Source: Justin Smith, justinls@k-state.edu
Website: http://www.k-state.edu/familyday/familyoftheyear.html
Hometown connection/news tip: Hillsboro, Overland Park, St. John and Stafford
Photo available: http://www.k-state.edu/media/images/sept12/familyofyear.jpg
Photo cutline: The Hildebrand family, Kansas State University's 2012 Family of the Year.
News release prepared by: Stephanie Jacques, 785-532-3452, sjacques@k-state.edu
Thursday, Sept. 20, 2012
2012 Family of the Year: Hildebrand family's deep purple roots bring generations of service, dedication to university
MANHATTAN -- Members of the Hildebrand family may have traveled the world but they have strong roots at Kansas State University.
Recognized as the 2012 Kansas State University Family of the Year at Family Day on Sept. 15, the Hildebrand family has three generations of Wildcats that begins with lolene Morrison Hildebrand, Stafford, in 1947. Nominating the family for the honor were Kent Hildebrand, St. John, and his aunt, Shari Hildebrand Morford, Hillsboro. They, along with other family members, were recognized and presented with a plaque at the Sept. 15 football game against North Texas.
"Sponsored by the Chimes Junior Honorary, the annual Family of the Year competition recognizes a family that has shown great dedication to the Kansas State University community and the Wildcat family," said Justin Smith, junior in mass communications, Overland Park, and Chimes co-vice president of events. "The Hildebrands have shown just that: great dedication."
Throughout the past six decades, members of the Hildebrand family have been involved with K-State in numerous ways, including: serving as Willie the Wildcat at the Independence Bowl, university student ambassadors, an equestrian team member, Kansas State Collegian writer, in service honoraries, undergraduate research, athletic trainers, academic counselors, admissions representatives, Student Alumni Board members and K-State Alumni Association members.
"It is a really cool opportunity to be able to accept and enjoy this honor together as a family," Kent Hildebrand said.
The Hildebrands have worn purple across the world. Members of the family have taught South African children the "Wabash Cannonball," studied abroad in Brazil and the U.K., done missions work in Papua New Guinea, East Asia, Europe and Africa, and have worked construction in Abu Dhabi. Currently, the Hildebrands participate in philanthropies with the university and across the globe, mentoring, and promoting the university and hosting numerous international students.
Members of the Hildebrand family include:
Quentin and Shari Morford, parents of Lindsey, Katie and Matthew Morford, Hillsboro; Don and Suzanne Hildebrand, parents of Laurie and Josh Hildebrand, and Kent and Rebekah Hildebrand, parents of Harper Hildebrand, all from St. John; and lolene Morrison Hildebrand, and Alan and Janice Hildebrand, parents of Lauren, Morgan, Caitlyn, Alex, Seth and Kristen Hildebrand, all from Stafford.
Mike and Maddie Hildebrand and their children, Russell, Ryan, Sallie and Robert Hildebrand, are currently living abroad in Qatar.
