Kansas State University

K-State Impact Day showcases university's statewide influence at Capitol

Submitted by Office of the President

Kansas State University's annual K-State Impact Day drew hundreds of attendees to the Kansas State Capitol on Wednesday, Feb. 19, highlighting the institution's profound influence across Kansas in business, education and health.

The event, which transformed the first-floor rotunda into a showcase of K-State's statewide initiatives, featured demonstrations and displays from all major colleges and research centers. Legislators, community leaders and citizens from Kansas gathered to witness firsthand how the university's programs are strengthening communities throughout the state.

"With a presence in all Kansas counties through K-State Research and Extension, we reach all 2.9 million Kansans," President Richard Linton said. "We are working side-by-side with local entrepreneurs so their businesses thrive, helping families access the education they deserve and filling the industry gaps where they are needed most. Together, we're not just building a stronger university — we're building a stronger Kansas for generations to come."

The event spotlighted K-State's key work in areas most important to Kansas, including business, education and health. Carina Ortiz, a first-generation transfer student, and Bryant Karlin, a veterinary medicine student, shared their experiences with visiting legislators, reinforcing the university's impact on individual lives.

"In combination with dedication, persistence and the ability to care, I stand fully confident that Kansas will remain a powerhouse, leading the world to great achievements," Karlin said. "At the end of the day, we will leave the world better than we found it."

Business leaders, including Sam Browning of Helio Next Holdings, discussed how university partnerships have accelerated innovation in their organizations.

"While these small, family-owned companies typically have positive attributes, they often lack the resources needed for consistent innovation and product development," Browning said. "As a direct result of our partnership with K-State 105 and the Technology Development Institute, that gap has been bridged, enabling Helio to inject a fresh spirit of innovation and development into these businesses."

The event concluded with Call Hall Dairy Bar ice cream being served, a sweet finish to a day demonstrating K-State's continuing evolution as the next-generation land-grant university serving the changing needs of Kansas communities.

For more information about K-State's statewide impact and engagement initiatives, visit k-state.edu/engagement.