 2019. Mathews passed away in February 2024. She was a beloved figure who played a vital role in keeping the department running smoothly and supporting students and faculty alike. She was the face of the physics department throughout her long and impactful career, and her colleagues remember the positive influence she had on individuals and the community she helped create.

Department Head Tim Bolton opened the ceremony celebrating Peggy's significant contributions to the department, as highlighted by speakers from the office staff, faculty, and former leadership. Kim Coy, Kim Elliott, Chris Sorensen, Amit Chakrabarti, and Brett DePaola shared anecdotes emphasizing Peggy's positive impact and how her quick wit and profound understanding ensured the department ran efficiently. The event culminated in Bolton and Coy unveiling a plaque dedicating the room to her legacy.

Among those attending the ceremony were Peggy's husband, Bill; her son Eric, accompanied by his wife Amy; her daughter Staci and her husband, Mike; her granddaughter Eliza; and her niece Mikayla. Eric gave the family's address.

Other special guests included former office employees Vicky O’Shea Geyer and Daphne Sand Brockman; and former Arts & Sciences administrator Annette Maggio.

Just as people were reminded of Peggy's spirit when they walked through the doors of her office, that same spirit of community will resonate for years to come with those who enter Cardwell 119.