Robert W. ‘Bob’ Wise Honored For Over 60 Years Of Loyalty To McPherson College

At a grand opening celebration during Homecoming, U.S. Senator Jerry Moran joined McPherson College in announcing the name of the newest building on campus – The Wise Campus Commons. The name honors the longstanding and transformative support of the Robert W. “Bob” Wise family.

Bob Wise, a 1956 graduate of McPherson College, met and married his college sweetheart, Anita McSpadden, while attending McPherson College. He practiced law at Wise and Reber in McPherson for 60 years until his death in 2021.

Wise served the greater community and state as a trusted legal adviser, economic development advocate, and longtime supporter of McPherson College. Bob was actively involved in every McPherson College fundraising campaign starting in the 1960s, most recently the Building Community campaign, which secured over $1.5 billion in commitments to the college’s endowment.

Bob and Anita Wise have been instrumental in the recent growth at McPherson College that is reshaping higher education.

“Throughout his life, Bob Wise invested in those around him, leaving a legacy of kindness, humility and devotion to his community,” said Sen. Moran. “The Wise Campus Commons at McPherson College will serve as a reminder of the impact one person can have when they choose to devote their life to serving others. Congratulations to President Schneider and McPherson College leadership on this exciting addition. I look forward to the future successes that will occur on campus and in the community as a result.”

The Wise Campus Commons, a 55,000-square-foot facility, is the centerpiece of a larger expansion effort by the college, which has seen campus size increase by 20% since 2022. Nearly half of all existing campus buildings have been renovated, including all student residence halls, as well as the Holman Fieldhouse (home of Bulldog athletics), Melhorn Hall science labs, Mohler Hall classrooms, and computer labs across campus.

“Bob saw the highs and lows of McPherson College, yet over 60 years, his loyalty never wavered,” said McPherson College President Michael Schneider. “His humble approach left details of his actions hard to trace for the average observer. However, for two decades I had the privilege of working with Bob, and I can tell you the impact of his legacy is unmatched. We are proud that the signature building on our campus will bear his name so everyone will know of his impact.”

Beyond expanding dining and student gathering spaces, the Wise Campus Commons is home to several key student-focused areas, including the Elmer O. Dalke Center for Career and Experiential Learning, including the Student Debt Project, the Peoples Bank Welcome Center for prospective students, the Gooden Mulch Center for Student Collaboration, and one-stop enrollment services aimed at enhancing the student experience.

The building’s “prairie-inspired” design pays tribute to its Kansas roots, featuring a bright, glassy atrium that showcases two classic cars suspended from the ceiling — a nod to the college’s nationally recognized Automotive Restoration program. Dondlinger Construction of Wichita, who have built and managed some of the most notable projects in Kansas, served as the general contractor for the project.

The McPherson College campus community gathered today in the Campus Commons for the traditional Opening Convocation, where President Michael Schneider welcomed students and thanked those who made the new space possible.

In welcoming the more than 360 new students, President Schneider highlighted some of the unique qualities they bring to campus — including interesting work experience, academic achievements, and meaningful service involvement.

“Finding the right fit wasn’t about picking a school for you,” he said. “It was about finding a place that reflects your values. You are making a significant investment, but please remember that the people you see around today — faculty, staff, and donors — are also making a significant investment in you.”

President Schneider recognized the significant donors who supported the Campus Commons project, including Peoples Bank and Trust, the Mingenback Foundation, Saint Stephens of Kansas Charitable Trust, the Dalke Charitable Foundation, Melanie and Richard Lundquist, Dr. Jack Melhorn, and Dr. Barbara Gooden Mulch.

Following the convocation, all attendees enjoyed a lunch sponsored by Beck Design, the architectural firm that designed the new building.

The new Campus Commons at McPherson College is part of a larger expansion effort by the college, which has seen campus size increase by 20% with nearly half of all existing buildings renovated since 2022. These renovations include all student residence halls, as well as athletic facilities, science labs, general education classrooms, and computer labs.

“Since moving into the new space, it has been rewarding to see all the student activity taking place here,” said President Schneider. “The Campus Commons serves as a template for future campus building projects. If the students’ enthusiasm for this building is any indication, future projects are going to be just as exciting.”

The public will have an opportunity to tour the new building at a Grand Opening event on Saturday, September 27, at 10 a.m. during the college’s Homecoming weekend.

During a ribbon-cutting and car-unveiling ceremony on July 24, Dondlinger Construction of Wichita presented McPherson College with a $125,000 gift to support student activities and programs. The company served as the general contractor for the Campus Commons — a 55,000-square-foot hub for student services and the centerpiece of a major campus update.

“Dondlinger Construction played a critical role in bringing our vision for the Campus Commons to life,” McPherson College President Michael Schneider said. “Their team brought the highest level of professionalism and craftsmanship to the project. We are grateful for their partnership on this project and for their commitment and support of the college long after the project is finished.”

In addition to overseeing construction, Dondlinger planned and implemented the custom rigging system used to suspend two classic automobiles from the building’s three-story atrium. The first car, a 1972 Ferrari 365 GTB/4 Daytona, was unveiled during the ceremony. A second car, a 1956 Austin Healey 100M Le Mans Roadster, was installed later. As the only college in the U.S. offering a four-year degree in automotive restoration, it is fitting for the college to showcase classic automobiles in its new flagship building.

Beyond expanding dining and student gathering spaces, the Campus Commons houses a center for career and experiential learning, including the Student Debt Project, as well as a Welcome Center for prospective students and one-stop enrollment services to enhance student support.

The Campus Commons is part of a larger expansion effort by the college, which has seen campus size increase by 20% since 2022. Nearly half of all existing campus buildings have been renovated, including all student residence halls, as well as athletic facilities, science labs, general education classrooms, and computer labs.

The gift was presented on behalf of Dondlinger Construction by company president Tom Dondlinger, along with project executive Troy Kapels, project manager Jared Woody, assistant project manager Zach Newell, superintendent Richard Scovel, and many other members of the project and leadership team.

“It’s incredibly rewarding to be a sponsor for McPherson College’s new campus commons facility and witness the genuine enthusiasm it has generated across campus—from administration and faculty to the students themselves,” said Troy Kapels, Dondlinger vice president. “The energy and excitement surrounding this new space clearly demonstrates its potential to transform campus life and strengthen the college community. We’re thrilled to be part of this meaningful project and look forward to our continued partnership with McPherson College for many years to come.”

McPherson College officially opened its new student center – the Campus Commons – with a ribbon-cutting ceremony on July 24. As part of the event, a rare 1972 Ferrari 365 GTB/4 Daytona was lifted to the ceiling of the atrium, where it will serve as a striking centerpiece of this landmark building. The multi-level, 55,000-square-foot building features new dining options, a coffee shop, campus store, student collaboration and lounge spaces. As the only college in the U.S. offering a four-year degree in automotive restoration, it was fitting for McPherson College to showcase a unique classic automobile in its new building.

The Daytona Ferrari, ranked by MotorTrend as the second greatest Ferrari of all-time, was donated in 2022 by California’s Dr. Richard Lundquist, a Giving Pledge philanthropist, real estate developer, car collector, and McPherson College Trustee. Lundquist, the chief executive officer of Continental Development Corporation and one of California’s most respected real estate owners and developers, along with his wife Melanie, have been longtime supporters of the college, having committed $50 million.

The Ferrari is one of the last models manufactured by Ferrari before the company founder and namesake, Enzo Ferrari, sold the company to Fiat. The two-seat grand tourer was designed by Pininfarina and built by Carrozzeria Scaglietti.

“I am honored that my Daytona will be the first car to hang from the ceiling of Campus Commons,” said Richard Lundquist. “McPherson College and I have collectively owned this Ferrari Daytona for over fifty years. There is no greater home for this car than at McPherson College – and I am pleased that the students here can enjoy the car as much as I have. I also look forward to the day when my car is replaced by another, allowing McPherson students in the automotive restoration program the opportunity to meticulously restore the Ferrari.”

McPherson College is recognized for its automotive restoration program, which is producing the next generation of automotive restorers. Graduates secure positions at some of the world’s top car collectors, museums, and restoration companies. Their students won second in class in the 2023 Pebble Beach Concours d’Elegance with an entirely student-restored 1953 Mercedes-Benz 300S Cabriolet.

The new Campus Commons at McPherson College is part of a larger expansion effort by the college, which has seen campus size increase by 20% with nearly half of all existing buildings renovated since 2022. These renovations include all student dormitories, as well as athletic facilities, science labs, general education classrooms, and computer labs.

“This is a historic day for McPherson College. We have been rapidly expanding our campus to give students the best possible experience, and the Campus Commons will serve as a vibrant hub for our community,” said McPherson College President Michael Schneider. “I am grateful to Richard and Melanie Lundquist for their continued generosity and support. When Richard donated his favorite classic car to McPherson College, he helped me fulfill my promise that someday there would be a Ferrari in our automotive restoration program.”

In addition to the added dining and student amenities, Campus Commons will include a center for career and experiential learning, including the Student Debt Project, as well as a welcome center for prospective students and one-stop enrollment service to better serve students.

The construction was completed by Dondlinger Construction, a Wichita-based construction company who have built and managed some of the most notable projects in Kansas since 1898.

The Campus Commons’ “prairie-inspired” design is a homage to its Kansas roots, featuring a bright, glassy atrium that connects all three floors and showcases the Ferrari, honoring the college’s Automotive Restoration program. The exterior of the building blends glass, metal, and wood with stone stair towers.

Watch a time-lapse video of the car getting raised in the new building here: