Washburn University names the Marker/Vawter family as the 2026 “Family of the Year”

Topeka, Kan. - On Saturday, Sept. 19, Washburn University named the Marker/Vawter family as the 2026 "Family of the Year." This designation honors the family's dedication to, support of and enthusiasm for the university over the decades. It also acknowledges their embodiment of the Washburn University motto, Non Nobis Solum - Not for Ourselves Alone.

The Marker/Vawter family's Washburn University story began with Clinton C. Marker, Sr. who earned his bachelor's degree and his juris doctorate in 1959. The family lived on campus while he earned his degrees, his daughter, Jeanne Marker Vawter, was in elementary school at the time. She recalls, "Many friends were made and a lot of mischievousness was created."

The home Jeanne found on the Washburn University campus seemingly drew her back when it was her time to attend college. She earned her bachelor's degree in 1970 and her master's in education in 1993.

Jeanne has lived a life of service to the Topeka community and to Washburn. She retired in 2010 as principal of Jardine Middle School, a position she held since 1998. There, she implemented flexible scheduling, allowing staff to meet as teams and improve student success. She was assistant principal for two years before that and was a teacher, science department chair and curriculum coordinator for nine years at Robinson Middle School. She was a member of the Washburn Alumni Association board of directors for eight years and served as president and is past president of the SILVERBACKKS board of directors. Jeanne is on the CASA citizens review board, is a member of the Washburn Women Venture Partnership and Golden City Forum, and she volunteers with League of Women Voters, Child Care Aware Designers' Showhouse, with Zeta Tau Alpha sorority and in her grandchildren's elementary schools.

Jeanne Vawter was recognized in 2020 with the Distinguished Service Award from the Washburn University Alumni Association & Foundation. This award recognizes alumni who have made personal and professional contributions to society, demonstrated exemplary support to the Washburn University Alumni Association and the community, been of service to humanity, distinguished themselves in their careers and brought honor to Washburn through their accomplishments.

Russ Vawter grew up outside of Topeka on the family farm, graduating from Auburn Rural High School. Washburn University was the logical choice for him when choosing a college. Russ wasn't overly fond of the idea of college initially, but what started to appease his parents ended in a life-long partnership with Jeanne and the educational foundation he would build his career on. He graduated in 1968 with his degree in mathematics.

Russ worked for Kansas Power & Light Co. before joining the Kansas Department of Labor where he worked in the Research and Statistics (R&S) section for 36 years, working his way up through various promotions before retiring in 2005 as the director.

Russ played fast pitch softball in the Topeka area for 22 years and coached his children's various sports teams for many years. He volunteers for the SILVERBACKKS alongside Jeanne. When he's not at Washburn events, you might find him on the golf course.

Their daughter Amanda Vawter Danielson earned her Bachelor of Science degree in 2001, majoring in criminal justice, and a bachelor's degree in education in 2006. While at Washburn, she was on the softball team and a member of Zeta Tau Alpha sorority. She also completed her master's degree in counseling from Kansas State University in 2010. Amanda has dedicated her life to helping others in the Northeast Kansas community, working as counselor at the Lansing Correctional Facility, a teacher and counselor in the Washburn Rural School District and currently working for BNSF Railway. Her husband, Matt Danielson, is a lieutenant for the Topeka Police Department. They have three sons.

Russ and Jeanne's grandson, Bryson Vawter, son of Ryan and Erin Vawter, transferred to Washburn this year to finish his undergraduate degrees. He is double majoring in accounting and finance. He is also on the Ichabods Baseball Team. Bryson plans to earn his CPA and possibly his law degree after graduating in May 2027.

"The Marker/Vawter family embodies Washburn's motto of 'not for ourselves alone," said Dr. JuliAnn Mazachek, president, Washburn. "Russ, Jeanne and their family, have built a legacy of service, support and dedication to Washburn and their fellow Ichabods. Since they were on campus as students, they have been working to make Washburn the best it can be."

Russ and Jeanne are very active with the Washburn University Alumni Association, attending many activities and alumni trips, and enjoying various Washburn athletic events. You can always find them and their family in the stands of Falley Field at Steve Anson Stadium cheering on the fourth generation of their family to attend Washburn.

"Our involvement with Washburn activities took off after attending our first [Alumni Association] 'After Hours' some 20 years ago," said Russ. "That one event led to alumni travel, athletics, tailgating and getting acquainted with so many amazing people. Washburn events are now a major part of our lives."

"Our outstanding alumni who give their time and resources to support Washburn make this a great university," said Marshall Meek, president, Washburn University Alumni Association & Foundation. "Families who are dedicated to the university create an impact that enhances the student experience for decades. The Marker/Vawter family is a great example and deserving of this honor."

Recognizing a family of the year is an annual tradition at Washburn University.

"Washburn really is a special place because families often include several generations of Ichabods. Students become invested in the university during their time here and stay connected after they graduate, supporting Washburn and making a difference," said Dr. Kim Chestnut, vice president of student life, Washburn. "Our tradition of designating a Family of the Year recognizes not only the family's legacy at the university, it also illustrates part of what makes Washburn unique."

- 30 -