The Barkers are retired educators, both earning bachelor’s and master’s degrees in education at Northwestern—he in 1961 and 1968, respectively, and Patty in 1960 and 1967. Jim went out for football for two years and worked at the Alva Review-Courier for three years. The couple married while in college and had their first daughter, so they say their time was pretty well filled. Patty’s father, Noel Taylor, graduated from Northwestern in 1936 and earned a master’s degree here in 1959. He served as manager of the Student Center for nearly 20 years, retiring in 1975. Her mother, Ruth Taylor, earned her bachelor’s and master’s degrees in 1955 and 1965. Jim’s father, E.M. Barker, wrote about the Ranger athletic teams for thirty years. Jim chuckles and says that those were not really the greatest years but that his dad “pounded the old tub” for his favorite team. In the late 50’s, E.M. was awarded a lifetime pass to all Northwestern athletic events from President Percefull and the athletic department. The family legacy is still intact, with their grandson Eric Wheeler, who is set to graduate this December.

In 2006, Jim was bestowed with the honor of being the parade marshal for the annual homecoming parade.

“ You don’t really do anything but ride around the square and wave at people,” Jim laughs, ”BUT it is a very humbling experience, not a prideful thing and when I got on the square I was thinking about the past, the people I saw, and the people I didn’t see but remembered,” he said.

The Barkers know that the future is bright for Northwestern and are really enjoying the “facelift” the university is undergoing.

“ I know that campus beautification makes a lot of difference. We had a former student of ours say she didn’t want to go here because she didn’t like the way it looked. There may have been other reasons but the first impression really makes a difference,” Patty said.

This brought to mind how they could give back to a place that had inspired generations of their family before them. How could they help build the future and pay tribute to the past at the same time? A scholarship. Several reasons went into this decision to give but two stood out clearly in their minds.

“ One was a commitment to Alva. We feel the college is the basic foundation for this community, and whatever can help the college is going to help Alva,” Jim said.

“ Another was to honor our parents and it, of course, did something for us too. We both graduated from [Northwestern] and it made our lives a little easier and put us in shape to give something back,” Jim said.

Jim and Patty contacted Skeeter Bird, Northwestern Foundation Executive Director, and told him about their idea to recognize their parents.

“ The Barkers have a long family legacy at Northwestern and I think it’s wonderful that they are creating a new legacy with this family scholarship,” Bird said.

Northwestern President, Dr. Janet Cunningham, said that Jim and Patty were true Rangers in every sense of the word.

“ I commend them for making a generous gift that will benefit future Rangers, “ Cunningham said.

With the endowment of this scholarship, the Barkers were able to achieve what they wanted by giving a little back to their alma mater. The community will prosper with the continued support of students looking to further themselves through higher education and it will leave a lasting tribute to those who paved the way for success. In 20 years, as this scholarship continues to provide for the future, the mention of Jim and Patty Barker will still cause ears to perk and heads to turn because they have started a legacy that will never die.