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

August 10, 2010
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
Prepared by: Linda Jerke

The Old Bill Honorarium, one of the highlights of the Barton Community College Foundation’s Big Benefit Auction, has been named this year in honor of M.E. “Eustace” Marmie to recognize his civic leadership and support for the College and community.

All funds raised through bids for the old buffalo head known as “Old Bill” during the Foundation’s 32nd Annual Big Benefit Auction will go to the M.E. “Eustace” Marmie Honorarium to be used for scholarships at Barton in the 2011-12 academic year.

With the theme, “A Night in Napa,” the Big Benefit Auction is set for Saturday, Aug. 28, at the Highland Hotel and Convention Center, 3017 10th Street, in Great Bend. The doors will open at 6 p.m. for the silent auction. The live auction will begin at 8 p.m. A Pasta Buffet will be served from 6 to 8 p.m.

Auction ticket sales continue through Aug. 16. Ticket price is $30 per person or $240 for a table of eight. Tickets will not be sold at the door. Tickets can be purchased by contacting the Foundation Office by phone, 620-786-1136, or by e-mail, capec@bartonccc.edu.

Marmie was a regional community leader with his business, Marmie Motors, and he provided civic leadership and support for the College and community as well. Over the years, he helped the College in many ways, said Barton’s Executive Director of Institutional Advancement Darnell Holopirek.

Eustace spent his youth and young adulthood in Hoisington. He married Ulanda Schartz in 1940. Their children include one daughter, Karen Keller Becker, and two sons, David Marmie and his wife, Sherri, and Jerry Marmie and his wife, Linda, all of Great Bend.

“The honorarium honors not only Eustace Marmie, but also his children, who have continued the leadership that he began long ago in this community,” Holopirek said. “We’re honoring their father and also their continuing support of the College.”

During World War II, Eustace served in the U.S. Army. After the war, he and his two brothers ran the Pawnee Club and during that time they also farmed south of Great Bend. In 1959, Eustace started a used car lot, which was the impetus to opening the doors of Marmie Motors Inc. in 1961. The business prospered and grew and was known then, as it is today, for community involvement and generosity.

Eustace loved and believed in Great Bend and its people. He had a strong work ethic and believed in community service. He was a member of Prince of Peace Parish at St. Rose of Lima Catholic Church, the American Legion Post, Elks Lodge and Chamber of Commerce, all of Great Bend, as well as the Kansas Automobile Dealers Association. He and his sons were the first to be recognized with the Great Bend Chamber’s “Outstanding Business of the Year” award in 1994. Eustace also was a founding member of the Golden Belt Community Foundation.

In 1985, Eustace along with his sons, Dave and Jerry, opened the doors to Marmie Ford, located one block west and south of Marmie Motors Inc. Following the example of their father, both Dave and Jerry continue their father’s legacy of giving back to a community that has served them well. Both Marmie Ford and Marmie Motors continue to support Barton Community College.

Donations of much needed equipment, supplies and enhancements to Barton’s Automotive Technology Program have been vital to the success and growth of the program in both student recruitment and technological advancements necessary to produce auto technicians and mechanics proficient in working on the latest automotive systems and repair challenges.

An additional and even more visionary gift was the donation of acreage directly east of the Technical Building on the Barton campus. This gift assures that the College will have room to grow and develop new programs or expand established ones. Until then, the Foundation is receiving an annual income from the sale of crops grown on that land.

Marmie passed away on Oct. 1, 2009. He was preceded in death by his wife, Ulanda, in June of 1963. Continuing his tradition of leadership and community support are not only his daughter and sons, but also his grandchildren, Kevin Keller and wife, Lori; Jeff Keller and wife, Kathie; Kim Keller Meeds and husband, Blaine; Jeree Marmie Marquess and husband, Brian; Desa Marmie Behr and husband, Shawn; Tatum Marmie Dunekack and husband, Mike; and Tara Marmie Dominguez and husband, David; and 12 great grandchildren.

“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.”

Eustace’s sons, Jerry and Dave, and daughter, Karen, said they feel honored to have the Old Bill Honorarium named for their father and he would have been honored. “He was a great supporter of the college, which is a major part of our community,” Jerry said. “He lived just west of the College and he always had buffalo on his land. Years ago, he actually bought Old Bill at the auction, so it’s neat to have him connected to Old Bill again with the honorarium.”

The honorarium named after the old buffalo head has helped the Barton Community College Foundation raise money for scholarships for the past 30 years. To date, Old Bill has raised $99,775 for academic scholarships.

The Claflin Fire Department donated the buffalo head to the Foundation as a novelty auction item in the early days of the auction. In the beginning, Old Bill was “sold” to the highest bidder, although the buffalo head still remained with the college until time for the next Big Benefit Auction. In 2003, the Foundation began auctioning the Old Bill Honorarium named to honor individuals who have supported the College and community, and that tradition continues.

“It’s like auctioning a wedding shoe,” Holopirek said. “It’s a beautiful way to honor an individual or couple who support the community.” All money raised for the honorarium is given in the name of the honoree to provide academic scholarships for Barton students.

“Eustace Marmie always gave without expectation of reward or praise.” Holopirek said. He will be remembered, not only for his contributions, but for the legacy his actions have left for the communities served by Barton Community College.”

M.E. ‘Eustace’ Marmie