Kansas State University

MANHATTAN -- Three sisters started a family legacy nearly 70 years ago that has resulted in four generations of Kansas State University Wildcats and one outstanding family of the year.

The Bebermeyer family will be recognized as the 2013 Kansas State University Family of the Year at Family Day on Saturday, Sept. 7. They will be honored at the football game against Louisiana-Lafayette. The family's purple pride began with sisters Dorothy Bebermeyer Snider, Abilene, who attended the university from 1946-1949; Evelyn Bebermeyer Krause, Manhattan, who attended the university from 1945-1952; and Vivian Bebermeyer Funk, Garden City, who attended the university from 1947-1950.

"The annual Family of the Year competition, sponsored by Chimes Junior Honorary, is always incredibly competitive," said Chance Berndt, junior in marketing, Herington, and Chimes co-chair of events. "This year was no exception. With more than 40 K-State alumni, the Bebermeyer family exemplifies what it means to be a true member of the Wildcat family, on both a collegiate and alumni level."

Throughout the family's history at Kansas State University, members of the Bebermeyer clan have exhibited leadership in numerous ways, serving as student body president, Kappa Kappa Gamma chapter president, Farmhouse chapter vice president, rush coordinator and pledge educator, engineering ambassador, admissions representative, freshman orientation leader and resident housing assistant

Members of the family have also been involved in student senate, Blue Key, Mortar Board, Glee Club, K-State chorale and other musical performances, including two United Service Organizations tours and various athletic teams and extracurricular clubs. They have won numerous awards from the university, including Kansas State University adviser of the year in 1982.

Nicole and Andrew Hawkins, Goddard, nominated the family to honor Dorothy, Evelyn and Vivian for creating a lasting tradition in the family. They, along with other family members, are being recognized and presented with a plaque at halftime of the football game.

"Being honored as family of the year is a dream come true," Nicole Hawkins said. "I don't feel we did anything special, but with the love we have for K-State it's hard to not become involved in the traditions and activities provided by the university. We love how the university focus is on family, which makes getting K-State Family of the Year that much more special.

The Bebermeyers took what they learned about leadership while at Kansas State University and have continued to apply it to their personal and professional lives. Members of the family have served the state of Kansas as a state senator, executive director for Big Brothers Big Sisters of Topeka, a ranger with Kansas Wildlife and Parks, director of care management at Mercy Regional Health Center, a university professor and a judge, as well as educators, farmers, lawyers and bankers.

Living members of the Bebermeyer family include:

Dorothy Bebermeyer Snider's children are Cindy Manz, and husband Roger; Ray Snider and wife, Lucretia; Janice Hanney and husband, Paul; and Glen Snider and wife, Linda Fast. Grandchildren and great-grandchildren are Troy Manz, and son Brendan Fosse; Nicole Hawkins and husband, Herb, and their children Andrew, Christian, Preston and Kinsley; Caleb Snider and wife, Lindsey, and their children, Cade and Addy; Paul Snider and wife Afton, and their children, Sydnie and Elsa; Luke Snider; Mark Snider; Ashley Hanney; Tara Schreiner and her husband, Danny, and daughter, Layne; Alexa Hanney; Taylor Hanney; Dylan Snider; Tyson Snider; Lydia Hoffmann; and Riley Hoffmann.

Evelyn Bebermeyer Krause's children are Max Knopp and his wife, Kaleen; Joe Knopp and wife, Nancy; Ted Knopp and his wife, Nancy; Keith Knopp and his wife, Stephanie; Nancy Daniels and her husband, Don; and Becky Miller and her husband, Tim. Grandchildren and great-grandchildren are Michelle Moore and husband, Nathan, and their children, Sarah Tarn, Megan Tarn, Max Moore and Sam Moore; Cody Knopp; Amanda Knopp and son, Conner; Travis Fritson; Katie Gaetke and husband Matt; Andy Knopp; Mitchell Knopp; Emily Hood and husband, Zack, and their children, Brooks and Nora; Mary Knopp; Phillip Knopp; Levi Knopp; Callie Knopp; Carson Knopp; Stacie Vincent and husband, Paul, and their children Ramona and Charlie; Eric Daniels; Bryce Miller; and Madeline Miller.

Vivian Bebermeyer Funk's husband is Rodger and their children are Beth Love and husband, Dan; Boyd Funk; and Brenda Funk. Grandchildren are Hannah Love; Ben Love; Sam Funk and wife, Chelsea; and Elliot Funk and wife, Samantha Algrim-Funk.