Salina Tech
SALINA, Kan. - Salina Area Technical College is pleased to announce Rod Mahoney has established the Rod and Jane Mahoney Family Scholarship Fund in honor of his wife, Jane Mahoney, who passed away in November 2025 in Albuquerque, New Mexico. The scholarship reflects their shared commitment to education and will provide opportunities for students pursuing technical education and career training.
Mahoney’s connection to education and technical training began in Kansas. He attended Kansas Technical Institute before earning a four-year degree at the University of New Mexico. His career took him to Sandia National Laboratories, where he conducted research in the fields of materials, energy, and metrology; published numerous articles and papers; and was issued several patents. He retired from full-time work in 2011 and continues as a part-time technical consultant to management and staff at Sandia.
Jane earned a degree in journalism at the University of Kansas and started her career at the Hays Daily News before joining Rod in Albuquerque. While there she continued her writing career as a longtime freelance writer for local newspapers and regional publications and authored two history books detailing the history of the Albuquerque area.
Jane and Rod were long-time volunteers supporting their children’s education, as well as their local community issues. Mahoney and his wife have strong Kansas roots. She grew up in Colby, and he grew up on a farm / ranch near Codell and attended high school in Plainville. With family roots extending deeply into both Rooks and Russell counties and connections in Lindsborg and Salina, establishing a scholarship at Salina Tech brings that history full circle.
“We are grateful to Rod Mahoney for returning to his Kansas roots and creating a lasting legacy for Salina Tech students,” said Dr. Greg Nichols, President and CEO of Salina Area Technical College. “His own educational journey and distinguished career demonstrate the opportunities that education can create, and his investment will help provide those opportunities to future students.”
Because this gift establishes an endowed fund, it is eligible for the Dane G. Hansen Foundation Matching Grant at Salina Tech, which will further increase the impact.
Individuals interested in supporting scholarships at Salina Tech may make an investment online through the Salina Area Technical College Education Foundation - https://bit.ly/SATC_givingpage - or by contacting the Foundation at 785-309-3121.
The Salina Area Technical College Education Foundation is a 501(c)(3) public charity dedicated to providing financial and physical support to Salina Area Technical College