Kansas State University’s Global Center for Grain and Food Innovation will be renamed the Western Star Global Grain and Food Center in honor of J.J. Vanier by the next generation of families, following approval from the Kansas Board of Regents at its Feb. 11 meeting.
The name is a nod to the Western Star Mill, which began as a struggling flour mill purchased by J.J. Vanier in 1925. After Joe and Joyce Vanier Hale married in 1951, Joe joined the Vanier family business, Western Star Mill Co., as vice president. Archer Daniels Midland acquired Western Star in the early ’70s, and Joe was named president of ADM Milling not long after. He became company chairman in 1989 and retired in 1996, but not before transforming ADM into a global leader in the flour and grain milling industry.
The families have built expansive agricultural and business enterprises. They are known not only for innovation in their business endeavors but also for their generosity.
“Today, we celebrate a legacy that not only shaped global agriculture but also continues to energize our land-grant mission of innovation and impact,” said K-State President Richard Linton. “Renaming the Global Center for Grain and Food Innovation to the Western Star Global Grain and Food Center honors the visionary leadership of the Vanier and Hale families. Their enduring commitment to Kansas State University reflects a shared belief: that discovery and education are powerful tools to meet global challenges and cultivate a thriving, sustainable future.”
In a joint statement, the families spoke of K-State’s unique strengths as the home of the world’s only collegiate academic department dedicated to milling, baking, feed and pet food.
“We are deeply honored that this remarkable new facility will carry the Western Star name, a name rooted in our families’ history and in Kansas’ longstanding leadership in agriculture,” the families said. “The Western Star Grain and Food Center represents more than a building — it will be a shared commitment to advancing grain and food science, empowering students and strengthening the global food system. We are grateful for the opportunity to help propel its impact across Kansas and far beyond.”
The Western Star Global Grain and Food Center, slated for completion between Weber Hall and Call Hall in fall 2026, will support advances in food product development, food safety and food security.
State-of-the-art laboratories, classrooms and interdisciplinary partner spaces will elevate the academic experience and drive on-site collaboration between public resources and private enterprises.
“Thanks to the extraordinary generosity of the Vanier and Hale families, the Western Star Global Grain and Food Center will accelerate what Kansas State University does best: preparing the next generation of leaders in grain science and fighting hunger worldwide,” said Dan Moser, College of Agriculture interim Eldon Gideon dean. “This investment ensures our students have access to world‑class facilities, cutting‑edge technology and collaborative spaces that mirror the environments they will step into as professionals.”
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As the nation’s first operational land-grant institution, Kansas State University has served the people of Kansas, the nation and the world since its founding in 1863 — and it continues to set the standard as a next-generation land-grant university. K-State offers an exceptional student experience across three physical campuses and online offerings, meeting students where they are and preparing them to achieve their personal and professional goals. The university is committed to its mission of teaching, research and service through industry-connected programs, impactful research-driven solutions, and a sharp focus on community engagement and economic prosperity.
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Division of Communications and Marketing
128 Dole Hall
1525 Mid-Campus Drive
Kansas State University
Manhattan, KS 66506
785-532-2535
[email protected]
k-state.edu/media
