Investing to grow K-State
A gift that inspires K-State to remain competitive
"I read recently, 'Plant a tree that you'll never see the shade of.' Many trees were planted for me by people who never saw their shade. I feel it's my turn to do the same."
— John Niemann, '93 College of Agriculture
John Niemann's first year at Kansas State University was 1989, the same year Bill Snyder began coaching K-State football. Much has changed since then.
What hasn't changed is K-State's commitment to excellence and the College of Agriculture's pivotal role in meeting the university's land-grant mission. For John, the College of Agriculture and Alpha Gamma Rho fraternity prepared him professionally and connected him personally, growing him into the leader he is today. This is why John and his family created the John Niemann Family Agriculture Facilities Fund and the John Niemann Family Agriculture Scholarship.
"Our students and faculty need better facilities if we want K-State's College of Agriculture to continue as a top five research and teaching college," John says. "It's a very competitive market for student and faculty talent. To remain competitive and continue to provide a high-quality education, we need to invest in new research and learning facilities. I am extremely proud of all that K-State's College of Agriculture does that stretches the budget and progresses important research to positively impact local and global needs."
John hopes others will take a serious look at the ways they can give and become involved sharing time and talent to advance K-State family. Like many K-Staters, John grew up in a generous environment of 4-H, FFA, his church and family, where he was taught to give back and serve. He has remained involved in the university since he graduated, including serving as the chair of the College of Agriculture/K-State Research and Extension Advisory Council.
When a fellow alumnus explained to John how he could make a planned gift to K-State and the College of Agriculture through a life insurance policy, he knew it was a way to give back.
"I read recently, 'Plant a tree that you'll never see the shade of,'" John says. "I'm inspired by that. Many trees were planted for me by people who never saw their shade. I feel it's my turn to do the same."
Want to know how you can cultivate K-State family for generations to come? Contact your Gift Planning team at 785-775-2000 or giftoptions@ksufoundation.org.