The Barton Community College Foundation Board has chosen Marian DeWerff to receive the prestigious “Old Bill Honorarium” at the 46th Annual Big Benefit Auction.
The event will take place at 5:30 p.m. Aug. 23 at the Great Bend Events Center. This honorarium allows auction attendees to contribute to a scholarship in DeWerff’s name to be awarded for the 2026-27 academic year.
Marian, and her late husband, Vernon, founded Ell-Bar Farms in Ellinwood and have been steadfast supporters of Barton for decades.
Their contributions have included both generous financial gifts and personal service, even sponsoring students to help them achieve their educational goals. Marian served on the Barton Community College Foundation Board of Directors from 2013 to 2019, lending her voice, energy, and insight to the Foundation’s mission.
Known for her vibrant personality and boundless compassion, Marian is deeply guided by her faith. She believes her purpose on earth is to care for others, sharing, as she puts it, the blessings God pours into her by helping those around her.
Barton Executive Director of Institutional Advancement Lindsey Bogner said the Foundation is proud to recognize Marian for her years of service, generosity, and personal investment in students’ lives.
“Marian is a firecracker in the best sense of the word,” Bogner said. “She lives her faith through action, and her energy, joy, and willingness to help others have left an incredible mark on our Barton family. She has made a difference for students not just through scholarships, but through personal encouragement and genuine care.”
Marian hopes the Old Bill Honorarium will continue the cycle of giving she has embraced throughout her life. For her, this honor is another way to give back.
“You are not given so you can have, you’re given so that you can share,” she said. “I’ve been blessed beyond measure, and I want to make sure others get the same chance.”
Those wishing to contribute to the honorarium but cannot attend this year’s event may contact the Foundation office at (620) 786-1136, email foundation@bartonccc.edu, or visit auction.bartonccc.edu.
Auction Details
This year’s auction is underwritten by UMB Wealth Management, Nex-Tech, and Spectrum CPA Partners, LLC.
The Big Benefit Auction is the most successful and longest-running fundraiser for the Barton Foundation. The money raised from the event supports academic scholarships, along with enhancements to programs and facilities that positively impact the learning experience of Barton students.
About the Old Bill Honorarium
In 1981, the Claflin Fire Department donated a stuffed buffalo head to the Foundation auction. This unique item was christened as “Old Bill” and quickly became a mainstay of this annual event: sold, donated back, and resold each year. In 2002, Old Bill the buffalo was retired, and a new tradition was born, honoring loyal supporters and donors to the Barton Community College Foundation through the Old Bill Honorarium. To date, Old Bill has netted nearly $202,000 in support of academic scholarships.
