Marshall honored with Distinguished Service Award

The highlight of the event, which also featured guest speakers and a video chronicling Marshall’s life, was when Chadron State College President Dr. Randy Rhine conferred him with the Distinguished Service Award. 

“It was an incredible experience,” said Marshall, who was hired as the college’s first full-time director of information in 1969. “It’s been a great pleasure to work at Chadron State College all these years. Both my wife and I feel blessed we were able raise our children in our hometown. We also both worked in jobs we enjoyed, while living in a community we are proud to be involved with.”

Four community members – Alex Helmbrecht, director of college relations at CSC, Phyllis Eitemiller of the Dawes County Fair Board, Pastor Scott Montgomery of the Chadron Christian Church and Justin Haag, NEBRASKAland regional editor – spoke about Marshall’s tireless work ethic and dedication to the college during the brunch.

In addition, CSC graduate Larry Miller produced and directed a documentary about Marshall: “Profiles and Cons, A look at the Life and Career of Con Marshall.”

“It was a challenge to plan an event to honor someone that alumni and the community hold in such high regard,” said Karen Pope, director of development and alumni at Chadron State. “The brunch was a wonderful event for people to come together and acknowledge many of the contributions Con has made through the years for Chadron State College, the community and the region.”

Marshall, who has also received the college’s Distinguished Alumni Award, admitted he was reluctant to receive attention for the award before the event.

“I came into it pretty uptight, if I’m being honest,” he said. “But the entire atmosphere was pleasant, particularly with the people who spoke and the video Larry Miller put together. It was out of this world and I’m sure he spent many hours putting it together. It will be a wonderful keepsake.”

Marshall, a 1963 graduate of Chadron State, has written two books about the college and has produced volumes of news stories and photographs, in addition to frequently serving as a resource for anyone looking for information about the college, its athletic programs and the history of the surrounding region for years.