For one Weigand scholar, the fact that the Weigand Trust provides more than just a scholarship took on new meaning this past summer.  Taylor Concannon, a 2L at Washburn Law, spent the summer living with Weigand alum Roarke Gordon, '06, and his fiancée Molly McMurray.

The living arrangement was a first in Weigand's history.  Roarke and Molly, who both practice law in Wichita, had expressed an interest in hosting a Weigand scholar who would be summering in Wichita.  When Taylor accepted a summer associate position with Foulston Siefkin, Trust Director Claudette Glenn knew she had a perfect match and immediately put them all in touch.

Roarke and Molly practice different types of law at different size law firms and were able to share their experiences first-hand throughout the summer.  "I think Taylor had a unique opportunity to see what life was like for young attorneys with varying practices in Kansas," said Roarke.

"I can't imagine there was another law student that received as much experience and exposure than Taylor did this summer!  In addition to the Foulston summer associate program, she was able to learn first-hand about other firms in Wichita and government jobs at many different levels.  Roarke and Molly exemplify the generosity of our Weigand Scholars, and I couldn't be happier that we were able to provide this for Taylor," says Glenn.

Roarke and Molly's home in Crown Heights was a short 10-minute drive from Foulston Siefkin's offices in east Wichita.  The convenience, as well as the free rent, stood out to Taylor as an amazing opportunity.

"My housing arrangement was certainly one-of-a-kind.  I am not aware of any classmates who had similar housing arrangements," said Concannon.

But it wasn't the free rent which meant the most to Taylor.

"The best part was just the opportunity to get to know two such amazing people.  Both Roarke and Molly immediately took me under their wing and became invested in helping me succeed.  They introduced me to other attorneys in the community as well as close friends and family.  Many nights, I would get home from work and simply spend hours sitting in the kitchen talking to either Roarke or Molly, or both." Roarke says, "We have nothing but fond memories from this summer, and we will forever consider Taylor a dear friend."  

In fact, the living arrangement worked out so well that Taylor was in no rush to get back to Topeka after she finished her summer internship at Foulston Siefkin.

"I lived at their house slightly longer just so we could spend the last few nights hanging out," said Concannon.  "The Weigand Trust is the reason this living arrangement came to be.  This experience is just another example of how the Weigand Scholarship is so much more than a financial award, but rather an entire support system prepared to help you achieve anything you set your mind to."

This support system, including each alum's desire to assist the Trust's current scholars, is highlighted by the fact Taylor was offered the opportunity to live with Roarke and Molly even after Taylor had turned down a job offer from Roarke's own firm, choosing instead to accept an offer from Foulston Siefkin.  "We absolutely did not care that Taylor chose to work at another firm," said Roarke.  "Taylor is a Weigand Scholar, and our only concern is that we provide each other with the best opportunities available.  It's just one of the benefits of being a Weigand Scholar."

Concannon reflects back on the summer with an eye to the future.  "After having had such a wonderful experience this summer, I hope that I can one day impact a future Weigand Scholar as much as Roarke and Molly have impacted me.  I really could not have been more fortunate.  As a direct result of my experience, I know that if the opportunity ever presents itself for me to house a Weigand Scholar in the future, I will be more than interested in doing so."