Bill & Yvonne Robbins

The "W.R. and Yvonne Robbins Alumni & Endowment Center" will carry the name of Great Bend couple W.R. "Bill" and Yvonne Robbins. Strong supporters of FHSU for many years, a photo from Bill's graduation in 1959 shows them standing in front of the pillars of Picken Hall.

Yvonne fondly remembers that day.

"It was a proud day, full of anticipation and some anxiety about the future," she said. "We were young and starting our life together. Bill had his degree and a new job, our first child was due any time, and we had lots of unanswered questions. Were we prepared for parenthood? Would there be enough money? Would I need to work?"

A good education and hard work put their fears to rest. After two years of teaching, Bill went into banking, purchasing the Farmers Bank and Trust in Albert in 1971. Today Farmers Bank and Trust has facilities in Great Bend, La Crosse, Bazine, Albert and Kinsley.

Shortly after purchasing the bank, Bill began a long and active tenure in support of FHSU. He is a lifetime member of the Alumni Association, receiving the Alumni Achievement Award in 1997. In 1974 he became a trustee of the FHSU Endowment Association, serving two terms from 1974-1987 and from 1989 to the present. He chaired the Executive Committee and the Centennial Campaign Steering Committee.

"The joy and satisfaction of seeing a project well planned and executed will come from seeing the center used to support the alumni and students of FHSU," said Yvonne. Bill agreed.

"The new Alumni & Endowment Center will put FHSU on equal footing with other regent institutions as we compete for students," he said. "A building designated for alumni and endowment activities shows a commitment to the future of the university and its growing family."