Carl’s Cause tailgate to celebrate life of K-State alumnus

Join us as we raise awareness about mental health, in memory of Carl Specht, at a tailgate prior to the K-State football game against Oklahoma State on Saturday, Oct. 13. The tailgate will begin at 9 a.m., two hours prior to kickoff, on the East side of the stadium parking lot in the grassy area adjacent to the Rec Complex.

Carl was a 2013 K-State graduate, from Overland Park, and received his degree in Industrial Engineering. He was intelligent, outgoing, and athletic, as well as an active member of the ATO fraternity.  He showed no symptoms of mental illness until he became ill and was diagnosed with bipolar disorder in college; after trying to overcome his illness he died by suicide in 2017. His family wants this tailgate to be an opportunity  to raise awareness about mental health and serve as a celebration of his life, since Oct. 13 would have been his 29th birthday.

The tailgate will feature free snacks and Pepsi products, fun games, and a donation to Katie’s Way in Carl’s name. University resources about mental health awareness will also be available. This event is sponsored by Union Program Council, Counseling Services, P.A.W.S., Wildcat Wellness Coalition and Carl’s Cause.