For more information, contact Darnell Holopirek, 620-792-9367.

May 27, 2010
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
Story by: Linda Jerke

Robert and Cheryl Rugan have been named honorary co-chairs of the Barton Community College Foundation’s 32nd Annual Big Benefit Auction. They’re quickly adapting to their leadership role as they enter the auction’s acquisition phase, June 1-30.

“A Night in Napa” has been chosen as the theme of this year’s auction set for Aug. 28 at the Highland Hotel and Convention Center, 3017 10th Street, in Great Bend. The doors will open at 6 p.m. and the live auction will begin at 8 p.m. The auction is the Barton Foundation’s main fund-raiser for academic scholarships and program enhancements.

The Rugans have participated in many previous Big Benefit Auctions, as guests or as volunteers. In fact, they have attended all of the Foundation auctions since they moved back to Great Bend from Wichita in 1996, Cheryl said. Becoming co-chairs of this event seems to be a natural fit.

Robert served on the Foundation Board of Directors for several years, so the early auction preparations came as no surprise to the couple. Although the date of the auction is still more than two months away, Robert knows the early acquisition phase can lead the way to the auction’s success.

“This is the time for the actual securing of the items,” he said. “Items of all sizes, shapes and value will be collected. Trips, art work, services, furniture, food items, grills, yard art, gift certificates of all kinds will be collected by volunteers for the auction. We’ve had some really creative ideas throughout the years.” Anyone wishing to donate items may contact the Barton Foundation Office, 620-792-9308, by June 30. All donations are welcome whether they’re from a business, a family or an individual.

From a family perspective, Robert said, Cheryl and her family have donated items in memory of her father, Rodney Dunlap, and her brother, Ryan. “Both of those guys were great supporters of the college,” he said. “We feel (a memorial donation) is a great way to support the College and remember a loved one from that standpoint.”

Robert and Cheryl both are 1988 graduates of Barton and have supported the College and Foundation for many years. “One of the things I would add about why I support the College is that Cheryl and I met at Barton,” Robert said. “I think we met in Lou Kottmann’s college algebra class, if I remember correctly,” he added with a chuckle.

The Rugans were married in 1990. Robert is now vice president of American State Bank and Cheryl is a Certified Public Accountant for KPMG in Wichita, working remotely. The Rugans have two children, Wyatt and Olivia.

Cheryl said she has realized the benefits of starting her accounting degree at Barton. “I really liked the small classes and the opportunity to do extracurricular activities like cheerleading that also helped with my education,” she said. “My experience at Barton sent me on to Wichita State University where I finished my degree to become a CPA. Barton gave me a great start and an excellent foundation for my degree.”

Robert seconds his wife’s perspective. “Just the quality of the education, the value of the education you get at Barton is a great asset for this community,” he said. “It was an easy decision for us to serve as honorary co-chairs of the auction.” 

Also helping coordinate the auction are Lana Dietz and Jennifer Lagerman, current Foundation board members working behind the scenes as auction chairs. “Their job in the acquisition phase is to encourage people to take a look at our auction and decide what they want to give this year,” said Darnell Holopirek, Executive Director of Institutional Advancement.

“People look at it as an opportunity to show off their business by donating to the auction,” she said. “It’s a fun way to do it. They try to choose something they think will sell for more than its value, so they do some serious and creative thinking.”

The Foundation board chose the theme, “A Night in Napa,” realizing it would be a good theme, not only for encouraging creativity with the auction items, but also for enticing people to come, Holopirek pointed out. “In fact, we already have a trip to Napa that has been given to us to be auctioned,” she said.

Another facet of the auction is the tradition of donating to the old buffalo head known as “Old Bill” with donations going to an honorarium scholarship, Robert said. This year the honorarium is named in honor of M.E. “Eustace” Marmie.

“The Marmie family has supported the College over the years,” Holopirek said. “The honorarium scholarship is a wonderful and fun way to honor them. It is an opportunity to say thank you to these people who have been so supportive.” Everyone can bid what they would like to give to the honorarium. This year, the funds raised for the M.E. “Eustace” Marmie Honorarium will provide scholarships for Barton students in 2011-12.

“Most important to keep in mind is what these funds are being used for,” Robert said. The Rugans know firsthand because they benefited from scholarships given through the Foundation. “Funds raised in the auction also provide program enhancements for many of Barton’s academic and career programs, which really make a difference to the students,” Robert said.

This year, “A Night in Napa” will give people the opportunity to make this happen and have fun doing it. “And what better way to spend an evening than shopping, eating, laughing and talking,” Cheryl said. “It’s just a great fun and festive occasion.”

         Robert and Cheryl Rugan