Marian Cook Legacy Award

The Marian D. Cook Legacy Award was established by the Cloud County Community College Humanities Division in 2011. In the spirit of Marian Cook's dedication to the arts and her community, the award is presented annually to an exemplary supporter of the arts and education within the community. 

Marian Cook was a patron of the arts – simply described as “one that supports, protects, or champions someone or something, such as an institution, event, or cause.” Colonel N. B. Brown was probably Concordia’s first back in l907 when he opened the Brown Grand Theatre.  After a gap of 73 years, Marian D. Cook was the next. Though gone, both are still giving to the Concordia community.

Marian Cook’s husband, the financial wizard Charles, died in l971, and shortly thereafter, Marian joined a small group of citizens talking (some thought nonsense) about buying and restoring the Brown Grand.  What followed became another of fate’s happy marriages of time and place.

Marian began giving to the (Brown Grand) theatre from the onset:  money, time, ideas, leadership, and encouragement. But she wouldn’t take credit or wish to be singled out above anyone else. She did what she did to get the job done. The Brown Grand Theatre continues today as a testament to Marian’s community-minded generosity.

The Charles and Marian Cook Series was founded in 1992 by Marian in memory of Charles. The Cooks were avid global explorers who embraced travel as life’s greatest form of education. Recognizing that not everyone had the resources for world travel, Mrs. Cook created an ongoing event series that would bring cultural and educational experiences to Concordia through Cloud County Community College. 

Nomination form for 2018 Marian D. Cook Legacy Award

Susie Haver -  2017 Marian D. Cook Legacy Award recipient

Susie Haver, Cloud County Tourism Director, is a driving force for the arts and humanities in the area. Her passion for Concordia, Cloud County, and Kansas has made her a fixture in the North Central Kansas arts and culture scene for decades. For years she served as manager of the Brown Grand Theatre, working with booking agents, entertainment promoters, and local and regional artists, as well as serving as public relations and marketing director. She continues to be an active member of the Brown Grand Players community theatre group.

In addition, Haver was the front woman of the acapella singing group Susie & the LuWondas, who traveled all over the state promoting the sights and sounds of Kansas. Haver, a long-time supporter of the Kansas Sampler Foundation, is a charter member of the Kansas Explorers Club. As the director of Cloud County Tourism she actively promotes the historical, artistic, and cultural treasures of the area such as the Brown Grand, the National Orphan Train Complex, the Camp Concordia WWII POW camp, the Whole Wall Brick Mural, the Cloud County Museum, and Cloud County’s abundance of stained-glass. She is also an expert tour guide for visitors not only from North Central Kansas but from all over the world as well.

The Cook Legacy Award was established in 2011 to recognize outstanding achievement in supporting the arts, culture, and education in the area. Past recipients include Peggy Doyen, Jack Kauffman, Don Lambert, Paul Rimovsky, Wonda Phillips, Everett Miller, and Susan Sutton.

See past Cook Legacy Award winners