Agricultural News
Max Katz Recognized for Years of Support to OSU
Fri, 28 Oct 2011 15:49:19 CDT
Many things have been written about the late Max Katz over the years. People around the country have read about his success in the cattle industry, good business sense, honesty, integrity and hard work.
People who knew him talked of his generosity and willingness to help others. However, very few actually knew how deeply engrained these traits really were in the German immigrant and veteran of WWII serving in the U.S. Army Air Corps.
"He was a very unpretentious guy," said his brother, Fred Katz. "He didn't want the recognition while he was alive, but agreed after he was gone to receive recognition."
Before his passing in December 2010, Katz had been an anonymous donor to the College of Agricultural Sciences and Natural Resources at Oklahoma State University. His death, at age 89, was not the end of his giving to the university where he earned a business certificate after the war.
A total of more than $126,000, including a gift from his estate, has been given to the college for student scholarships. Eligible recipients must be fulltime students enrolled in CASNR, demonstrate financial need and have participated in 4-H or FFA with first preference given to students from Payne County.
"Max, and the Katz family, has had a long term relationship with the Division of Agricultural Sciences and Natural Resources," said Robert E. Whitson, vice president, dean and director of DASNR. "The continued contributions to the students at OSU demonstrate his passion for the agricultural industry and support for the youth of this community."
Katz had a long and successful career in the states, working in the meat packing industry in Wichita, Kan., and Omaha, Neb., before settling back in Stillwater in 1953 to start his own commission cattle buying business. In 1973, he began buying pastureland to feed his typical 3,000 head herd.
"His lifelong work was in agriculture," Fred said.
To commemorate Katz, his giving, his humility and his dedication to supporting the youth, OSU officials have planned to attend a family organized unveiling ceremony of Katz's gravestone in mid-November.
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