All three will be inducted during a 7 p.m. Homecoming concert on Oct. 16 in Sams Chapel. Salmon, a Salina resident and active member of Trinity United Methodist Church, majored in Music Education and minored in Church Music, later teaching and directing music in church settings and serving in roles connected to cultural programs. Donaldson built his career as a teacher, professor, and choir director after graduating from KWU, returning to campus as a professor of Music Education and Choral Studies, and later serving as a professor at Asbury College. Montoya is currently the director of the KWU Howl Pep Band and Jazz Ensemble and lead recruiter for the department, returning full time to his alma mater in 2023.
As outlined by the Kansas Wesleyan Music Department, the shared through-line among the inductees is the impact their work has had on students and on music education in Kansas.