President Mike Dodson noted upcoming events: On Tap August 26 at 4-Points by Sheraton, Sept. 24 at Manhattan Country Club; charitable events-- Just Tri-It Aug. 10, C. Clyde Run and Midge Mile on Sept. 8, District Governor visit Oct. 10, and Konza Club Water Matters Aug. 9. Cup money was for the YES Fund. Sarah and Preston Schotte were greeters. Visiting Rotarians and guests were introduced.
Sue Maes introduced the speaker, Ken Williams, Director of Licensing for KSU Institute for Commercialization. Ken explained how the Institute handles licensing and patenting processes for K-State. A “Strategic Partner” planning process is being developed with commercial entities for such matters as mergers and acquisitions. For K-State inventions, the KSU Research Foundation holds the patents. Because of reductions in federal support, some large companies are now outsourcing their research funds to the university. The area of Animal Health has some of the early partnerships and others are being negotiated. He described the many ways industry interacts with K-State Research, bringing jobs and funding to K-State campuses in Manhattan, Salina, and Olathe.
Linda Cook received the Holiday Inn Appreciation. In the speaker’s name the book “The Rough Patch” will be given to Woodrow Wilson School. The Manhattan Rotary Club meets Thursdays at noon at the Holiday Inn at the Campus. Visitors are always welcome.
