Bob and Wilma Bowline, Lawrence, were recently awarded the Distinguished Service Award from Ottawa University.

Wilma Bowline lists construction of First Baptist Church on Kasold Drive as one of the more meaningful accomplishments she has been a part of as a volunteer.

For her husband, Bob, it was satisfying just “sitting along the sidelines” and watching his wife lead the committee that decided to move the church from its historic spot at Eighth and Kentucky streets more than three decades ago.

“To bring the whole congregation together was no easy task,” he said. “It was just fun to watch her work.”

While the church project tops the list, it is far from the only community accomplishment the two have played a role in as volunteers in Lawrence.

Since moving to town in 1970, the couple have volunteered with more than 20 organizations.

Last weekend, Ottawa University honored the two for their service to the church and community with the Distinguished Service Award.

Bob, 80, graduated from Ottawa University in 1950, and Wilma, 75, graduated in 1953.

The award, which was established by the alumni association in 1974, is granted no more than two times a year.

“I was proud, honored and surprised – in reverse order,” Wilma said.

Both retired, Wilma taught at Kansas University for 23 years in the speech, language and hearing department, while Bob worked for 33 years at Hallmark Cards and was human resources director at the production plant in Lawrence.

Bob said being involved in community activities was part of his role at Hallmark and something that carried on long after he retired.

Today, he is on the boards for Salvation Army and Warm Hearts. He also is involved in planning and fundraising for a new building for the Lawrence Community Theatre. And he still faithfully attends Lawrence Chamber of Commerce ribbon-cutting ceremonies for new businesses.

“If you live long enough and are open to that sort of thing, you just wind up having been involved in a lot of things,” he said.

Bob and Wilma’s volunteerism reflects an affection for the arts. The two have volunteered at the Spencer Museum of Art, and Wilma said their “home away from home” is the Lied Center.

Along with her work with the church, Wilma has volunteered at the Lawrence Visitor Center and on the board of KU Friends of the Theatre.

“You do what you can and you want to make good use of your time,” she said.