From growing up on a small self-sustaining farm in Rozel, KS, to becoming an international businessman, Richard Latas appreciates history and Kansas State University. While rummaging through family belongings, Latas and his wife came across an old flour sack that read, “Kansas State Agricultural College, Milling Industry Department.” 

After the discovery, Latas started researching his family history. He knew his grandfather, Leo J. Unruh did attend Kansas State at one point because he talked about playing football and he was always listening to the K-State Sports network.

“We all have very vivid memories of Grandpa sitting there in the kitchen listening to K-State on the radio,” Latas said. “He remained not only loyal, but devoted to K-State even though he never actually graduated from the university.”

Along with his grandfather, Latas had a great uncle who also attended K-State in the early 1900s. Latas is unsure who would have saved the flour sack, but he is excited to contribute to K-State’s history by passing it along to the university’s Department of Grain Science and Industry.

“I wanted to contribute to K-State and give the artifact into the hands of somebody who would value it,” Latas said.

Growing up on a small farm, wearing T-shirts his mother made from flour sacks, Latas understands the necessity for agriculture and the value of education. After high school he began his college career at Kansas State University. He says his Grandpa Unruh’s passion for K-State played a role in his decision.

Latas graduated from K-State in 1969 with a degree in math, and to this day enjoys returning to campus.