When Jerry Bauman graduated from Chadron High School in 1964, few could have predicted the enormous accomplishments he would realize in later life -- and the litany of positive contributions that he and his wife, Cheryl (Hamilton) would give back to their communities over the years.
Good friend Con Marshall has shared with us a story he wrote this fall about Jerry and Cheryl Jo, and we're pleased to publish it here. The story was spurred by the awarding of the Chadron State College Distinguished Alumni Award to Jerry in October. As you read Con's story, you'll understand why Jerry was selected for this singular recognition.
We best remember "Tiger" Bauman from our high school years, when he served as a student manager for the Chadron High School basketball team. Small in stature but determined to do a good job, we should've foreseen his commitment to getting good things done! He grew in many ways.
I recall crossing paths with Jerry only once in adult life, when he and I were passing through the Tulsa airport in the early 1980's. I must confess that I would never have recognized Jerry, since I'm certain that he was at least a foot taller than I had remembered him from high school! He spotted me, we had a fun -- if brief -- conversation. I believe he and Cheryl were living in Tulsa; Karen and I were living in nearby Jenks. However, it was shortly thereafter that Karen and I departed Oklahoma and lost any prospect of forging a new relationship with an old high school friend.
