Taylor University recently held a silent auction for eight vehicles from their motor pool, including four vans, two trucks, and two cars. The event, which concluded on April 11, allowed faculty, students, and staff to bid on the vehicles in person at the Boyd Building and Grounds complex. According to Kerry Shanebrook, the grounds superintendent at Taylor University, the proceeds from the sale will be allocated to the university’s vehicle replacement fund.
The cars up for auction had a minimum bid of $2,500, a price determined based on their estimated resale value. Shanebrook explained that this minimum bid was equivalent to the trade-in value the dealer would have offered when Taylor University initially purchased the vehicles. The vans and trucks, however, did not have a minimum bid set. This practice of holding a silent auction is a regular occurrence at Taylor University, taking place whenever new vehicles are added to their motor pool – a resource that allows university members to borrow vehicles for official or sponsored activities.
Shanebrook expressed surprise at the high level of student participation in this year’s auction, particularly noting the enthusiasm for a small blue pickup truck. “I was just surprised how many students bid this year,” he said. “A lot of times we don’t get a lot of students. This year we had a lot of students, especially for that little blue pick-up. It was crazy. Number 83 is — people went nuts on that.” The vehicles were well-maintained, making them attractive options for students. Rather than making a public announcement of the winning bids, Shanebrook will personally contact the successful bidders to inform them of their wins. Those interested in knowing the winning bids can inquire directly with him.
