For more information, contact Coleen Cape, 620-786-1136.

August 13, 2009
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
Story by: Linda Jerke

The Barton Community College Foundation has named its Honorarium Scholarships this year in honor of Great Bend oil man Al Yost, recognizing his generosity to the College.

Again this year, the old buffalo head known as "Old Bill" will help raise funds for the Honorarium Scholarships as the Foundation seeks donations through bids for Old Bill at its 31st annual Big Benefit Auction set for Aug. 22.

With a strong work ethic that led to his success in the oil business, Yost, 96, has always had a passion for high performance automobiles. His gift of funds to purchase a Hybrid car for the College's Automotive Technology Program was a way for him to share his enthusiasm and at the same time benefit the College and its automotive students.

Because of his generosity, Barton became the first college in the state to have a Hybrid Car Program with curriculum approved by the state. In addition, his gift allowed Barton Automotive Technology Instructor/Coordinator Darcy Wedel to apply for a grant utilizing Yost's donation as a matching fund.

"It is hard to imagine the huge impact Al's foresight and generosity will have on Barton and our students," said Darnell Holopirek, Barton's Executive Director of Institutional Advancement. "It is impossible to adequately thank him, but we want to honor him for his kind heart and generous spirit."

Yost was born in 1913 and was raised in Topeka where he attended the East Indianola schools. Times were very hard and Yost always worked to help out. As a youngster, he held a variety of jobs, including driving a store delivery truck at the age of 13.

He developed a strong work ethic and learned the value of hard work. During his teen years, he held numerous odd jobs, working as a soda jerk and cab driver, and for a Buick Dealership and local café. He tried to find work as a rough neck in Hays and Lyons, but jobs were hard to find during the Depression. He finally secured rough neck work in Hutchinson with Hisson-Wolfe Drilling Company and then for Lauck and Moncreif Drilling Company. Yost says his luckiest move was to Lyons in 1939 while working for Fain Drilling Company, because that's where he met his future wife, Marceline.

In 1940, Al was drafted, serving in Cavalry units and managing the Post Exchange stores. He was discharged in 1945 and returned to Great Bend where he continued to work in the oil industry and finally became a driller for Gilbertland Lindas Drilling. He married his beloved Marcilene on March 9, 1947. He continued to work for Gilbert and then worked as a driller for Jackson and Lindley.

In 1954, Yost started his own business, and until his retirement in 1981, he continued to drill for various oil companies. Never being the one to rest on his laurels, he continued to invest in oil and gas properties long after his retirement.

Barton's 2010-11 Al Yost Honorarium Scholarships will honor Yost not only for his contribution to College, but also for the legacy his actions provide for the future of all communities served by Barton Community College.

The Big Benefit Auction with the Western theme, "Buckskin, Boots and BBQ," is set for Aug. 22 at the Highland Hotel Convention Center with the silent auction beginning at 6 p.m. followed by the live auction at 7 p.m. Carr Auction and Real Estate Inc. of Larned will conduct the live auction. A chuck wagon barbecue meal will be served buffet-style.

For more information about the auction, contact the Barton Foundation Office, 620-792-9306.

Al Yost