Stanley Stout Center opens at Kansas State University

A standing-room only crowd witnessed the Grand Opening of the Stanley Stout Center on the campus at Kansas State University on Friday, March 1, 2013. The new facility was dedicated to the well-known and respected auctioneer who passed away in May of 2006.

Immediately following the ribbon-cutting ceremony, Kansas State University’s 36^th Annual Legacy bull and female sale was held in the sparkling new arena. The sale is a project of the Livestock Sales Management class at Kansas State, under the direction of  David Nichols, Dan Moser, herdsman Ryan Breiner and animal science department head Ken Odde.

The Stout Center is a multi-purpose facility built in honor of the auctioneer who cried the Legacy sale for many years, who was an alumnus and great supporter of Kansas State, and who was remembered for his unfailing support and assistance to students. The center is located north of the Purebred Beef Unit across Kimball Avenue.

“This multi-purpose facility is a first-rate teaching and merchandising arena geared toward allowing more students hands-on learning opportunities in livestock and equine areas,” according to a statement from the faculty published in the sale catalog. “We feel the Colonel would be proud of this barn and of the next generation of beef industry leaders that will use it every day.”

A portrait of Stanley Stout hangs in the new facility’s entryway, highlighting his signature motto: “The only sale that matters is yours.” The artist was Dennis Schiel.

All of the funding for the facility came from a long-list of donors. But a large donation was committed last year by Reading, Kan., rancher Rich Porter that set the project on its way to completion. “I thought it would be great to fund a building at K-State when I retired or died,” he said. “When I heard about the desire to build a multi-use building in honor of Stanley Stout, I decided this was it. Sure, I hadn’t retired or died yet, but I thought there would probably never be a better and more cost-effective building than this.”

Industry professionals attending the event said the new facility was exceptional, and that Stout would be pleased that it carries his name. More important to Stout, many believe, is how the facility can be used to help students and further establish Kansas State as a leader in animal science teaching and research. It will also provide a venue for classes, livestock judging contests and 4-H and FFA activities.

“It was important that this facility be built,” said Pat Koons, rancher and president of the Livestock and Meat Industry Council at Kansas State. One of Stout’s close friends, Koons helped spearhead the efforts to raise money for the facility and championed the cause as critical for Kansas State. “This state-of-the art facility will help keep Kansas State at the forefront of animal science education. It will help attract the brightest students and the best faculty, and help Kansas State retain them here in the Flint Hills.”

While the building is complete, funding needs remain for furnishings, technology purchases and upkeep of the building. If you’d like to contribute, please contact Emilie Fink at emilief@found.ksu.edu or 785-532-7571 or make a gift online.

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