Audrey Taggart-Kagdis, assistant director of marketing for the K-State Student Union, has announced her retirement, effective Nov. 14. A retirement celebration will be hosted from 3 to 5 p.m. Thursday, Nov. 13, in the Union’s Flint Hills Room.

Reflecting on his time working alongside Taggart-Kagdis, Kevin Cook, director of communications and parent engagement, said, “During my time working in Housing and Dining and now in my role coordinating communications for the Division of Academic Success and Student Affairs, I have worked closely with Audrey. The passion she has for her work and for the folks she serves is evident in everything she does. Whether that’s advising and working with marketing students or assisting with our most recent Day of Giving efforts, Audrey goes all in. Her energy and passion will be missed as she moves on to her next adventure.”

Taggart-Kagdis, a Kansas State University alumnus, earned a Bachelor of Science in Communication and later completed a Master of Business Administration at Emporia State University. She has spent 16 years at the Union, where she has mentored hundreds of student employees and played a key role in the growth of several departments, including Union Program Council, Union Ambassadors and marketing. She has also been an advocate and voice for student unions nationwide through her involvement with the Association of College Unions International (ACUI) as a member, conference chair, conference host and now director of Region II.

During her tenure as Assistant Director of Marketing, Taggart-Kagdis oversaw the expansion of Student Creative Services (SCS), formerly known as Student Design Services. SCS provides free brand strategy, social media and graphic design services to recognized K-State student organizations. Under her leadership, SCS has employed numerous students, giving them opportunities to grow and showcase their skills while developing professionalism in graphic design, photography, social media and creative strategy.

SCS has contributed to a wide range of projects, from small-scale Union and student organization events to major Campus Entertainment Fund (CEF) concerts such as T-Pain and The Driver Era.

“After 16 years of service to the K-State Student Union, it’s hard not to see marks of Audrey’s talent and tenure around the building,” said Erik Kahl, executive director of the K-State Student Union.

Taggart-Kagdis’ legacy reflects her creativity, professionalism and care, qualities evident in the Union’s strengthened image and in the many individuals she has inspired. Kahl added, “Her legacy will remain through the concepts she brought to life around the Union, the services she created and students she inspired. We are grateful for the time and the impact she had on our Union.”

The Union’s mission is to serve all, especially students, with facilities that provide services, programs, leadership experiences and educational opportunities which foster a sense of well-being, belonging and community.