FHDC Foundation
The Flint Hills Discovery Center (FHDC) Foundation will recognize Carl and Mary Ice as their 2025 Friend of the Flint Hills at their annual spring event on Friday, April 11.
“It’s an honor to introduce and recognize our 2025 Friend of the Flint Hills. Kansans, Carl and Mary Ice, have demonstrated in many ways their love for the Flint Hills by not only owning and preserving a part of the prairie but in their support of the Flint Hills Discovery Center to help future generations understand the history and vital role our tall grass prairie continues to play”, said Foundation President Lyle Butler.
The FHDC Foundation has given the “Friend of the Flint Hills” award to an individual, couple, non-government organization or public institution each year since 2012. The award honors significant time, effort and resources devoted to the cause of conserving the Flint Hills of Kansas and northern Oklahoma.
Carl and Mary, both Kansas State University graduates, have a true passion for protecting and conserving the region and the ecosystem.
Carl, now retired, built a distinguished career with BNSF Railway. He began his career in the railroad industry with Santa Fe Railway after graduating from the College of Engineering. Over his years at Santa Fe, Carl held many roles in Operations, Finance, and the Information Systems departments before being named Vice President of Administration. In 1995, when Santa Fe merged with Burlington Northern, Carl remained in his position. He was promoted to Senior Vice President of Operations in 1999, where he remained before assuming the company presidency in 2010.
Mary, a graduate of the College of Health and Human Sciences, earned her master’s degree from the College of Education. Over the years, she worked as a substitute teacher and volunteered in the various communities where they lived. Improving the lives of others is her life’s passion and for this work, she has been recognized and honored by several organizations that support education.
Outside of their professional achievements, they both contribute time and philanthropic support to their communities and region. Carl served as the Chair of both the Kansas State University Foundation and Cotton Bowl Athletic Association. He currently serves on the Salvation Army National Advisory board and the American Royal. Carl has received numerous accolades over the years including being lauded as “Railroader of the Year” by Railway Age Magazine in 2016, being honored by Kansas State University with the naming of the Carl R. Ice College of Engineering in 2018, and being inducted into the Kansas Business Hall of Fame in October 2023.
Mary is an advocate, supporter, and volunteer for Cats Cupboard Advisory Council. She serves on the board of Directors of the Kansas Chapter of The Nature Conservancy. The Freedoms Frontier National Historic Area executive committee, Ahearn’s Advisory Council, Kansas State University’s Foundation Board of Trustees, and is this year’s Symphony in the Flint Hills Chair. She has also recently joined the Flint Hills Discovery Center Foundation board.
Together, Carl and Mary were the major benefactors to the Prairie Playscape, the newly renovated children’s exhibit, which opened in May 2022 at the Flint Hills Discovery Center.
“The Ice’s generous gift towards the Prairie Playscape contributed to the complete renovation and upgrade of the second-floor children’s area. Thus, allowing very young children the opportunity to experience and learn about the basics of the tall grass prairie in a fun age-appropriate environment”, said Lyle Butler.
To learn more about the Friend of the Flint Hills April 11 event, please contact Foundation Director, Lesley White at fhdcfoundation1@gmail.com or 785-748-1275 or visit https://secure.qgiv.com/for/flinthillsdiscoverycenterfoundation/event/fotfh25/.
