"Beyond Cookies."
That's the title of one of the promotional packets produced by the Wichita Area Girl Scout Council, a document that outlines the variety of programs and opportunities that the Girl Scouts organization offers. But it could just as well have served as an introduction to the grand variety of contributions made to her university and community by the council's late director and honored WSU alumna, Joann D. (Kallail) Kamas '52.
She died March 26, 1999 after suffering a heart attack while vacationing in Amman, Jordan.
She graduated from the University of Wichita with a bachelor's degree in journalism. As a student, she contributed to university life in many ways, including serving as a staff member of both the campus newspaper, the Sunflower, and the school's yearbook, the Parnassus. During her senior year, she was editor-in-chief of the Parnassus. That same year, she was presented the Gouldner Journalism Award, which is given to an outstanding graduating journalism student.
A life-time supporter of her alma mater, Kamas contributed her unique talents and energies to WSU as both a volunteer and a consummate professional
Always an active force within Wichita State's alumni association, she assisted in developing association policies and objectives in 1977, was president of the association's board of directors in 1978-79, seved on the search committee for WSU's vice president of development in 1985 and chaired the association house expansion committee, whose efforts helped lead to the construction of the Woodman Alumni Center in 1989.
Aside from her volunteer work, she stepped in as actign and interim director of the association during transition periods in 1978, 1983 and again in 1984.
For her university and association service, she was honored as the association's 1978 Volunteer of the Year and in 1990 was presented the WSU Alumni Recognition Award.
Beyond WSU, Kamas worked with the Wichita Water Conservation and Environmental task forces and chaired the Wichita-Sedgwick County Resources Advisory Board. She was instrumental in the development of city bicycle route locations and signs; the annual bike fair; the establishment of the Sedgwick County Environmental Resources Department; and the Girl Scout Water Wisdom Campaign.
She was recognized with the Dr. Lennel I. Wright Conservation Award (1982), the Orchid Award (1982) for her contributions to the enhancement of the physical envr]ironment of Wichita, the Distinguished Service Award by the United Way of Wichita and Sedgwick County (1977) and the Thanks Badge (1976), the highest award for service bestowed by the Girl Scouts of the USA.
Kamas began her career in journalism and public relations as assistant women's editor and columnist for the Wichita Eagle, posts she held from 1949 to 1956. In 1984, she became a community relations consultant with the Wichita Water Department.
In 1987, she was named executive director of the Girl Scout Council.
"Joann lived for the Girl Scouts," says Marilyn Deckinger, a friend and co-worker. "She was totally committed to doing everything she could to help the girls of today become the leaders of the 21st century. That meant everything to her."
In a 1990 interview for the WSU Alumni Report, Kamas commented, "I would like to leave a small mark. Sometimes I think people are afraid to give of themselves, but once they know what it feels like, they're hooked. You feel like a valuable person when you're giving."
Clearly an alum who will be deeply missed, Joann Kamas left more than a small mark on WSU and the Wichita community.
