Mention K-State to any member of the Strouts family, and you're sure to get a smile; there is only one college in that household. And when Lawrence Strouts was born in 1928, his father said, "This kid is going to college."
    Lawrence grew up on the family farm in Wilsey, Kan. - about one hour south of Manhattan - and attended a one-room country school. After he graduated from Wilsey High School in a class of 13 students, Lawrence continued his education at K-State where he received his degree in 1949.
    Though he might not have realized it at the time, his father's conviction and his own achievements would set the standard for the rest of the Strouts - Lawrence received the first of 13 degrees from K-State in his family, and there are three Strouts freshmen and one graduate student at K-State working to add a few more numbers to the legacy.
    For their school loyalty and pride, the Strouts family was named K-State's 2008 Family of the Year and was honored at a special brunch on Sept. 27 on Family Day. Strouts family members were also presented with a plaque during the K-State volleyball game against Baylor. Lawrence said the whole family was surprised and honored by the award.
    Each year, Chimes, K-State's junior honorary, selects the university's Family of the Year. Tana Smith, Family Day programming chair for Chimes, said the Strouts family was chosen this year because they fulfilled every area the committee was looking into.
    "They have three generations of K-State grads, a lot of tradition of K-State in their family and are very involved with the university," said Smith, junior in history and anthropology. "They were obviously a great family to each other. They just didn't have one quality — they had them all."
    The Strouts get together frequently: they gather for fireworks on July 4, special dinners on birthdays and have family celebrations during the winter holiday season.
    "All of these are centered on family tradition, being together and sharing the latest things happening in each other's lives," said Brian Strouts, Lawrence's son, who submitted the application for nomination.
    Lawrence agreed with his son, and said that often little things that mean the most. Every year, after the Strouts exchange gifts on Christmas, Lawrence continues a thoughtful tradition of handing out calendars to each of the family members present.
    "The annual calendar giveaway came to be because as a teacher for 39 years, I feel like a calendar is very important to have," Lawrence said, "and so I go around every year gathering them, making my rounds. I get antique car calendars from the local auto shop, the filling station calendars have monkeys on them, and there's always great competition for those."
        Several international students and agriculture officials have even had the privilege of meeting the Strouts because they are involved with the International Grains Program. Every year, students travel from all over the world - from Japan to Guatemala - to K-State, and as part of their education, charter buses take them to the Strouts' farm.
    "We will take them out into the wheat fields, show them what a combine looks like," Lawrence said. "The chief importer for all of India will be standing in my front yard."
        With the Strouts being heavily involved at K-State, they offered advice for students regarding campus participation and studying.
    "It's really important to get involved in the K-State community. Join a group related to your major, clubs." Brian said.
    Lawrence spoke from his experience as a mathematics and science teacher for 39 years.
    "Instead of staying up all night cramming for a test the next day and coming in all weary-eyed, wondering what's going to happen before a test, always study each day's lesson well, and the rest will take care of itself."
    Nominations for the 2009 Family of the Year can be directed to Chimes. Next year's family being chosen in early fall 2009.