Ehingers receive Pillar of Success from Trine University

Trine University honored Board of Trustees member and alumnus Ken Ehinger and his wife Kathy, who support the university’s Ehinger Fellows along with many other programs, with its Pillar of Success during the university’s Touchstone and Homecoming Celebration Dinner on Oct. 2.

Tony Kline, Ph.D., Trine University president, presented the award near the conclusion of the event, held in the Keith E. Busse/Steel Dynamics Inc. Athletic and Recreation Center.

“Ken and Kathy Ehinger have truly paid their blessings forward, making a huge impact on Trine University, particularly students in the Ketner School of Business,” Dr. Kline said in presenting the award.

In accepting the award, Kathy Ehinger said the growth she has witnessed at Trine University has been “phenomenal” and has created a better atmosphere in the community as a whole.

“Nothing is better than seeing something grow, and certainly Angola has grown from the city I knew,” she said. “I am proud to spend time with the students and the Ehinger Fellows. Believe me, when I see and interact with these students here, I can tell that we have some really good students.”

“It's an honor to be recognized,” Ken Ehinger said. “When I look at the list of the folks who have been in this position before, they're unbelievable people and unbelievably successful. But what I notice about all of them is that they really focus on helping others, like all of you do here through your contributions and giving of your time, talent and treasures. That's really what it's all about.”

Ken and Kathy Ehinger

A 1976 Trine University business graduate, Ken Ehinger was inspired to pursue a career in securities thanks to a class project where students managed an investment portfolio, with shares that had been donated to the business department.

Ken’s career took him to distinguished companies such as Midwestern United Life Insurance Company, United Equitable Group/American Warranty Corporation, Merrill Lynch, Lincoln Financial Advisors, National Life Group, American Guaranty & Trust, Sentinel Management Companies, Equity Services, Inc. and M Holdings Securities Inc.

Today he serves as founder and chief executive officer of KRE Strategies, LLC, an independent business that serves as an advisor, coach and consultant for multiple types of financial and business organizations. He also currently serves Valmark Financial Group as vice president of strategic initiatives. 

He is recognized throughout the financial services industry for his work in legislative, federal and state government agency advocacy.

Ken joined Trine University’s Board of Trustees in 2023. He also serves on the Advisory Board for the Ketner School of Business and has served on the Alumni Board of Directors in the past.

Kathy served as a radiologist for many years, with an outstanding career that included leadership roles and eventually consulting for numerous radiology departments. She now owns and operates ShowKase Home Consign in Fremont. 

Family ties, Ehinger Fellows

The Ehingers have been familiar with the Steuben County lakes area since they were children and have a strong family connection to Trine in addition to Ken being an alumnus.  Two of Ken’s brothers, Ed and Ron, also graduated from Trine, as did sons Luke and Dan and niece Kylee. Daughter Rachel and son Dan completed their master’s at Trine. Sister-in-law Sue Ehinger previously served on the university’s Board of Trustees.

In 2017, after many years of supporting the annual fund, athletic programs and the Drama Club, Ken and Kathy agreed to fund the Ehinger Fellows through annual and estate gifts. 

The Fellows allows students pursuing a business major or minor who demonstrate excellent leadership, communication and positive influence the opportunity to polish their servant leadership skills, build business prowess and serve as leaders, mentors and ambassadors throughout the Ketner School of Business and the Trine community.

Pillar of Success

The Pillar of Success award recognizes individuals for their achievements and accomplishments, leadership, service, philanthropy, commitment to their community and their profession and to Trine University. 

The award has, in the past, honored alumni, friends, faculty, staff and members of the Board of Trustees.