New life is taking root on Wichita State University’s campus following the death of one of the college’s most influential figures: James “Jim” Rhatigan.
The life and legacy of Rhatigan, Wichita State’s former dean of students and senior vice president of Student Affairs, will live on, his family said, through a new tree and plaque unveiled at a dedication ceremony on Tuesday afternoon. Rhatigan died in October of 2024 after being admitted to hospice two days prior.
“This is a beautiful occasion, and we really, really appreciate the dedication that Jim has given to the fabric of Wichita State University,” Joe Linot, Rhatigan’s son-in-law, said. “It will always be a part of our lives as long as we live.”
At 30 years old, Rhatigan became the youngest dean of students when he assumed the role in 1965. Over his nearly 50 years at WSU, former colleagues said Rhatigan served as a “pillar” as senior vice president, advocating for and offering support to students and faculty.
“Jim loved the university. He was offered another job many times, but he always wanted to stay here,” Beverly Rhatigan, Rhatigan’s wife, said.
Donated by President Richard Muma and first gentleman Rick Case, the canaert juniper was planted and a ceremonial Shocker-yellow ribbon was cut in front of former friends, colleagues and current students outside of the Rhatigan Student Center, named in Rhatigan’s honor.
The new addition to the north end of the student center, Muma said, is already home to new life: a robin’s nest with three eggs.
“It’s already serving a good purpose,” Muma said.
The ceremony, according to Muma, was uncoincidentally held on Earth Day, a day of awareness for environmental initiatives. Pulling inspiration from the trees he and Case decorate at the President’s Residence for the holidays, Muma said he wanted to plant a new tree for Rhatigan in the same place where an annually decorated campus tree once stood. He said Landscape Supervisor Lowell Kaufman and arborist Logan Alexander proposed the Earth Day idea of planting a tree native to Kansas soil, which would “be more environmentally conscious and help improve the campus tree ecology.”
But Rhatigan’s impact goes beyond environmental improvement. In addition to the tree, a plaque was installed “in loving memory” of Rhatigan. The inscribed quote, “Lives are changed on college campuses, this year and every year,” reflected Rhatigan’s love for higher education and the individuals who comprise it.
“He was all about the students,” Becky Linot, Rhatigan’s daughter, said. “He just loved his students, and he wanted what was best for all the students.”
