‘Mr. K-State’ Ernie Barrett receives 2012 Wildcat Pride Award
Ernie Barrett, a longtime supporter of Kansas State University and the K-State Alumni
Association, will receive the 2012 Wildcat Pride Award to recognize K-State faculty
or staff who have been instrumental in advancing the mission of the K-State Alumni
Association through support of its programs.
Barrett, who earned the nickname “Mr. K-State” throughout his decades-long dedication
to the university, will receive his award during the Association’s fall board meeting
Oct. 4.
The award honors a current or emeritus K-State faculty or staff member for his/her
advocacy of alumni relations, with a special emphasis on support and participation
in alumni programs that engage members of the Wildcat family.
“I am personally thrilled to recognize Ernie for his passionate advocacy of all things
K-State, but in particular, for his almost 60 years of heartfelt support of the Alumni
Association,” said Amy Button Renz, president and CEO of the Association. “Our staff
is honored to acknowledge this very special member of the K-State family with the
2012 Wildcat Pride Award.”
A native of Wellington, Kan., Barrett earned his bachelor’s degree in physical education
in 1951 and his master’s degree in journalism in 1956, both from K-State. During his
undergraduate career, Barrett made a name for himself on the basketball court and
was included in the first group of K-State players to have a jersey retired, according
to K-State Athletics.
Although he was drafted by the Boston Celtics in 1951, Barrett chose to enlist in
the U.S. Air Force, serving two years as a lieutenant. He then played for the Celtics
for two seasons before returning to Manhattan, Kan., to take a position with the K-State
Alumni Association. Barrett then began his career with K-State Athletics, serving
many roles throughout the decades, including athletics director and director of major
gifts, where he played a key role in securing funds for several university athletics
facilities. Although he has held many positions within K-State and the private-business
sector, Barrett has continued his die-hard commitment to alumni relations.
Through the years, Barrett served as a volunteer, spoke at alumni events, took part
in the annual Catbacker tour, made major donations to Association programs and the
K-State Alumni Center, promoted membership to other alumni and friends and traveled
with the Traveling Wildcats program.
The Barrett Wildcat Den in the K-State Alumni Center is named in honor of Ernie, his
wife, Bonnie, and sons Brad and Duane through a philanthropic gift to the Alumni Center
building campaign.