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McPherson College Announces New Director of Athletics

Josh Daume, athletic director McPherson College announces Josh Daume will join the Bulldog Athletic Department as the new director of athletics. Daume has 20 years of experience in NCAA Division I athletics.

“I look forward to welcoming Josh to McPherson College,” said McPherson College President Michael Schneider. “He has a great deal of experience as an administrator and understands the important elements of leading a successful athletic program.”

Daume currently serves as the senior associate athletic director for compliance at Arkansas State University, a position he has held since April 2019. He works closely with the financial aid, admissions, housing, and registrar’s offices, serving as the primary liaison for athletics. In addition to running a comprehensive Division I compliance program, he serves as the sports administrator for the men’s golf, women’s volleyball, and women’s bowling programs. Arkansas State is a highly competitive member of the Sun Belt Conference, winning the 2019-2020 Bubas Cup, the all-sports championship trophy for the conference.

While at ASU, Daume implemented software providing student-athletes access to online, anonymous reporting related to Title IX, NCAA compliance, social justice, and other issues affecting student-athletes. He is a member of the NCAA International Student Records Committee and assisted implementation of a NIL education program to help student-athletes understand the NCAA rules and Arkansas state laws.

“It’s an honor to be named the next athletics director at McPherson College,” Daume said. “When the position came open, I knew it was something I was interested in, and after doing some research, it became clear that McPherson was a tremendous opportunity. Throughout the process, the alignment between the president and the athletics department was apparent, which is necessary for any department to succeed. There is a great staff in place, and the student-athletes I had an opportunity to meet are hungry for success. Most importantly, we will continue building a program where student-athletes have a well-rounded experience, complete their degrees, and represent the college in a first-class manner.”

Daume will begin working on campus on June 1.

Before ASU, he served more than 12 years as the associate athletic director for compliance at the University of Texas at San Antonio. He worked as the Internal Operations Coordinator at Texas State from 2004-07 and was a graduate assistant at Texas A&M in 2004.

Daume is a native of Burkburnett, Texas, and earned a bachelor’s degree in kinesiology from Midwestern State in 2002 and a master’s degree in sport management from Texas A&M in 2004. He has been an active high school football official for over 20 years and officiated in the Lone Star Conference (NCAA Division II) for six years.

He and his wife, Leah, have a son.

“My wife and I are excited to get to McPherson and get to know the community,” Daume said. “We’ve heard great things about living there and can’t wait to get started.”

McPherson College Meets Goals In One-Day Giving Blitz

Powering Today

McPherson College’s Power Day 2023 met all the goals set for the annual online giving day, raising $330,000 for scholarships and programs. In its ninth year, more than 350 alumni and friends of the college made gifts that helped unlock five matching challenges that totaled over $90,000.

This year’s matching challenges included:

  • $50,000 from the Paul Family for the MC Fund and academics
  • $12,500 from Young Alumni
  • $10,000 from Jeff Slagle for Automotive Restoration
  • $10,000 from Equity Bank for Athletics
  • $10,000 from the Board of Trustees

“Power Day is not only a day of giving but a time for the McPherson College community to celebrate and remember what McPherson College means to us,” Dave Barrett, director of Power Day, said. “This is the place where many of us were allowed to grow, learn life lessons both in and out of the classroom, and meet forever friends. Power Day is an opportunity for our alumni and friends to make an investment in the next generation of MC students, allow them to have their own unique MC experience, and recognize what makes this place so special.”

The one-day giving blitz featured live and pre-recorded video messages throughout the day on the college’s social media channels and website. Leading up to Power Day, alumni were encouraged to share stories about the community they built at McPherson College that continues today.

“I had the privilege of playing basketball at Mac with two amazing people who became lifelong friends,” said Angelina Froese, a 2009 graduate. “That’s what McPherson College’s environment does, introduces you to great people and encourages its students to build relationships. For that, I’ll forever be grateful I chose McPherson College and be proud to be a Bulldog.”

Although the focus of Power Day is online giving, Barrett said it is also a day to reconnect with friends and communicate why it is important to support the next generation of students through scholarships.

“As we look to continue our tradition of successful fundraising, it will take all levels of donor support,” President Michael Schneider said. “Power Day is one demonstration of our alumni and friends stepping up to make an immediate impact on our students through robust scholarships and innovative programs like the Student Debt Project.”

More information about Power Day, including all the day’s videos, can be found at www.mcpherson.edu/power.

Peoples Bank and Trust Pledges $500,000 To Major McPherson College Building Project

Campus Commons - Welcome Center concept

A McPherson business with deep roots in the community is making a significant investment in McPherson College’s most ambitious building campaign. Peoples Bank and Trust has committed $500,000 toward the college’s signature building project – the Campus Commons. In appreciation of the gift, the third-floor Welcome Center in the building will be named the People’s Bank and Trust Welcome Center.

Peoples Bank and Trust’s pledge propels McPherson College closer to completing fundraising for the Campus Commons. The bank’s pledge also boosts McPherson College toward securing a $2 million challenge grant from the J.E. and L.E. Mabee Foundation.

“This gift recognizes the special relationship between McPherson College and Peoples Bank and Trust,” said McPherson College President Michael Schneider. “It’s fitting that the gift comes during the bank’s 125th anniversary and supports a project that will have a lasting impact on our community.”

Once completed, the Campus Commons will stand as one of the most prominent buildings in McPherson, serving students, employees, and community members. The 55,000-square-foot building will serve as the beating heart of student life on campus, providing a state-of-the-art event venue, service hub, and place to grab a bite—while passing through a three-story atrium with classic cars on display, celebrating McPherson’s one-of-a-kind Automotive Restoration degree program. “The Commons” will be a true signature facility that will accommodate McPherson College’s growth and provide a new “front door” to the campus and a welcome to the city of McPherson.

“We are extremely pleased to partner with McPherson College on their Campus Commons project,” said Tom Pruitt, president and CEO of Peoples Bank and Trust. “We have worked alongside McPherson College since the bank began in 1898.  Our founder, F.A. Vaniman established a relationship with the college when he moved to town and began Peoples State Bank.  That relationship has continued to grow over the past 125 years. We are very excited for the impact the new Campus Commons project will have on the college, as well as the community.”

The gift is part of the successful $60 million Building Community comprehensive campaign, which is the catalyst of the college’s largest-ever investment in new buildings in its 135-year history. In addition to new structures, nearly half of the $60 million in new funding will directly support educational initiatives on campus, such as student scholarships, Health Science, Automotive Restoration, and other academic programs and growth areas.

Peoples Bank and Trust was founded in 1898 by F.A. Vaniman. The bank, known then as Peoples State Bank, was in downtown McPherson in the same location today. Over the years, the bank has supported McPherson College in various ways, a partnership that has reaped benefits for both organizations while serving the people of McPherson. Notably, in 1959 the Vaniman family home was donated to the college and used as a dormitory, and later as the McPherson Museum. In addition to the Vanimans, Sargent family members held prominent roles in the bank, with many attending and graduating from McPherson College. The Houghton family — current bank owners — have been highly involved with McPherson College by serving on its board of trustees and supporting the development of new academic programs.

McPherson College Recognizes Employees For Years Of Service

2023 Service Award honorees

The McPherson College community recently gathered to celebrate 18 employees and trustees for their years of service to the college with a reception, dinner, and awards program at the McPherson Community Building on March 3. The annual night of recognition celebrated the work of faculty, staff, and board of trustee members who have served the college from five to 35 years.

“The outstanding achievements and accomplishments by the honorees in the classroom, within individual departments, and in the McPherson community propel the college beyond being a great college to work for,” President Michael Schneider said. “These honorees facilitated world-class experiences for our students and it is in this deep sense of campus community where our students excel to be leaders of the future.”

Those honored included:

35 Years – Kim Stanley, professor of English

30 Years – Jonathan Frye, professor of natural science

20 Years – Ku-Sup Chin, professor of sociology; Dee Erway-Sherwood, professor of graphic design and program director of graphic design; Rod Gieselman, professor of business; Brian Lundberg, director of marketing

15 Years – Phil Schoenwetter, head athletic trainer

10 Years – Dara Dix, student financial services manager; Lorena Medrano, associate professor of Spanish; Kyle Hopkins, associate professor of music and director of bands

5 Years – Leslie Auman, custodian supervisor; Amelia Lutz, advancement services coordinator; Josh Nichols, head women’s basketball coach; Kelly Olson, admissions association and campus visit coordinator; Jennifer Pollard, assistant professor of theatre; Ricardo Rodriguez, assistant professor of physics

Board of Trustees – Kerri Kobbeman ‘97 and Les Shenefelt ‘69

Nation’s Top Automotive Industry Research Authority Partners With McPherson College Auto Restoration Program To Develop Mobility, Engineering Program

McPherson College will partner with the Center for Automotive Research (CAR) — considered the most respected research source in the automotive industry — on a study exploring the future of transportation and mobility to create a new engineering, design, and mobility program building on its existing Automotive Restoration program. Creating a national center for the future of engineering, design, and mobility is one of the key initiatives supported by the college’s $500 million double-match estate commitment.

The CAR study will examine a wide range of approaches to the future of mobility, including electrification, mobility ecosystem, urban planning, roadway design, and more, to create a dynamic curriculum for the new program.

“For decades, the Auto Restoration program at McPherson College has been offering a one-of-a-kind experience for students interested in the history and hands-on restoration of classic cars,” President Michael Schneider said. “We want to build from this unique program and offer students more opportunities based on what the future looks like for transportation and mobility. CAR will help ensure we move in the right direction.”

CAR, a non-profit organization based in Ann Arbor, Mich., is focused on the future direction of the global automotive industry. Its mission is to inform and advise through independent research, education, and dialogue, enabling a more viable and sustainable automotive ecosystem. CAR maintains close collaboration and relationships with automakers, suppliers, industry associations, government, non-profit, labor organizations, and educational institutions to provide leading, thought-provoking, and impactful research.

CAR specializes in connecting the needs of the automotive industry to what academic curriculums require to match those needs. This includes analyzing degree programs, evaluating student preparedness, and assessing facilities, classrooms, and equipment.

“CAR engages with academic institutions, automotive industry leaders, and municipal organizations to understand the required skills and competencies of the future workforce,” said Alan Amici, President and CEO of CAR. “Our findings will enable McPherson to create an academic program that meets the needs of students and employers in a rapidly changing environment. Today, there is a strong need for students to be involved with a company or project that benefits society. McPherson College recognizes this and values strong community engagement. We are excited to work with McPherson College to bring all these components together in developing this new program.”

The Auto Restoration program at McPherson College is 45 years old and recognized as the only program of its kind in the nation. It offers a bachelor’s degree in technology with an emphasis on automotive history, restoration management, automotive communications, restoration design, and automotive restoration technology. Students are immersed in the automotive industry through hands-on experiences and internships across the country and around the globe. Current students are restoring a 1953 Mercedes Benz 300 S Cabriolet to compete at the Pebble Beach Concours d’Elegance in August.

The CAR study will include benchmarking existing engineering programs at other colleges and universities, analyzing the engineering skills needed to succeed and lead in the future mobility ecosystem, and making recommendations for curriculum. CAR will also consider additional certification programs to supplement and enhance the new program. McPherson College will receive a final report at the end of May 2023.

To date, the college has raised close to $150 million of the $250 million needed to secure the $500 million match, including a $50 million commitment from Californian philanthropists and car enthusiasts Melanie and Richard Lundquist. To learn more about the $500 million two-for-one match applied to endowment donations and estate gift commitments made to McPherson College, visit www.mcpherson.edu/500match.

Global Research Powerhouse Teams Up With McPherson College To Expand Impact Of Student Debt Project

McPherson College has partnered with RTI International on an in-depth study and analysis of its pioneering Student Debt Project, one of the key initiatives supported by the $500 million double-match estate commitment recently announced by the college. The research project will advance the Student Debt Project and position McPherson College to expand its impact.

RTI International is an independent, nonprofit research institute with a staff of 6,000 people working in more than 90 countries, with headquarters in Research Triangle Park, North Carolina. RTI will examine the key features of the college’s Student Debt Project and its outcomes to date, resulting in a white paper that will outline potential opportunities and guide the college’s efforts to refine the model for both McPherson College and other institutions.

“We know that the Student Debt Project is having a positive impact on McPherson College students by engaging them in financial literacy mentoring,” President Michael Schneider said. “Our students are making substantial progress toward decreasing and, in some cases, eliminating student debt at graduation. RTI will provide an important independent analysis while at the same time suggesting ways that our Student Debt Project can benefit students beyond McPherson College.”

The college hopes to build on its experience and expand its work toward decreasing and eliminating college debt by creating a National Center on Student Debt Reduction. RTI will recommend activities to enhance the Student Debt Project at McPherson College while positioning the college to take a more significant national leadership role in lowering student debt.

In the five years since the project began, McPherson College has incrementally decreased its average student debt at graduation, achieving one of the lowest averages among four-year colleges and universities in Kansas. At the start of this academic year, half of all students were participating in the project. The project combines financial literacy education, work experience, and mentorship with matching funds in a pay-as-you-go program.  In addition to the benefits students receive, the college sees greater student retention of those who participate in the program.

“The Student Debt Project impacts students after graduation by helping decrease the amount of money they could be paying into their 20s, 30s, and beyond,” said Taylor Bohannon, a junior from Belle Plain, Kan. “The financial match for every payment you make is a huge help that adds up over time.”

According to President Schneider, McPherson College is committed to minimizing student reliance on loans. “The project is an idea that evolved from our Community by Design strategic plan, and it is making education affordable without unnecessary debt. We are grateful that the recent commitment made to the college’s endowment will ensure that this program continues for future generations of students.”

To date, the college has raised close to $150 million of the $250 million needed to secure the $500 million match, including a $50 million commitment from Californian philanthropists Melanie and Richard Lundquist. To learn more about the $500 million two-for-one match applied to endowment donations and estate gift commitments made to McPherson College, visit www.mcpherson.edu/500match.

McPherson College Establishes the Rob Walton Scholarship Fund

Rob and Melani Walton Foundation

$1 million gift will go toward $500 million match campaign

McPherson College has announced the creation of an endowed scholarship fund for students pursuing a degree in automotive restoration. The Rob Walton Scholarship Fund will focus on attracting and retaining the best students in the college’s unique automotive restoration program.

The $1 million gift from the Rob and Melani Walton Foundation will be supplemented by the two-for-one donor match announced by the college in November, resulting in $3 million for the McPherson College endowment. The anonymous double-match estate commitment of $500 million is the largest in the history of any liberal arts college in the United States.

“This grant helps us fulfill our mission of being the center of excellence for students serious about automotive restoration,” said McPherson College President Michael Schneider. “Students completing their degree from our program are the skilled craftsmen, technicians, historians, curators, managers, marketing and communication persons, and leaders necessary to preserve the classic car industry.”

The Waltons join the former host of The Tonight Show and car enthusiast Jay Leno in providing student scholarships for the program and continues the significant contributions toward the $500 million match recently announced by McPherson College.

“Driving and collecting vintage automobiles is a personal passion,” said Rob Walton. “We’re pleased to contribute to educating the next generation of car restorers and making college more affordable for McPherson students.”

The McPherson College automotive restoration program combines a liberal arts approach with hands-on craftsmanship that prepares students to be successful in a broad range of careers in the automotive industry. Graduates of the nation’s only accredited four-year bachelor’s degree program in automotive restoration go on to work for the biggest names in the automotive industry. Current students are restoring a 1953 Mercedes-Benz 300 S Cabriolet that will be entered in the renowned Pebble Beach Concours d’Elegance in 2023. The program has attracted the attention of industry leaders and car enthusiasts such as Richard Lundquist, who donated a 1972 Ferrari 365GTB/4 Daytona to the program.

Beyond offering one-of-a-kind educational opportunities, McPherson College is committed to helping students graduate with little to zero student debt. Its Student Debt Project utilizes financial literacy, mentoring, and matching funds to assist students working while attending college. So far, students in the program have reduced their projected debt at graduation by $12,000. Scholarships, like the Rob Walton Scholarship Fund, work in tandem with the Student Debt Project to help minimize the need for student and family educational loans.

To date, the college has raised over $130 million of the $250 million needed to secure the $500 million match, including a $50 million commitment from Californian philanthropists Melanie and Richard Lundquist. To learn more about the $500 million two-for-one match applied to endowment donations and estate gift commitments made to McPherson College, visit www.mcpherson.edu/500match.

 

McPherson College Announces Fall Horizon Fund Grant Recipients

For more than a decade, McPherson College has been encouraging the entrepreneurial ideas of its students by awarding mini-grants that help students develop innovative solutions to common problems. With more than 300 grants awarded, the college recently announced the latest recipients of the Horizon Fund Grants.

This fall, the Horizon Fund is providing grants to seven students with ideas ranging from organic skincare products to a website outlining the family tree of the automobile. The individual grants range from $100 to $500, and students can reapply for continued funding of existing Horizon fund Grant projects.

Abbey Archer-Rierson, chief of staff and head of the entrepreneurship program at McPherson College, said, “The Horizon Fund Grant is just one of many ways McPherson College demonstrates its commitment to entrepreneurship and supports entrepreneurial students on our campus. The grants have supported a variety of wildly creative ideas, and this most recent round of funding is no exception.”

Recipients of the fall 2022 Horizon Fund Grants are:

  • Hunter Jones, sports studies, Halletsville, Texas – photography/streaming business – “I love photographing nature and sports. I am a streamer on Twitch and oversee social media for the disc golf club. I’d like to start my own photography page and business.”
  • Owen Sutherland, sociology, Los Angeles – certified track and field coach and personal trainer – “I want to gain as much knowledge as possible so I can give athletes and people I work with the best experience in learning about themselves.”
  • Alexandria Goodloe, studio arts, Kansas City, Kan. – organic skincare for people of color – “I want to meet the need of having skincare products that are made for people of color. My products would be more organic and not use harsh chemicals that are found in other products.”
  • Brandi Satterfield, health science, Bellevue, Neb. – relaxation room – “I’d like to create a space to quiet the mind and enhance inner guidance. I’d offer relaxing massage, guided meditation, breathing exercises, Tai Chi, meal planning, or just provide a quiet environment for reflection.”
  • Matt Mahan, auto restoration management, Topeka, Kan. – photography equipment – “I currently photograph cars of McPherson College students and plan on becoming a professional photographer after graduation. I want to continue providing professional-quality photoshoots to my peers for free.”
  • Immanuel Newsome, business, Oklahoma City, Okla. – produce audiobooks – “Due to the pandemic, people have been looking for ways to better themselves while being in the comfort of their homes. My audiobooks would help those looking to improve themselves without having to read a book.”
  • Khanhvy Ta, graphic design marketing, Wichita, Kan. – photography/videography business – “I want to start a business with reasonable prices that target athletes who want to feel the energy of their talents.”

McPherson College “Breaks Ground” For New Campus Commons

Campus Commons groundbreaking ceremony

In a ceremony during halftime of the Bulldog football game on Saturday, Nov. 5, President Michael Schneider and his guests “broke ground” to signal the beginning of the Campus Commons building. With its location on Kansas Avenue, the Campus Commons will create a symbolic new “front door” for the campus.

Others participating in the groundbreaking ceremony included California philanthropists Richard and Melanie Lundquist, who announced on Friday, Nov. 4 that in addition to their initial gift of $25 million made last May, they would be donating another $25 million to the college.

The Campus Commons grew out of McPherson College’s Community by Design strategic plan is the culmination of input from students, faculty, staff, and board of trustees over several years. It will serve as the heart of student life on campus providing a one-stop-shop for enrollment and student services. It will feature a welcome center for prospective students and special events; dining and casual meeting spaces; collaboration spaces and offices; and the Dalke Center for Career and Experiential Learning. The 55,000-square-foot Commons will provide for the college’s growing physical needs. Construction of the new building is expected to begin in the spring.

The groundbreaking comes one day after the college announced a historic commitment of $500 million to its endowment. Over time, the anonymous double-match estate commitment will allow the college to reimagine and reinvent its campus while it pursues initiatives that enhance the student experience including continuation of the Student Debt Project, a new campus master plan, and development of the Kansas Center for Rural & Community Health Science and the National Center for the Future of Engineering, Design & Mobility. Information about this transformational commitment is at mcpherson.edu/500match.

McPherson College Announces Transformative $500 Million Commitment, Largest Gift to a Small Liberal Arts College in U.S. History

Michael Schneider at press conference

Anonymous estate gift will support construction of several new buildings, a rural and community health center, reduction in student debt and other initiatives.

McPherson College, a Kansas liberal arts college known for its one-of-a-kind Automotive Restoration Technology degree program, announced today it has received the largest single commitment to a small liberal arts college in the United States. The anonymous double-match estate commitment is worth $500 million and over time will allow the college to reimagine and reinvent its campus while it pursues initiatives that enhance the student experience. McPherson College offers more than 30 undergraduate degree programs to its more than 800 students, representing 33 states and seven countries.

McPherson College President Michael Schneider announced the commitment to its endowment at a press conference today at the Kansas Leadership Center in Wichita. Also speaking were United States Senator Jerry Moran and Giving Pledge Signatory and California philanthropist Melanie Lundquist—representing the anonymous donor.

As part of the “double-match” estate gift, the anonymous donor will contribute two dollars for every dollar given by others, up to $500 million to the college’s endowment. The anonymous donor can opt to pay over time, or the total is due in full upon their death.  The college has until June 30, 2023 to meet this target, and is well on its way having raised $130 million to date. If the goal of raising $250 million is met, the donor will contribute $500 million, resulting in a total of $750 million into McPherson College’s endowment.

“This is an unprecedented show of support not just for McPherson College but also for America’s small, liberal arts colleges,” said Schneider. “I am indescribably grateful to our anonymous donor for giving McPherson College the resources to implement our expansive strategic plan and truly create the student-first campus of the future. We must reimagine the campus, just like we’ve reimagined the workplace in the last two years, and do it without burdening our students with more debt. I am also grateful to our faculty, staff, Board of Trustees, and my cabinet, whose encouragement and guidance are a source of inspiration.” Schneider graduated from McPherson College with honors in 1996 and became president in 2009.

The $500 million will support the college’s Community by Design strategic plan, including four initiatives:

  • Continuation of the pioneering Student Debt Project, which provides matching funds for students who hold jobs while attending school;
  • East McPherson, the new campus master plan including the 55,000 square foot Campus Commons student life center, which breaks ground tomorrow, the Boiler House recreation and social space, and the Holman Center for Athletics;
  • The Kansas Center for Rural & Community Health Science;
  • The National Center for the Future of Engineering, Design & Mobility.

“McPherson College is important to the success of our state, and these generous donations will not only help the college continue to grow, but it will also greatly benefit the McPherson community,” said U.S. Senator Jerry Moran (Kan.). “When donors are willing to invest so much, it proves the college is doing something right, and I appreciate their understanding of how vital institutions like this are to our local communities and the nation. McPherson College has seen tremendous growth over the past decade, in large part because of the investments made in both its students and the community. Under the leadership of President Schneider, McPherson College identifies the community’s needs and prepares its students to step into these roles immediately following graduation. I look forward to joining President Schneider to announce the fulfillment of this $500 million match and to seeing the bright future McPherson College has ahead.”

Today’s historic announcement was in part catalyzed by a $25 million multi-year commitment in May from philanthropists Melanie and Richard Lundquist, which was the Lundquists’ first significant donation outside of their California home and their first gift in higher education. At the press conference, Melanie Lundquist announced an additional $25 million gift to McPherson College, bringing their total commitment to $50 million.  Richard Lundquist joined McPherson College’s Board of Trustees earlier this year.

“It is a huge honor for my husband Richard and me to represent the donor and make an additional investment in a truly special place, McPherson College,” said Melanie Lundquist. “Small liberal arts colleges like McPherson create nurturing ecosystems that foster creativity and innovation. Meaningful philanthropy can help solidify a small college’s future. We are excited to double down on the magic happening on the Plains. We encourage other philanthropists to follow our lead and take advantage of the 2:1 match – there’s no greater return on investment in higher education.”

Since 2018, McPherson College has operated the Student Debt Project, which provides matching funds for students who hold jobs while attending McPherson College. McPherson College has been able to buck the tide of student debt and play a small part in giving students a less stressful future, with 30% of all students in the Student Debt Project projecting zero debt at graduation.

The new campus master plan is a rare opportunity to reimagine an established college and create a campus of the future. At the heart of it, the Campus Commons will serve as the center of student life on campus, providing a state-of-the-art event venue, service hub and place to grab a bite. It was intentionally designed for the way students live and study on a 21st century campus. The Boiler House is an imaginative reuse of McPherson’s existing utility building to create an entirely new campus gathering point that provides indoor and outdoor space to socialize and collaborate, and the Holman Center for Athletics—an expansion of the existing sports facility—will give McPherson’s teams a modernized venue.

With the Center for Rural & Community Health, McPherson College is responding to extreme demand for healthcare professionals, especially in rural areas of Kansas. This program started in 2019 with a partnership between McPherson College and other community health organizations, and today’s announcement will allow the college to significantly expand its offerings, allow students to engage with a much broader spectrum of health fields, and will support scholarships to make this program accessible to more students.

McPherson College’s Automotive Restoration Technology degree program has received national acclaim and earned the support of car collectors, including icon Jay Leno, and its students hope to compete at one of the automotive world’s signature events, the Concours d’Elegance at Pebble Beach, Calif. next year. The program has inspired the college’s future growth—exploring areas like engineering, design and mobility. With this donation, McPherson College plans a new automotive collection facility with climate-controlled areas to store, display and maintain classic cars, and give students state-of-the-art equipment to enhance auto restoration programming.

“The gifts announced today will transform students’ lives. McPherson College provides me with an unparalleled learning environment where I can cultivate my skill set and build a solid foundation for my future career. Because of my time at McPherson, I know I will make a difference in the world,” said senior Victoria Bruno, who spoke at today’s press conference.