Thankful for so much, Bartas including Washburn in their estate
43-year law enforcement career, 16 grandkids and a chance to give back
Marcia and Dick Barta
Dick Barta had a good reason for missing his college commencement: his oldest daughter was graduating high school.
He and his wife, Marcia, lived in many communities early in his 43-year law enforcement career. In 1982, that career brought them to Topeka.
"I was with the Kansas Highway Patrol, and every place we were stationed I always tried to attend some college," Dick, bs '87, said. "I came to Washburn University and I said, 'OK, I'm going to settle down now and get myself a degree.'"
His criminal justice degree boosted his 29-year career with KHP and 12 years as Shawnee County sheriff.
"I think every time I went up for promotion or was campaigning for sheriff, having that degree was very helpful in achieving those goals," he said. "With that, I just want to give something back."
Marcia, who worked for the State of Kansas after their four children were grown, has experienced Washburn from the outside but has always been grateful for what it does for students.
"I can even think back to my niece who graduated from here," she said. "When we went to her graduation, President [Jerry] Farley spoke, and I think it was the first year he had been here, and he just impressed us right off the bat."
The Bartas knew they wanted Washburn to be part of their legacy. They started the Richard W. and Marcia Barta Criminal Justice Scholarship in 2009 and contribute to it annually. Now their legacy includes a gift to Washburn in their estate plan to permanently endow their scholarship and benefit students forever.
"We decided it was time," Dick said. "At our age, maybe we ought to go and have a will made out. In that process, we decided to give some to our church and some to Washburn University."
Dick retired from law enforcement in 2012 after winning three elected terms as Shawnee County sheriff.
"I got into law enforcement young in life," he said. "It's been in my blood. You serve the citizens of Kansas. It was gratifying work."
They can now focus on family, travel and other joys that come with retirement.
"We have 16 grandkids, so we could go to a game almost every night and every weekend," Dick added.
They're passing their spirit of giving to their family.
"I like being able to tell our grandchildren, 'You're going to be going to college, you'll search out scholarships, and then you become alumni," Marcia said. "You can continue to engage with your school and when you're ready, you can give back. That's a good thing to pass on."
If you're picturing yourself in the Bartas' shoes, and wondering what kind of scholarship or legacy you would leave behind, let us know. You can contact Erin Aldridge at 785.670.4483 or by email at PlannedGiving@wualumni.org to begin the process.
Information contained herein was accurate at the time of posting. The information on this website is not intended as legal or tax advice. For such advice, please consult an attorney or tax advisor. Figures cited in any examples are for illustrative purposes only. References to tax rates include federal taxes only and are subject to change. State law may further impact your individual results. California residents: Annuities are subject to regulation by the State of California. Payments under such agreements, however, are not protected or otherwise guaranteed by any government agency or the California Life and Health Insurance Guarantee Association. Oklahoma residents: A charitable gift annuity is not regulated by the Oklahoma Insurance Department and is not protected by a guaranty association affiliated with the Oklahoma Insurance Department. South Dakota residents: Charitable gift annuities are not regulated by and are not under the jurisdiction of the South Dakota Division of Insurance.