Washburn University names the Bianchino family as the 2024 “Family of the Year”

     Topeka, Kan. – Saturday, Sept. 21, Washburn University officially named the Bianchino family as the 2024 “Family of the Year.” This designation honors the family’s dedication to, support of and enthusiasm for the university over the decades. It also acknowledges their embodiment of the Washburn University motto, Non Nobis Solum - Not for Ourselves Alone.

     In August 1966, Bernie Bianchino arrived at Washburn from Shawnee Mission, Kan. for football practice barely two months after the1966 tornado devastated the campus. He was a student when the football program was to be terminated in 1967 and was actively involved in the campaign to save Washburn football. He played defensive line for the Ichabods 1966-1969.

      Bianchino, ba ’70, jd ’74, Hon ’11, majored in political science and was a member of Kappa Sigma, Sagamore men's honor society and was on the Dean's Honor Roll. Marilyn (Dyck) Bianchino, b ed '72, continued her education at Washburn University after graduating from Topeka West High School. While at Washburn, she was a member of the Kappa Alpha Theta sorority. Bernie and Marilyn met at Washburn while they were both undergraduate students. Marilyn worked as a teacher while Bernie completed law school. 

      They raised their children, Ben, bba ’09, and Hannah (Hemry), as Ichabods. In 2005, Ben Bianchino signed a letter of intent to play for the Ichabods as his father had done. Ben played defensive line 2005 - 2010. In 2008 he played both offense and defense. Hannah, her husband Tyler Hemry and their two children reside in Wilsonville, Oregon. Ben and his wife, Christina (Koury) and their four children reside in Leawood, Kan.

     After graduating from the Washburn University School of Law in 1974, Bernie’s law profession took the family to several locations across the United States before returning to Kansas. He gained experience and grew his career in organizations focusing on energy, technology and telecommunications, from the Atomic Energy Commission, which later became the Department of Energy, to the Exxon Corporation, to Sprint. Bernie later formed Jaguar Telecom LLC where he served as president and CEO. Marilyn devoted her career to teaching elementary education, as well as her children and family.

     “The Bianchino family embodies Washburn’s motto of ‘not for ourselves alone,” said Dr. JuliAnn Mazachek, president, Washburn. “Bernie, Marilyn and their family have built a legacy of service, support and dedication to Washburn and their fellow Ichabods. Since they met here as students, they have been working to make Washburn the best it can be.”

     Their devotion to serving the university has been demonstrated in many ways throughout the years. Bernie was on the Washburn Alumni Board of Directors, Washburn Law School Foundation and also served on the Washburn University Alumni Association and Foundation (WUAAF), joining as a trustee in 1992. He was a director from July 2006 to June 2011 and previously served as the WUAAF board chair. Marilyn and Bernie have also been generous in their support for scholarships, the athletic department, School of Law and many other projects. 

    “Our outstanding alumni who give their time and resources to support Washburn make this a great university,” said Marshall Meek, president, Washburn University Alumni Association and Foundation.  “Families who are dedicated to the university create an impact that enhances the student experience for decades.  The Bianchino family is a great example and deserving of this honor.”

     Recognizing a family of the year is an annual tradition at Washburn University that normally occurs as part of Family Weekend celebrations, during the football game.

    “Washburn really is a special place because families often include several generations of Ichabods.  Students become invested in the university during their time here and stay connected after they graduate, supporting Washburn and making a difference,” said Dr. Eric Grospitch, vice president of student life, Washburn. “Our tradition of designating a Family of the Year recognizes not only the family’s legacy at the university, it also illustrates part of what makes Washburn unique.”

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