Kathy Wendt Sudeikis '64
This bio was published in April 2017.
Kathy Wendt Sudeikis ’64 considers herself “frighteningly mobile.” She has been a leader in the world’s travel industry for more than 45 years. Today she is the vice president of corporate relations for Acendas, a $200 million travel company in suburban Kansas City.
Kathy has served as president and CEO of the American Society of Travel Agents, earning her induction into its Hall of Fame and the honor of being named Travel Agent of the Year. In 2015, Kathy was given a Lifetime Achievement Award by Travel Weekly Magazine. She has appeared in Travel + Leisure Magazine as one of their TOP 100 Travel Agents every year since 2004 in her specialty of multigenerational travel.
“Due to Kathy’s example we all imagined that it was our ‘right’ to travel the world. This love of travel led to a career for Kathy. Her siblings and now the next generation have followed that behavior and continued the nomadic tradition.”
Kathy frequently is called to share her expertise in international, national and local media including the Chicago Tribune, Washington Post, New York Times and USA Today. She has also appeared on The Today Show, The CBS Morning News, PBS, and FOX News.
In her role as a spokesperson for the U.S. travel agency community, Kathy has addressed groups including the Travel Industry Association of America, The Cruise Lines International Association and Travel Agent Associations in India, Germany, Australia, Britain and South Africa.
Kathy, along with her husband, Dan and their actor son, Jason Sudeikis, have chaired an event benefiting Children’s Mercy Hospital of Kansas City Cancer Unit for the past seven years, raising over $4.3 million.
“Kathy has been an incredible leader of the Wendt Family. One of the most valuable lessons she has taught me is to always include everyone. No matter what amazing project she is involved in she always makes sure all of us are invited and make certain we felt we were an important part of that event as well.”
Kathy’s own experience as a breast cancer survivor led her to board work with Gilda’s Club Kansas City, a cancer support community. In January of 2017, Kathy was featured on the cover of HERLIFE Magazine as one of five Kansas City Women of Influence.
“Due to our McAuley Education, each Wendt sister shows a ‘can do’ attitude. We are strong women who can accomplish a great deal. As volunteers on so many fronts in our respective communities, we know we can be valuable assets to the organizations we engage.”