When Scott Donovan’s name was mentioned as a possible nominee for the Great Bend Chamber of Commerce Citizen of the Year Award, Barry Bowers said it was “almost embarrassing” that Donovan hadn’t yet received this recognition in the past.
Bowers, a close friend of the award winner, noted that Donovan’s energy and community involvement more than qualify him for this honor.
“And, on top of that, he is just an all-around good guy,” Bowers said. “He would do anything for you; it is just the kind of person he is. You don’t hear negative comments about him.”
The award was bestowed Saturday, Feb. 25 at the Chamber’s annual banquet.
Donovan specializes in sales at Eagle Radio and his background is chock-full of service on local boards and committees. His real name is Darrel Bieker, but because he is Scott Donovan while on the air, that is how most people know him.
Bowers and Donovan met in 1982 through their participation in the Boy Scouts of America. Donovan had been elected Region Chief and the two rode together to a scouting conference in Missouri.
“He was about 18 at the time and I was 22,” Bowers recalled. “We got to know one another a little bit on that trip, which led to the 40-year friendship we have today.”
Those who know Donovan may not even realize the extent of his commitment to his family and volunteerism.
“He is hyper-involved,” Bowers commented. “Scott has turned commitment into an art form. But he is not just a name on lists of board members and volunteers. If he agrees to do something, he will work at it. He is not a resume-builder. Scott thrives on the energy and the people around him.
“His wife, Mary Bieker, is the perfect partner,” Bowers continued. “Compared to Scott, she is the quiet one. But when she talks, you listen; she is very insightful. I have been impressed with how they balance their lives.”
Mary and Scott have been married for 27 years and have two adult children. Michala Bieker, 25, teaches first grade in Salina; Emma Bieker, 21, is a graduate student in social work in Kansas City.
“The balancing act between home, work and volunteering is not easy,” Mary acknowledged. “It is a continual work in progress. My job as a speech/language pathologist is demanding during the school year but it allows for family time during school breaks.”
Mary also noted that she and Scott have had opportunities to move elsewhere but chose to raise their children here.
“He has chosen to ‘bloom where you are planted,’” she explained. “He has been planted here and made it his life choice to help others be successful here too.
“He has a servant’s heart,” she continued. “It is not about what you can do for him but what he can do for you. I think people don’t have a clear idea of how much time he freely donates to so many events with no expectation of pay. He is skilled at building relationships, which has helped him positively impact local people and businesses through the many hats he wears.”
Mary summarized the reason for her family’s personal strength. “Our lives are centered around our faith in God. We have been very blessed by Him and that allows service to others.”
Nominators
Leonard Kaiser and Jon Prescott nominated Donovan for the Chamber award. Kaiser has known him since the late 1980s and served with him on boards and councils at Prince of Peace Parish, CASA, Knights of Columbus and others.
“Without a doubt, Scott is driven by relationships and service to his family, community, friends and church,” Kaiser said. “He uses God’s gift of his voice and donates his energy and time to so many events. Service is truly his middle name.”
Prescott noted “there is so much more to this man than what you hear on the radio. Over the last 40-plus years, he has given his time, dedication and resources to projects, charities, organizations, and most importantly, people.”
Prescott collaborated with Donovan’s wife on a list that outlines his volunteer work. The list includes:
Order of the Arrow Boy Scouts of America Section Chief; Sunflower Diversified Services board and past president; Kansas Association of Broadcasters board and past president; March of Dimes Walk America; Barton County Relay for Life; American Cancer Society; Optimist Club; Noon Lions Club; Great Bend Zoological Society board; CASA board; B-29 Memorial Committee; Chamber Ambassadors and various committees; Prince of Peace Parish and Holy Family School councils; Knights of Columbus; United Way of Central Kansas; Citizen’s Police Academy; Big Brothers/Big Sisters; and Great Bend High School Site Council.
He has been active in the Barton County Fair, 3-i Show, Great Bend Farm & Ranch Expo and Great Bend Job Fest.
In addition, he has served as emcee for the Hoisington Labor Day Parade; Great Bend Home for the Holidays Parade; CASA auction; Sunflower Charity Gala; Chamber annual banquet; Barton Community College auction; and many more.
In 2008, Donovan received the Great Bend Greater Award from the Kiwanis Club and in 2006 his family was recognized by the Dodge City Diocese as the Knights of Columbus Family of the Year.
“Scott has been a giver his entire life, putting the needs of others before his own,” Prescott summarized. “He genuinely makes a difference in the lives of those living in Great Bend, Barton County and beyond.”
Citizen of the Year Criteria
The Great Bend Chamber of Commerce annually recognizes outstanding service by an individual who contributes to the quality of life within the community of Great Bend. This award recognizes an individual who has given their time, talent, energy, and shown outstanding service to the community and members of the Great Bend Chamber of Commerce, or persons who have excelled in their chosen profession giving of their time and talent to enhance the culture and work environment around them.
Previous Citizen of The Year Recipients
2021 Dr. Perry Smith
2020 Randy Smith
2019 Mike Johnson
2018 Barry Bowers
2017 Mark Mingenback
2016 Dan Bonine
2015 Jim Johnson
2014 Jan Westfall
2013 Roger Murphy
2012 Rick Ball
2011 Glen Opie
2010 Wally Straub
2009 Bob Dema
2008 Sheryl Cheely
2007 Bob Parrish
2006 Bill Berryman
2005 Terry & MelEasa Stueder
2004 Ron Koelsch
2003 Danny Biggs
2002 Jean Cavanaugh
2001 Orville Huss
2000 Mark Calcara
1999 LeRoy Dringmann
1998 Don Whelan