Weber Hall - the current home of Kansas State University’s Animal Sciences and Industry Department. Photos of Conoco, KSU Manhattan Gal, judging teams and trophy cases filled with awards recognizing the achievements of the past decorate the hallowed halls. In1863, K-State was founded as the country’s first Land Grant University and has worked since to promote the land grant mission. A plaque in the Jack Riley Student Center (Weber Library) reads, “Kansas State, established in 1863 and the oldest Land Grant University, has always worked with the livestock industry to improve production, efficiency and quality animal products to serve mankind. Some of those involved in this cooperative effort: Henry Rogler, Wayne Rogler, A.D. “Dad,” Weber, A.G. Pickett, Don Good and Earl Brookover.” 

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Weber Hall: 

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Arthur D. Weber was born June 17, 1898, on a farm near Muscotah, Kansas. He earned a bachelor’s degree in 1922, a master’s degree in 1926 from Kansas State College and his doctorate in 1940 from Purdue University. While an undergraduate student, he worked with college livestock and lived at one of the barns. He was acting beef cattle herdsman for the College in 1920 and exhibited cattle for them at major shows. 

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From 1922 to 1924, Weber managed a purebred livestock farm. He returned to K-State in 1924 to teach, research swine and complete his master’s. From 1926 to 1931, he oversaw sheep investigations at the University of Nebraska. He returned to the Animal Husbandry Department at K-State in 1931 to teach and supervise beef cattle work. Weber was named head of the Department in 1944, Associate Dean of Agriculture and Associate Director of the Kansas Agricultural Experiment Station in 1950, and Dean and Director in 1952. 

Weber built a worldwide reputation as an authority on all classes of meat-producing livestock. He had a unique ability to evaluate livestock. He was the first American to select the Grand Champion Market Steer at the prestigious Chicago International, an assignment he had for 11 consecutive years.

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In September 1963, ASI’s current home was named Weber Hall in his honor. He was a stockman, teacher, scientist, administrator, philosopher and a recognized international leader in agriculture, but above all, a humble man of integrity and exceptional moral character. 

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If only the halls of Weber could talk, it would tell the tales of stories past that helped to make KSU ASI what it is today. 

 

If These Walls Could Talk – Schaake 

Dr. Scott Schaake graduated from K-State in 1984 with an ASI undergraduate degree. Originally from Lawrence, Kansas, Schaake grew up raising and exhibiting livestock at his local county fair and credits his first county fair as a significant reason he attended K-State. 

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“At my first county fair, I watched the cattle show and was mesmerized. I mean, I was just like, this is cool. Don Good was the judge. He had such a status of professionalism that you are just drawn to. I sat there and I had no idea what they were doing. My family fed cattle and we had cows, but I wanted to show. So, the next year came around, we brought two steers to the show, and it just so happened that Miles McKee was the judge that year,” Schaake says. 

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Schaake idolized men like Miles McKee, Don Good, Bill Able, Calvin Drake and Bob Hines growing up. He says that seeing them judging county fairs, they are what defined K-State animal science to him and the culture they created is the reason he came here. 

“So, I always think back to that first year and how much I learned, and I think about Miles and Don and how, because of their exposure at my county fair, if I went to Kansas State, I was going to be on the judging team, because I wanted to be like them,” Schaake says. 

Schaake was a member of the 1982-1983 Livestock Judging team and coached the Livestock Judging team from 1992-2013, leading his teams to five consecutive national championships. 

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Schaake says it would be incredible if the halls of Weber could talk, mainly because it would tell us the why. 

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“I think that’s the coolest question. I wish they would because I think it would share with us, both the younger and newer faculty, the true character of those who were here before us and the driving force behind why they were here as a faculty. I promise everyone you talk to will say the same thing: they were here to help us students. This is where they wanted to be. And that’s cool,” Schaake says. 

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If These Walls Could Talk – Jennifer (Hotchkiss) Shike

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Jennifer (Hotchkiss) Shike graduated from K-State in 2000 with an ASI degree and Agricultural Communications and Journalism. A Washington, Iowa, native, Shike was the oldest of three and began her journey in agriculture as an active member of 4-H and FFA where she participated in public speaking and interview contests.

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“I chose K-State because it had a great Animal Sciences program and had a communications option. I also wanted to be on the K-State Livestock Judging Team coached by Dr. Scott Schaake. I really looked up to him as a livestock evaluator and admired his coaching style. Choosing K-State was one of the best decisions and I found the most amazing network of mentors and friends in Manhattan,” Shike says. 

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Like many others, the people are what made KSU ASI special to Shike. From Scott Schaake to Angie Stump Denton, she knows her mentors were critical in helping her develop her ability as an ag journalist.

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“The people. The program and curriculum are amazing, but what makes it special is that I learned science from people who understand the application of that science to the industry. It’s not just a bunch of idealistic talk. I was surrounded by wise leaders who knew how to make it all applicable. I admired that and strive to do that today as an agricultural journalist. How do I take science and knowledge and make it relatable, practical and applicable in real life? Great teachers do that. The K-State ASI Department was my family away from home. They made sure I always knew I wasn’t alone,” Shike says. 

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Shike says these are the leaders that the halls of Weber would talk about. 

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“So many legends of the livestock industry have walked the halls of Weber. I can only imagine the things those halls have heard – the questions, the heartaches, the celebrations, the lessons learned. I’m pretty sure they’d say, go dream big. You’re in good company here at K-State. Don’t be afraid to fail. Set your goals high. You’ve had the training, you’ve been encouraged, you’ve learned how to work hard. Now go chase those dreams,” Shike says. 
 

If These Walls Could Talk- Callahan Grund

Growing up bleeding purple, Callahan Grund, a native of  Sharon Springs, Kansas, is a 2018 graduate of the KSU ASI Department.

“I grew up on my family’s seedstock and commercial cow-calf operation in Sharon Springs, Kansas. K-State was always a special place for me growing up. From Saturdays spent in the fall gathering cattle and listening to K-State football games to involvement in the youth 4-H programs, I always dreamed of coming to college at K-State like both of my parents. I considered myself very lucky to be the second generation in my family to not only attend college but attend it at Kansas State,” Grund says. 

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K-State pride and livestock run deep in the Grunds’ veins. That very aspect is what makes the KSU ASI department unique.

“The ASI is the true embodiment of the family mantra associated with the university. The department has always been and always will be focused on serving the needs of rural agricultural communities through education, research and extension. To be able to take full advantage of the education component and to have the comfortability of a family environment is something that truly sets the K-State ASI department apart from its contemporaries nationwide,” Grund says. 

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The one-on-one interactions and faculty advising for each student is something Grund found very special about the department and like his father, Callahan’s advisor during his time at K-State was Dr. Dave Nichols. 

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“To no surprise by any that have had the pleasure of interacting with him, but Dr. Dave Nichols was the most influential person during my time at K-State. He served as not only my advisor, but also my dad’s advisor. Dr. Nichols helped provide unique experiences and helped position me on the career path I am on today. What meant a lot to me about his leadership and guidance, was his ability to help me navigate situations and my future based on relationships with people. As with many of his former advisees, I still consider Dr. Nichols a very close friend,” Grund says. 

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Family, relationships and its deep-rooted history in the ASI department made K-State special to Grund and says that if the halls of Weber could talk, it would be on the “best stories ever told.”

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“I have always been infatuated with the rich history and tradition of the Kansas State Animal Science Department. Whether it be the tremendous history of its competition teams, the outstanding faculty instructors that teach lifelong lessons, or the groundbreaking, world-renowned research, the halls could tell a story that could stop any person in their tracks to listen,” Grund says. 

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“The title of this article is the core of what makes the K-State Animal Science Department and Industry such a special place. If the halls of Weber could talk, they’d tell a powerful and heartfelt story of the rich tradition the department has embodied since its days as the first land-grant university. Never wavering from the commitment to serving their rural agricultural communities through education, extension and research, to continue to be the best since 1863 has truly been spectacular to see,” Grund says.

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Since the halls of Weber truly cannot talk, Grund advises students always to take the time to listen to the stories shared by those who came before us, absorb that knowledge, and retell those stories so that the great legacy of KSU ASI can live on.  

 

If These Walls Could Talk- Jara Settles 

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Jara Settles grew up in northeast Nebraska on a purebred cow-calf operation. She attended Butler Community College while competing on the Livestock Judging Team before attending K-State and graduating in 2011. 

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During her time at K-State, Settles was a member of the livestock and horse judging teams, and she had the opportunity to compete in the Little American Royal in 2010, where she was named the Champion Beef Showman. 

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“My dad participated in the Little American Royal when he was at K-State, and I knew I wanted too as well. I had a great time working on my heifer, which I called Toni,” Settles says. “I also became even closer friends with fellow LAR participants Sam Rucker and Heather (Oentrich) Bruning, during the process. Winning the showmanship was fun, but it was particularly meaningful to see other participants grow their confidence in showmanship.”

 

If the halls of Weber would talk, Settles thinks they would tell the story of progress. 

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“I think they would tell a story of progress while still honoring the past. If you’ve ever seen the livestock judging team practice reasons, you’ll have noticed them stalking up and down the halls of Weber with their heads down, talking to themselves silently; what a funny sight. On those many quiet strolls, I couldn’t help but look at the historical, black-and-white pictures of past champions (human and animal alike) that decorated the walls. I loved seeing the faces of old judging teams with names I recognized of kids who would eventually become industry icons and leaders. Those pictures, over time, have become more reflective of a diverse industry of men and women of both traditional agricultural backgrounds and first-generation leaders. I think a commitment to nurturing and advancing progress and seeking out new talent, while also remembering the roots of where the College of Agriculture came from is what makes Weber special,” Settles says. 

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If These Walls Could Talk- Shane Werk

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Shane Werk grew up in West Central Minnesota on a diversified farm and purebred Hereford operation. With a family Hereford operation dating back to the 1940s, tradition was a word that resonated with Werk. 

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“After junior College, I chose K-State over the other land grant universities for a few reasons. First was the tradition at K-State and the tradition of their substantial contributions to the beef industry. My college years allowed me to make many lasting connections within the beef industry that still last today,” Werk says.

 

During his time at K-State, Werk competed on the livestock judging team, worked at the Purebred Beef Unit and, in 2004 was the winner of the Beef Cattle Division at the Little American Royal. This is now a “full circle moment,” for Werk. 

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The plaque that hangs in the entry of Weber all, that lists Werks’ name, is now donning the names of students he has worked with in LAR. 

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“It was a fun experience, but what was most important was what it meant to me to be included on that plaque. It’s a who’s who of the beef industry’s Purebred and Commercial segments, and it is humbling to be included with folks of that caliber. This is a sentiment that I try to impart on current students whenever that time of year for the LAR rolls around,” Werk says. 

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Werk says the story of pride and tradition is what the halls of Weber would tell. 

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“There are so many people that have made such important contributions to the university and industry that have been here, but more importantly, the quality and character of those individuals who carry on the tradition of the department. I think the walls would have a lot of pride in the individuals who inhabited the building over the years,” Werk says. 

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Graduating in 2004, Werk has made his way back to K-State and currently is the manager of the Purebred Beef Unit and lives in Manhattan with his wife and three children. 

 

If These Walls Could Talk- Korben Clawson 

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Korben Clawson is a current KSU ASI student dual majoring in Animal Sciences and Industry and Agricultural Economics with plans to graduate in 2026. 

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Clawson grew up on his family’s farm and ranch in southwest Kansas. He is the youngest of five children with all five of them attending K-State. 

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“Weber Hall is a special place for my family. Both of my parents were Animal Sciences and Industry majors as well as two of my brothers. Weber Hall has seen many Clawson’s throughout the years. There has been a lot of hard work, whether that be working towards a National Championship on the Meats Judging Team or just studying for their next exam. Many hours have been spent in these halls with unmeasurable growth in our knowledge of animal sciences as a family,” Clawson said. 

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Growing up, Clawson was very involved in school, holding many leadership positions while also being very involved with 4-H. Here at Kansas State, he is involved in the Farmhouse Fraternity, Collegiate Cattlemen’s as the VP of Recruitment and Promotion, Agricultural Ambassadors, and the Animal Science Mentors. 

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“I chose K-State for many reasons. First and foremost, it is hard not to mention its leading research and studies within the Animal Sciences and Industry Department. I am blessed to live in a state with an institution like K-State and have a world-class program so close to home. With four older siblings attending K-State before me, it is easy to fall in love with the university growing up,” Clawson said. 

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Like many,  the atmosphere and the people make KSU ASI special to Clawson.

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“The professors and staff make KSU ASI special to me. It is a great place to learn and have personable relationships with those in your classes. There are so many opportunities for each student to get their foot in the door for whatever area of study they are interested in. The professors are there to help you succeed in your classes and your future careers,” Clawson said. 

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Clawson says that if the halls of Weber could talk, they would tell a tale about legacy and success. 

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“I think that if the halls of Weber could talk, they would have a great knowledge of the legacy that the K-State Animal Science Department has built. They have seen the history of where K-State started, as well as the future with the college students that roam the halls today,” Clawson said. “They have seen many ordinary college students become some of the top animal researches across the world. The conversations that have started in these halls have pushed many students and professors to research topics that have never been touched before. The Weber halls have seen it all, and can answer any question about animal sciences.” 

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If These Walls Could Talk- Brittany (Phares) Nichepor 

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Brittany Nichepor grew up in a K-State family, as Manhattan was a special place for their family to visit on weekends for football games and a quick trip to Vista Drive-in. She recounts many special memories around campus and even went on one of her first dates with her husband at the K-State Rodeo. Today, Nichepor serves on her local extension board and has four children who bleed purple. 

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During her time at K-State, Nichepor worked for Dr. Dave Nichols and Michelle Hay-McCammant in Weber. 

“They were passionate about helping kids succeed; it wasn’t just a job for them.  They pushed me to do so many things I wouldn’t have signed up for on my own.  Michelle was an advisor for Collegiate Cattlewomen at the time, which got me involved in many activities.  We planned the inaugural Tough Enough to Wear Pink event at Weber, participated in the Ag Olympics and the Little American Royal hosted in Weber Arena.  Michelle also encouraged me to study abroad in Costa Rica.  When I lost my passport on the plane to Dallas she worked tirelessly to make sure I would still be getting to Costa Rica to join the group,” Nichepor says. 

Nichepor enjoyed her time in the classroom just as much as she did in extra circular activities. 

 

“Palpation class with Dr. Grieger was my favorite class. Dr. Grieger’s way of teaching was entertaining, but it really helped the information stick. We had a classmate with a birthday on one of our palpation class days and I brought a cake to class. They were shaped and decorated as a bovine repro-tract with cupcakes for ovaries.  It was a hit there but probably wouldn’t have been appreciated outside of Weber Hall,” Nichepor says. 

 

Today, Nichepor has four children who are all involved in 4-H and she is a club leader who was recently elected to their local extension board.  

 

“I think these are programs that are important to our community.  My kids have taken advantage of many 4-H opportunities and my nephews have competed in the Sweepstakes events on campus. I think these contests are great experiences for students to be exposed to K-State and develop friendships and passions they would not find outside of these events,” Nichepor says. 

 

Nichepor says that if the halls of Weber could talk, they would fill a book! 

 

“If you think of all the characters that have walked these halls, lectured in the classrooms, and rode in the arena it would be a very entertaining read,” Nichepor says. 

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Read the full publication here: https://issuu.com/ksuanimalscience/docs/23_publication_lr?fbclid=IwAR2xrOovEDdJcTuNG_QW-zKhbVYhmFtaQytRDMwTD0-Vw0IKZpD7hhH1JaQ