(Posted August 20, 2001)

HUNTINGDON, Pa. - Barry and Marlene Halbritter of Duncansville recently received the 2001 Church-College Service Award for their "dedication to the Church of the Brethren and Juniata College" at the Church of the Brethren Annual Conference at the Baltimore Inner Harbor Holiday Inn.

The Halbritters, members of the Carson Valley Church of the Brethren in Duncansville, are committed to service both to their church and to Juniata College, Barry Halbritter earned a bachelor's degree from Juniata in 1965 and Marlene Halbritter earned a bachelor's degree from Juniata in 1962.

"The Church of the Brethren values of service community and peace are interspersed through the past, present and future of Juniata College," said Juniata College President Thomas Kepple during the presentation. "Both Barry and Marlene have given generously of their time, talents and love to their alma mater."

The Halbritters both serve on the Church of the Brethren's National Leadership Committee. Barry has served on the church's District Stewardship Commission, the District Goals and Budget Committee and on the current District board. He served on the board of directors of the Morrison's Cove Home, and also served as chair of that board. For his local church, Barry currently serves as chairman of the official/deacon board and of the church board. He is a deacon and a member of the constitution committee and auditing committee. He has also served on the long-range planning committee, on the financial board, and as Sunday school superintendent.

Marlene Halbritter has served as head of the church board, is now a deaconess, and has been the church choir director for more than 15 years. She also served as a delegate to the District Conference and the annual conference. She has also served on the Bethany Seminary board.

The Halbritter's service to Juniata College also has been exemplary. The couple recently donated $2 million toward the construction of the Marlene and Barry Halbritter Performing Arts Center. Barry has served on the college's board of trustees, the Church-College Relations Council, the President's Development Council, the Science Planning Committee and as chairman of the Juniata Fund and the Uncommon Outcomes Campaign.

Marlene has served on Juniata College's Church-College Relations Council and as a member of the Uncommon Outcomes Arts Campaign Committee.

Barry Halbritter is president and CEO of Midstate Tool & Supply Inc., a company he founded and now operates with his brother, Robert Halbritter. Marlene is director of publications for the company. Midstate Tool & Supply is one of the top three suppliers of automotive tools in the nation. The Altoona-based company employs more than 50 people.

Contact: John Wall office: (814) 641-3132 e-mail: wallj@juniata.edu

Contact April Feagley at feaglea@juniata.edu or (814) 641-3131 for more information.