The Distinguished Service Award was created in 1981 by the Barton Community College Foundation to recognize individuals who have shown genuine regard for, and have performed outstanding service to Barton Community College. The Barton Foundation Board of Directors selects the recipient from nominations received. The Foundation is pleased to announce Dr. William & Mary King as the 2011 Distinguished Service Award recipients.

Bill grew up in Washington, Kansas and Mary in a farming community north of Lawrence. Both attended the University of Kansas. Bill graduated in 1957 and Mary in 1959. In the spring of 1957 they started dating and in 1959 were married in Lawrence. Bill attended the University of Kansas Medical School in Kansas City graduating with his Doctor of Medicine degree in June of 1961. He completed his internship and residency in Obstetrics and Gynecology at KU Medical Center. Mary taught home economics and mathematics at Argentine High School in the Kansas City, Kansas School System.

When Bill completed his residency in the summer of 1965, they moved to Great Bend. Bill practiced his specialty 30 years, retiring in 1995. All four of their children attended public schools in Great Bend and three are graduates of the University of Kansas. Bill and Mary are members of the First Presbyterian Church in Great Bend and have served as both Elders and Deacons. In 1996, Bill & Mary spent 10 weeks in Pakistan, working at Memorial Christian Hospital.

Bill has been active in community organizations. He has held offices in his professional organizations including President of the Medical Staff at Central Kansas Medical Center and Secretary of the Kansas Section of the American College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists. In 2006-2007 he was Governor of Rotary District 5670.

Mary has been active in school related activities. She worked to get a stoplight at Broadway and McKinley so the students at Eisenhower Grade School could safely cross Broadway. She worked to get the school lunch program in Great Bend Schools. Later she served 14 years on the USD 428 Board of Education. She is a longtime member and has served in various offices in League of Women Voters, PEO and Pilot Club.

In addition to their many years of local and civic involvement, Bill & Mary King have been long time, loyal supporters of Barton Community College. They consistently donate to all campaigns and initiatives and recently named the Bill & Mary King Science & Technology Resources Alcove in the Learning Resource Center. The Foundation is grateful to Bill & Mary for their vision, foresight, and desire to further the academic excellence of Barton Community College. We are proud to honor Bill & Mary King with this prestigious award and feel they are most deserving recipients.

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