University Service Citation Award Recipient Marvin Tajchman

Loyalty to Emporia State University is almost engrained in Emporian Marvin Tajchman’s DNA. Tajchman, who graduated from ESU in 1974 with a BSB in business administration, retired in 2018 after a 46-year career at Tyson Fresh Meats. And, he has become the unofficial photographer for ESU Athletics and, now, is the recipient of the University Service Citation award.

“You can find him on the sidelines at almost all sporting events—on his own dime,” according to information in his nomination documents. “He often tags the Alumni Association Facebook page with all of his photos, so all alumni can enjoy” them. His photos capture his loyalty for Emporia State University Athletics.

This loyalty for ESU runs deep in his family. Tajchman’s extended family tree—the Holub-Vajnar-Tajchman family—includes 29 family members who received degrees from Emporia State and many more who were former students. They were honored as the Hornet Heritage Family in 2015 by the Emporia State University Alumni Association. The award is given annually to a multigenerational family whose alumni and former students have maintained close relationships with Hornet Nation.

This relationship with Hornet Nation can be seen through the legacy Marvin and his family have built. Through sons, daughters, cousins, nieces, nephews and now grandchildren who have earned and continue to earn degrees at ESU, Marvin has instilled the power of the Black and Gold. He was the youngest of three cousins—all grandchildren of Adolph and Lucy Holub of Marion County—who graduated from the university between 1962 and 1974. “Recognizing Marvin who has such deep ties to Emporia State is a special honor,” said Tyler Curtis, former executive director of Alumni Relations.

Tajchman and his wife Carol are the parents of three children: Angela Yates, Jason Tajchman and Scott Tajchman.