A Life in Service: Bobby K鈥檚 Journey of Purpose and Community
Robert Kramarik, Jr. 鈥� better known as Bobby K in the community 鈥� has always believed in the power of local roots. Born and raised in Elmira, Bob鈥檚 connection to his hometown has been the cornerstone of both his personal and professional journey. His time at Corning Community College was just the beginning of a path that would span decades of service, creativity, and leadership, all centered around giving back to the community he holds so dear.
In 1978, Bob graduated from CCC with an Associate in Arts degree in Humanities, completing his studies in just one year by taking college credit courses while still in high school, along with summer and winter sessions. That early start set the stage for what would become a lifelong journey of education, broadcasting, and community engagement.
From CCC, he transferred seamlessly to Buffalo State College, where he completed degrees in Broadcasting and Education. 鈥淲CEB, the college radio station at CCC, was my introduction to a career in radio,鈥� Bob recalls. 鈥淎nd serving on the Student Senate showed me all the opportunities available at CCC鈥攊t inspired me to stay engaged in my community later in life.鈥�
After earning his degrees, Bob embarked on a dynamic and overlapping career in both education and broadcasting. He began working in radio locally before heading to Buffalo, where he continued his on-air work while also teaching for five years. His broadcasting career, which began at CCC, allowed him to connect with audiences on a personal level, sharing his voice and enthusiasm across the airwaves. But Bob鈥檚 journey didn鈥檛 stop there.
In 1984, he founded Bobby K Entertainment as a used and new record store in Elmira Heights, New York. From the very beginning, mobile entertainment was a part of the offering, providing disc jockeys for local bars and nightclubs. The business evolved into entertaining for school dances, private parties, and wedding receptions. Company parties became a major part of summer business, and due to growing demand, Bobby K added interactive novelties. From that point, interest in the product mix exploded. After decades of leadership, Bob passed the business on to his son, Bobby Kramarik III.
Though technically retired, he shows no signs of slowing down鈥攃ontinuing to lend his expertise as a consultant for the LECOM Event Center, where his passion for supporting the entertainment and recreational options available to downtown Elmira and the Southern Tier continues to thrive.
Though Bob鈥檚 professional accomplishments are impressive, it鈥檚 his community involvement that truly defines him. 鈥淚 am very proud to be involved in the community I live in,鈥� he says. He currently serves on the boards of the Arctic League and Eldridge Park, where he is a Past President of both organizations. These roles are just a few examples of his lifelong commitment to making Elmira a better place.
Bob has also been an active member of the Elmira Kiwanis Club for over 35 years, which has served as a springboard for many of his other community involvements. 鈥淚鈥檝e been fortunate to serve in many capacities,鈥� he shares. 鈥淭his job is more than just work鈥攊t鈥檚 about supporting the community I love.鈥�
His commitment to service extends far beyond official titles. Bob regularly speaks to high school students about the importance of being invested in the places they call home. 鈥淲hen people ask, 鈥榃ho鈥檚 going to fix this or change this?鈥� the answer is YOU. 鈥楽omebody should do something鈥� points right back to us.鈥�
Bob鈥檚 dedication to community service has not gone unnoticed. He is a proud recipient of the Jefferson Award, an honor recognizing individuals for their outstanding contributions to public service. Despite his success, Bob is most proud of his children, who continue the family tradition of community engagement. 鈥淢y children are all involved in their own ways to help build our community,鈥� he says. 鈥淭hey are my greatest accomplishment.鈥�
Bob鈥檚 unwavering dedication to service has been recognized by CCC as well. In 2008, he was honored with the Parsons Community Service Award at the Reflections Alumni Awards Ceremony. Named for Frederick W. Parsons, Jr., the first Chairman of the SUNY CCC Board of Trustees, this award celebrates alumni who demonstrate exceptional volunteerism and civic involvement. The recognition reflected Bob鈥檚 decades of hands-on service, leadership, and tireless efforts to uplift the community鈥攓ualities that continue to define his legacy today.
Looking back on his time at CCC, Bob credits the College with helping him see the bigger picture. 鈥淐CC opened my eyes to the opportunities out there. Without my education there, I might never have pursued any of the careers I ended up loving.鈥� For those considering their own educational journey, Bob has simple yet powerful advice: 鈥淐CC is an affordable way to explore different interests. It鈥檚 okay not to know where life will take you. Use the time to look, learn, and experience as much as you can.鈥�
For Bob, it all comes full circle鈥攖he education, the community involvement, and the entertainment career. It鈥檚 all part of a life well-lived, guided by the belief that where you live, you give, and that the change we seek in the world often begins with us.