September 2015
University holds groundbreakings for Student Union and Architecture Construction continues on Kansas State University's Manhattan campus as groundbreaking ceremonies marked the
beginning of two additional major projects: the K­State Student Union renovation on September 2, 2015 and the
revitalization and expansion of Seaton Hall on September 4. The K­State Student Union has been an important part of campus life since it was built in 1956. The $25 million
renovation plan for the Student Union includes a new south facade with windows, up­to­date retail areas,
collaborative student lounge space, consolidated student activities offices, enhanced dining services with a sports
pub and expanded coffee house and an innovate tech lounge. In April 2013, the student body voted to approve the project, including a flat $20 per semester increase to the student
privilege fee for students taking classes on the Manhattan campus effective fall 2014. The Union will remain open
throughout the renovation, which is scheduled to be finished in early 2017. The 100­year­old Seaton Hall is home to the College of Architecture, Planning & Design (APDesign). The newly
renovated and expanded Seaton Complex is expected to offer a more effective setting for collaborative study and
applied research, and also improved security and technology. The project will create a learning environment on par
with the national reputation of the college, which is consistently ranked in the Top 10 by industry publication
DesignIntelligence. It will also advance Kansas State University's vision to become a Top 50 public research
university by 2025. Sixty million dollars in state bonds and $15 million in private gifts and student fees will fund the 194,000­square ­foot
project. Kansas legislators approved state funding in June. The Seaton Hall project will be completed by the start of
fall classes in 2017. Kansas State University and Manhattan receive national recognitions
Kansas State University is a top college with happy students according to two of the latest education review
publications, and Manhattan, KS has been named the best college town. The Princeton Review ranks Kansas State University No. 4 for happiest students, No. 5 for students love these
colleges, No. 5 for best­run colleges and No. 6 for best quality of life in the 2016 edition of "The Best 380 Colleges."
Kansas State University is also mentioned in "America's Top Colleges" by Forbes, which names 650 of the nation's
best educational institutions based on student satisfaction, postgraduation success, student debt, graduation rate
and academic success. In addition to the university receiving top rankings, Livability.com named Manhattan, KS No. 1 on their list of 10 Best
College Towns. The study noted Manhattan's dynamic downtown, affordable housing choices and education­based
economy as factors in the ranking.
Governor visits Kansas Wheat
Innovation Center Governor Sam Brownback visited the Kansas Wheat
Innovation Center at Kansas State University in
August 2015 to learn about the important partnerships
University­developed
technology brings veterinary
medicine company to
Manhattan between the university, Kansas wheat farmers, the
wheat industry and private companies to promote and
advance wheat production. He also toured
the complex and met with sorghum industry
A global animal health company is expanding to
Manhattan to test and commercialize animal health
technology developed at Kansas State University.
representatives to discuss research opportunities and
ways to grow the state's sorghum industry.
MediVet Biologics, an animal health company in
Australia and Kentucky that specializes in veterinary
regenerative medicine and biological solutions for
Economic development
partnership between K­State,
Manhattan named finalist for
national award A partnership between the city of Manhattan and
Kansas State University is again receiving national
attention for its efforts to spur economic development
by helping innovative companies start or relocate a
business in the community. The Knowledge Based Economic
Development (KBED) program has been named one
equine and small animals, is opening its Manhattan­
based lab in early October. MediVet's Manhattan lab
will focus on commercially producing and clinically
testing an allogeneic stem cell therapy product that
has the potential for orthopedic and internal medicine
applications for both veterinary and human clinical
use.
Mark Weiss, professor of anatomy and physiology at
K­State, invented the product. Weiss' invention was
patented by the Kansas State University Research
Foundation which handles research disclosures and
the patent process, and was licensed by the KSU­IC,
of four finalists in the University Economic
which works with public and private industries to
Development Association's 2015 Awards of
license the university technology. Excellence competition. Jeremy Delk, MediVet Biologics CEO, said the
"As a land­grant institution, Kansas State University's
company's new lab would help it expand into the
mission is not only serving students, but also
equine marketplace. It also would accelerate
improving the quality of life for Kansas residents," said
development and testing of a therapeutic canine
Kirk Schulz, university president. "As we see in the
cancer vaccine with Raelene Wouda, assistant
numbers, our partnership with KBED is helping
professor of clinical sciences at K­State, and would be
stimulate innovation and economic growth in the state.
a channel for future collaborations with researchers in
The benefits from this partnership will only increase for
the university's College of Veterinary Medicine. the state as K­State advances to becoming a Top 50
public research university by 2025." KBED was established in 2008 to align the city's
strategy for economic development in a way that
capitalizes on the university's research strengths and
the area's growth opportunities. It is a combined effort
K­State pep rallies at the Kansas
State Fair Sept. 13 Kansas State University will host two pep rallies at
noon and 5:30 p.m. Sunday, Sept. 13, at the 2015
Kansas State Fair in Hutchinson. by the city of Manhattan, the Manhattan Area
Chamber of Commerce, Kansas State University, the
KSU Foundation and the North Central Kansas
Community Network. The K­State Band with Frank Tracz, Willie the Wildcat
and the cheer squad will perform at Lake Talbott
Stage. Pat Bosco, vice president for student life and
dean of students, will be the speaker. Willie will make
Since 2008, KBED has helped 10 companies move
operations to Manhattan. Recent examples include
Garmin International, CivicPlus and the Kansas
Department of Agriculture. Earlier this year, KBED
appearances around the fair throughout the day.
DID YOU KNOW?
estimated it has helped create 316 full­time jobs in the
region, and projects 623 more over the next five
years. The average salary of jobs created is $51,785. Facebook
K­State Governmental Relations Staff
Sue Peterson, Director of Governmental Relations
Kristin Holt, Assistant to the Director
Asher Gilliland, Legislative Assistant
K­State was named the 25th fittest college in the U.S.
by the Active Times. Twitter
Website
Contact Information
Office of Governmental Relations
110 Anderson Hall
Manhattan, KS 66506­0112
785­532­6227
www.ksu.edu/govrelations
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