Source: Lauren Swirbul, 913-269-9258, lswirbul@gmail.com
News tip: Andover, Horton, Hutchinson and Ottawa
Friday, Sept. 16, 2011
PURPLE LOVE: COEN FAMILY AND ITS THREE GENERATIONS OF WILDCATS K-STATE'S FAMILY OF THE YEAR
MANHATTAN -- A family with three generations of Wildcats is Kansas State University's 2011 Family of the Year.
The Coen family, whose members live in communities across Kansas, was selected for the honor by Chimes, K-State's junior honorary. The family will be recognized in the second quarter of the K-State football game Saturday, Sept. 17, at Bill Snyder Family Stadium as part of K-State's Family Day activities. Along with receiving a plaque, the family will be guests at a brunch with Chimes members and prestigious university guests.
The Coens can boast of more than 20 family members who are currently K-State students or are K-State alumni, with future Wildcats waiting in the wings.
"Our minds have been molded by Kansas State University's education and our hearts are full of support for K-State. It's something that has been a family effort and one that we take very seriously,” said Chelsy Coen, a K-State student from Ottawa.
According to family member Kari Coen, Coens who are K-Staters include grandparents Marion and Peggy Coen, Ottawa, and their children and children's spouses: Jim and Ann Coen, Andover; JoLynn and Carl Gasper, Horton; Janet and Glen McMurray, Hutchinson; and John and Cherry Coen, Ottawa.
Grandchildren include Whitney Coen, Jessica Coen, Chelsy Coen, Todd Coen, Kris and Path Smith, Kelsey Coen and her fiance Derek Low, Kari Coen, Katie McMurray, Matt McMurray, Ben Gasper, Paige Gasper and Sam Gasper.
"All of us either attended K-State, are currently there or are planning to attend," Kari Coen said.
The Coen family has made many contributions to K-State, including a scholarship in civil engineering, Ahearn Fund contributions, a membership to the K-State athletics director's National Leadership Circle and more.
