The kickoff for a “Final Drive” Oct. 28 in Kansas City, Mo., will honor Stanley Stout, one of the beef industry’s most successful auctioneers and one of Kansas State University’s most passionate supporters.

K-State’s Department of Animal Sciences and Industry is using the event to launch a fund-raising initiative for the final phase of the Stanley E. Stout Livestock Marketing and Learning Center building project.

“Beef producers across America have committed to the ‘Final Drive’ by designating the proceeds of an animal in their live or internet auction to the fund,” said Ken Odde, head of K-State’s animal sciences department. “The American Royal Livestock Show and Rodeo provides the perfect opportunity to launch an event of this magnitude, because Stanley served many years on the Livestock Board and the Board of Governors for the American Royal.” 

The on-campus learning center and state-of-the-art livestock sale facility that will bear Stout’s name will provide a permanent home to the K-State Legacy Sale -- one of the longest running annual beef cattle auctions among U.S. land-grant universities. The facility also will provide diverse educational and community resources with Web and satellite communication capabilities

“Stanley's contribution of time and services to youth across America is legendary,” Odde said. “Countless young men and women already benefited from his generosity as he donated his time and expertise, auctioneering premium sales from the smallest county fairs to the grandest stage in the country -- the National Western Stock Show.” 

 The “Final Drive” event will be Thursday, Oct. 28, 2010, from 5:30 to 7:30 p.m. in the Governor's Room (2nd level) at the American Royal.

“Stanley Stout was both a great friend and professional colleague to beef producers across America,” Odde said. “He gave generously of his time and talents to K-State, as well, and was an avid supporter of Wildcat athletics and livestock events.”

Stout passed away April 30, 2006.

Further information about the “Final Drive” is available by contacting Aaron Hund, Director of Development for LMIC at K-State, [email protected], or Emilie Fink, Development Officer for the College of Agriculture, [email protected], or by calling 1-800-432-1578.