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Media Relations
Kansas State University
9 Anderson Hall
Manhattan, KS 66506
785-532-6415
media@k-state.edu

Information provided by K-State Media Relations, K-State's news service, may be reproduced without permission. The marks and names of Kansas State University are protected trademarks and may not be used in any commercial or private endeavor without the approval of the university.

Prepared by: Lydia Peele, Kansas State University senior in mathematics education, Olathe, and student body president. She can be reached at 785-532-6541 or lfp@k-state.edu.

Wednesday, Dec. 24, 2008

OPINION: K-STATE STUDENTS EXCITED FOR POTENTIAL NBAF OPPORTUNITIES

MANHATTAN -- As Kansas State University's student body president, it is my privilege to be the voice of K-State students. And, as a student, it is very exciting to learn of the recommendation to house the proposed National Bio and Agro-defense Facility, or NBAF, at K-State.

The value of hosting such a facility here in Manhattan would be enormous and offer many opportunities for our undergraduate and graduate students.

In March 2007, the K-State Student Senate passed a resolution expressing student support for NBAF by unanimous consent. Similar to what has been said about the unprecedented cooperation between our state's top political leaders, it also is not often that every member of our student senate, with representatives from every college, comes together to support a cause.

Quoting the resolution, it is clear that "housing the NBAF at K-State would provide students the opportunity for world-class internships and part-time jobs in cutting-edge agricultural research."

The unique relationship that exists between our community and K-State students can only be made stronger by a partnership with a facility such as this.

Our university already has a history of providing the best and brightest to food safety research, including the Biosecurity Research Institute at Pat Roberts Hall and our highly respected College of Veterinary Medicine. Our students set high academic goals and are extremely motivated to reach them. This is no more evident than in the 125 K-Staters who have become Rhodes, Marshall, Truman, Goldwater and Udall scholars since 1986.

It only makes sense to continue this history of excellence by housing NBAF right here in Manhattan. Students would benefit enormously, as well as the world-class scientists and researchers that would become a part of our community.

K-State takes pride in opportunities for undergraduates to do research. Students are excited about the opportunity to work hand-in-hand with such esteemed professionals and welcome the unquestioned impact such work would have on an undergraduate and graduate education.

As an integral part of the Manhattan community, we students also appreciate the positive economic impact that would result from the influx of new scientists, engineers, technology specialists and more.

K-State students are hopeful that the recommendation will be confirmed. We see no better place in America to house NBAF than Kansas State University and would be proud to help with to some of our nation's most pertinent security challenges.