Carl and Melinda Helwig

Carl and Melinda Helwig, Columbus, Kansas, have invested in the naming of the Carl and Melinda Helwig Department of Biological and Agricultural Engineering in the Carl R. Ice College of Engineering at Kansas State University.

“We are honored to support K-State as it educates the next generation of engineering professionals. We have had a good life, been fortunate in grain production and enjoyed the thrill of competition. We want students to have every opportunity to be on top.”

— Carl Helwig

Carl and Melinda Helwig, owners of Helwig Farms, raised wheat, corn, soybeans and grain sorghum on their southeast Kansas farm. The Helwigs also competed in tractor-pulling competitions and placed nationally in the early 1980s. Neither attended Kansas State University, but in recent years became important supporters and mentors of K-State students by investing in the university’s quarter-scale tractor team, which demonstrates the power of engineering and inspired innovation. They felt a kinship with the students of this team and were motivated to support them.