McPherson College “Breaks Ground” For New Campus Commons
Posted On: November 7, 2022 By: MC Admin
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
Posted On: November 4, 2022 By: MC Admin
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.
McPherson College Impact Estimated To Be $44.1 Million
Posted On: October 26, 2022 By: MC Admin
Kansas Independent College Association today released the results of a study that estimates the impact of McPherson College on the statewide economy to be $44.1 million.
McPherson College President Michael Schneider said, “Our faculty and staff are committed to our mission and the success of our students, it’s why we have been recognized as a ‘Great College to Work For’ for the last eight years. Beyond our commitment to students, it is also important to remember that McPherson College plays a vital role in both the state and the regional economies. Our operations and the economic activity generated by our faculty, staff, and students touch virtually every corner of our local economy.”
The study was conducted by Parker Philips, a nationally recognized consulting firm specializing in economic impact analysis. Nichole Parker, a principal partner at Parker Philips, said, “Economic impact is an objective way to measure the significance of an organization in the regional economy. McPherson College clearly is a major contributor to the regional economy.”
In the analysis, the study considered the direct spending on operations, pay, benefits, and capital projects by McPherson College and the estimated increase in demand for goods and services in industry sectors that supply or support the college. The study also measured the effect of student spending and the induced effect of increased household income.
According to the study, a key result of this activity is that McPherson College supports and sustains 320 jobs including direct employment by the college as well as indirect and induced jobs created by supply and equipment vendors, contractors, and laborers for the construction and renovation of facilities, and jobs created in the community at hotels, restaurants, and retail stores in support of the college’s faculty, staff, students, and visitors.
The study also calculated tax revenues generated by this level of economic activity, including sales, property, personal income, and corporate income taxes. The study concluded that McPherson College generates about $2.6 million in tax revenues for state and local government. Of the $2.6 million, $1.1 million was generated in local taxes.
According to the report, each year, McPherson College alumni generate $69.5 million in economic output for the Kansas community, support and sustain 437 jobs, and contribute $4.3 million in state and local taxes. Said President Schneider, “McPherson College makes a long-term contribution to the regional economy with every graduating class because the productivity improvements from higher education last for the worker’s entire career. And, our graduates are career-ready. Each year two-thirds of our graduating class have secured a job, graduate school placement, or military service before Commencement.”
Statewide, all private, nonprofit colleges and universities, including all 20 members, plus the spending of its faculty, staff, and students, had a total statewide economic impact of $1.1 billion. This activity generated an estimated 8,269 jobs in the state.
Dr. Paul W. Hoffman, 90, McPherson College president from 1976 to 1996, passed away on September 30, 2022, in McPherson, Kan. Serving as the college’s 11th president, Dr. Hoffman provided sound financial and organizational leadership overseeing three successful fundraising campaigns, several buildings and grounds projects, and providing mentorship for generations of staff and students.
“Dr. Hoffman was a mentor and friend to many who attended or worked at McPherson College during his tenure,” said McPherson College President Michael Schneider. “His 20-year career at McPherson College was filled with many accomplishments and his service to the college and Church of the Brethren is unprecedented. He offered me great support in my role at the college.”
A memorial service will be held at 2 p.m. on Saturday, October 8, at McPherson Church of the Brethren. The family will receive friends at the Stockham Family Funeral Home in McPherson on Friday, October 7, from 5 to 7 p.m.
Dr. Hoffman obtained degrees from Manchester College, Bethany Seminary, University of Michigan, and Purdue University. He spent his life in service and was known as a pastor, educator, administrator, philosopher, theologian, counselor, pilot, farmer, athlete, and coach.
Before coming to McPherson College, Dr. Hoffman served as a pastor for the Church of the Brethren and was dean of students at Manchester University for 14 years. In 1976, he moved to McPherson to serve as president of the college. He had the longest tenure of any sitting college or university president in Kansas at the time of his retirement. The Dr. Paul Hoffman Student Union at McPherson College was named in his honor in 1998.
He is survived by his wife, Joanna Begerow Hoffman of McPherson; son-in-law, John Wagoner, McPherson; son Dan and Dawn (Robbins) Hoffman, McPherson; son John and Sandra (Sharp) Hoffman, McPherson; son, Jim and Lisa (Lee) Hoffman, McPherson; a sister, Elizabeth Bauer, North Manchester, Ind.; 12 grandchildren; and 19 great-grandchildren.
Memorials can be made to the Joanna and Paul Hoffman Scholarship Fund at McPherson College in care of Stockham Family Funeral Home in McPherson.
Kansas Community Colleges and Kansas Independent Colleges Sign Universal Transfer Agreement
Posted On: September 21, 2022 By: MC Admin
From the Kansas Independent College Association.
Student transfer opportunities expanded today after the Kansas Community Colleges and Kansas Independent Colleges announced initiation of a Global Transfer and Course Articulation Agreement that paves the way for students to seamlessly transfer from any Kansas Community College to anyKansas non-profit college or university. After the implementation of the agreement, any student awarded an Associate of Arts (A.A.) or Associate of Science (A.S.) from a Kansas Community College shall be deemed as having fulfilled the general education requirements of their choice of any Kansas Independent Institution. This consistent coordination and ease of transfer will help ensure students graduate on time, with less cost, and with the goal of keeping these students in Kansas.
“Across the country, debate rages on about college access and affordability,” said Kansas Independent College Association President Matthew Lindsey. “We believe that KICA and KACCT have developed a forward-thinking and sustainable resource to demonstrate to Kansas families and taxpayers we are leading the way.”
This new transfer agreement was formally adopted during a signing ceremony on Tuesday, September 20th at 2:30pm at Friends University in Wichita, following a joint discussion by presidents from both the Kansas Community Colleges and Kansas Independent Colleges on current and future opportunities to serve students better.
Kansas Association of Community College’s Executive Director Heather Morgan praised the partnership, noting “The benefits of the new transfer agreement, the student opportunities it provides, and the potential for additional partnerships to benefit Kansas students reflects the synergy that we need in higher education. We’re working to meet the needs of Kansas learners and this transfer agreement is a key link to ongoing student success and advancement.”
Dr. Michael Schneider is President of McPherson College and Chair of the KICA Board of Directors, celebrates the event by saying, “The spirit of innovation and the road to success intersect at the passion of a Kansas student. The agreement we signed today is the preamble to the new stories of enterprise that our students will write.”
Kansas leaders understand and hold strong to the quantitative proof that higher education leads to an improved quality of life for students, their families, and their communities. A positive experience while in college in Kansas leads to more students living and working in Kansas, a benefit to the entire state.
Today, more than half of Kansas college students attend one of the state’s 19 community colleges or 1 of the 20 Independent Institutions.
McPherson College Ranks In U.S. News & World Report “Best College” List
Posted On: September 14, 2022 By: MC Admin
For the seventh year in a row, McPherson College has been recognized by U.S. News & World Report on the 2022-23 “Best Colleges” list for Regional Colleges in the Midwest. Additionally, McPherson College was ranked on the “Best Value Schools” and “Top Performers on Social Mobility” lists.
Only schools ranked in or near the top half of their categories are included on the “Best Value Schools” list. When evaluating colleges for this list, U.S. News & World Report considers the most significant value to be among colleges that are above average academically and considers academic quality as well as cost. McPherson College was also recognized among colleges that are successful at advancing social mobility by enrolling and graduating large proportions of students awarded Pell grants.
“It is an honor to be included on such a well-respected list,” President Michael Schneider said. “It’s further proof that McPherson College is being recognized for the work being done by our faculty and staff to ensure quality education, excellent student experience, and value.”
Initiatives such as the college’s Student Debt Project, which support students in graduating with little or no debt, and the college’s successful career placement rate, are just a few examples of why McPherson College is recognized on the “Best Colleges” list, according to President Schneider.
“We have some of the highest placement rates in the country, with two-thirds of our graduates having jobs or graduate school placement before they even graduate,” President Schneider said. “Combined with our focus on eliminating student debt we are proving to students and families that a McPherson College education is the best choice, and our plans for campus improvements are putting the needs of our students first to create a living and learning environment for the 21st century.”
The U.S. News & World Report has been ranking colleges for over 35 years. U.S. News measures academic quality using 17 metrics, with the most weight placed on outcomes, including not only the ability of a college to retain and graduate students from different socioeconomic backgrounds but also graduates’ average indebtedness. Class size, undergraduate academic reputation, and colleges’ investment in instruction and student services are among the other data points collected to develop this year’s rankings.
McPherson College Named One Of “2022 Great Colleges To Work For” With Honor Roll Distinction Among Small Colleges
Posted On: September 13, 2022 By: MC Admin
McPherson College is a great place to work, according to a new survey by the Great Colleges to Work For® program. The results, appearing in a special edition of The Chronicle of Higher Education, recognize McPherson College for the eighth year in a row. McPherson College is also on the survey’s Honor Roll for the seventh year.
The results are based on a survey of 212 colleges and universities. In all, just 68 of the 212 institutions achieved recognition on the list for specific practices and policies. Only 42 colleges were included on the Honor Roll, an elite group of institutions that are standouts within their enrollment size. McPherson College was recognized in all 10 categories, and was the only Kansas school earning recognition on the list.
“Everyone at McPherson College works hard to make this a great place to work, and it’s special to be recognized again this year,” McPherson College President Michael Schneider said. “The fact that we have earned this distinction now for eight years running – and been named to the Honor Roll for seven years in a row – speaks to the strong, collaborative relationships among our faculty, staff, and administration.”
President Schneider points to some basic practices, like the college’s health insurance plan, that has not had a premium increase for more than 10 years, and monthly all-campus meetings called “huddles,” as reasons why people like working for McPherson College. Additionally, involvement in programs like training from the Kansas Leadership Center, which develop adaptive problem-solving skills, and other significant professional development investments in the operating budget, sets McPherson College apart from other college campuses.
In a comment featured on the survey’s website, one McPherson College employee says, “People allow you to do your job in the manner it needs to be done to be successful. You are allowed to create an environment for students and staff that is enjoyable. Support in hard times is here.”
McPherson College was one of 16 institutions nationwide to earn top honors in all of the report’s 10 categories, including areas like compensation and benefits and work and life balance.
“Since I began working for McPherson College last year, people often ask me about the daily commute I make between Wichita and McPherson,” says Kristie Sojka, library director. “My response is always this: when you enjoy what you do and feel supported by your administration and coworkers, you don’t even notice the almost two hours spent on the road each day.”
Community is central to McPherson College’s identity, according to President Schneider. “As our college community looks toward the future, faculty and staff are actively planning our current innovative strategic plan picking up where Community by Design left off. The strategic plan drove decision-making and much of the work we did over the last several years, and much of the work will continue as we focus on the future. In addition, we did all of it while balancing our operating budget and maintaining our overall enrollment and student retention. By working together, these plans will nurture the creative processes to sustain innovative academic ventures like the new Health Science program, continue supporting students to graduate with zero debt through the Student Debt Project, and transition MC from a traditional residential campus to a vibrant community.”
The Great Colleges to Work For® survey is one of the country’s largest and most respected workplace recognition programs. The survey conducted by ModernThink — an organization committed to improving workplace quality — recognizes the colleges that get top ratings from their employees regarding workplace practices and policies. This year more than 49,000 faculty and staff responded to the survey.
Dean Coughenour Trust Gifts $1.5 Million To McPherson College
Posted On: September 12, 2022 By: MC Admin
The idea of “paying it forward” was important to Dean Coughenour, a 1951 graduate of McPherson College, and a recent gift made to the college will ensure that students benefit from the same generosity he received as a student. The college received $1.5 million from the Dean Coughenour Trust to establish an endowed scholarship fund and support the Student Debt Project.
The Dean Coughenour Endowed Scholarship will focus on Kansas students who demonstrate financial need, especially those who have shown leadership abilities. The $1 million endowment will fund $50,000 in scholarships each year. The remaining funds will support the continued growth of the Student Debt Project by increasing the matching funds awarded to participants.
Students participating in the Student Debt Project are required to work. All the income earned from their job(s) is applied to their McPherson College account, which earns them a 25% match, funded by McPherson College donors. In the fourth year of the program, students have reduced their debt at graduation by $12,000 per student and retention of students participating in the program is 93%.
“Both of these initiatives appealed to me,” said Susan Lundstrom, Coughenour’s daughter. “They reflect my Dad’s belief that students should take responsibility for their education while also honoring his commitment to paying back the kindness given to him as a student.”
Coughenour grew up in McPherson. Raised by a single mom during the Great Depression, college would not have been an option had it not been for the generosity of a local doctor who contributed financially toward his college education. According to Lundstrom, the expectation was that he would put effort into his education and, if he were able in the future, help someone else in a similar way.
After graduating with a degree in history and a minor in English, he and his wife Verlla, whom he met at McPherson College, moved to Oberlin, Kan., where he taught in the high school for five years. In 1958, he switched careers and moved to Manhattan, Kan., where he purchased Ag Press and served as editor of the Grass and Grain newspaper. He successfully built his publishing business for the next 30 years.
“McPherson College was one of the few things that my dad consistently supported,” Lundstrom said. “His experience there established a foundation for the rest of his life. It seems fitting that we continued to support something so dear to him.”
President Michael Schneider said, “Dean believed that students should have some ‘skin in the game’ and take responsibility for their college education. Both Dean and Verlla recognized the importance of work and would be pleased with the progress students are making to graduate debt free. We are grateful that the Dean Coughenour Trust is recognizing the legacy of two special, hard-working McPherson College graduates.”
MC Creates Campus of the Future with Largest-Ever Investment in New Buildings Designed for Students
Posted On: August 30, 2022 By: MC Admin
McPherson College, a Kansas institution known for its dedication to helping students find balance and success, as well as its innovative Automotive Restoration Technology degree program, is reimagining its campus for the future—funded in part by a successful $55 million capital campaign that will supercharge the largest-ever investment in new buildings in its 135-year history.
McPherson College released renderings today of the three new building projects that will be the centerpiece of this historic campus update: Campus Commons, the Boiler House and the Holman Center for Athletics. All of these projects have one thing in common: they are built around how students learn and live in the 21st century, giving them the resources and support to do their best work.
Alumni and visitors attending McPherson College’s Homecoming celebration on October 15 will be able to see designs of the new buildings and the progress made toward their completion as part of a walking tour. This will provide the opportunity to envision these projects in their campus setting.
In addition to the new structures, nearly half of the $55 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.
“This is a truly momentous announcement for McPherson College, and nobody deserves it more than our hardworking students, faculty, and staff,” said McPherson College President Michael Schneider. “We are changing the face of our campus in a way that puts the needs of our students first and prepares them for the future, thanks to the tremendous support we have received from across the country.”
The 55,000 square-foot Campus Commons 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.
$20 million in funding will go to The Commons, a true signature facility that will accommodate McPherson College’s growth and provide a new “front door” to the campus, with a prairie-inspired design that provides a welcome to the city of McPherson.
The building will contain the new campus dining facility, a coffee shop, student store, flexible coworking and collaboration space, as well as several administrative offices, the new Dalke Center housing Career Services and a Welcome Center for new students. It is a bold move away from the current student union and toward a center that makes sense for the way students live and study on a 21st century campus.
The Boiler House is an indoor-outdoor dining and event space with flex seating, yard games, fire pits and a large outdoor screen and stage area.
The Boiler House is truly the college hangout for the next generation: an indoor-outdoor space with flex seating, yard games, fire pits and a large outdoor screen and stage area—the perfect place to socialize and collaborate with classmates. It is an imaginative reuse of McPherson’s existing utility building to create an entirely new campus gathering point. In addition, the Holman Center for Athletics—an expansion of the existing sports facility—will give McPherson’s teams a modernized venue as they compete in a fast-changing dynamic for college athletics.
Beck Design, an architectural firm that specializes in higher education and cultural institutions, led the design for McPherson’s new buildings. The firm, which has offices in New York, Oklahoma City and Tulsa, operates with a mission of creating spaces that enhance the quality of life of those who work, live and study in them—which the new buildings exemplify.
“It is an honor to play a part in re-imagining the campus of McPherson College, a true gem in this region,” said Paula Beck, Principal of Beck Design. “The Campus Commons and Boiler House in particular truly emphasize our firm’s ethos of collaboration driving innovative experiences for students.”
McPherson is not just building new cutting-edge additions to its campus; it is helping its students enjoy it with significantly less debt. In conjunction with the campus additions, McPherson is also announcing a significant contribution of $3 million toward its pioneering Student Debt Project, which provides matching funds for students who hold jobs while attending school—helping keep costs manageable at a time of rising costs for essential items such as food and transportation. As a result of the Student Debt Project, McPherson College has one of the lowest average student debt at graduation rates among four-year colleges and universities in Kansas, giving students the ability to hit the ground running and take more of the earnings from their first post-college jobs home with them.
“The Student Debt Project has made it possible for me to receive a top-quality college education with the personal touch McPherson provides, and graduate with an extremely manageable amount of debt,” said Lola Hipp, a graphic design student at McPherson College. “I have family members who have struggled with college debt, and McPherson has made it possible for me to pursue my education in an affordable way.”
Nearly 40% of all McPherson students were engaged in the Student Debt Project during the last school year, with participants in the program achieving a higher-than-average 3.3 GPA. Nearly 60% percent of participants had less than $2,000 in debt by the end of the last semester—with half of those students already becoming debt free. And 93% of students who participate in the Student Debt Project have remained in school.
“I am very proud that the most forward-thinking college town is in the middle of the country,” said Mayor Tom Brown, Mayor of McPherson, Kan.,. “I have a feeling this is not the last time McPherson College will be making news. Great things are ahead for our college and our city.”
“When I first learned about McPherson College through my interest in classic cars, I was immediately inspired by the sincerity and work ethic of the students and the way they were empowered by the culture on campus,” said Richard Lundquist. “It felt right to make this special place our first significant philanthropic investment outside our home state and shine more light on the magic happening on the Plains.” Lundquist recently joined McPherson College’s Board of Trustees.
McPherson College offers more than 30 undergraduate degree programs to its more than 800 students, representing 33 states and seven countries. Its nationally renowned Automotive Restoration Technology degree program has earned the support of car collectors, including icon Jay Leno, and its students plan to compete at one of the automotive world’s signature events, the Concours d’Elegance at Pebble Beach, Calif. next year.
Rebekah Ballast, a 2022 graduate of Oskaloosa, KS High School, was ready to see another part of the world and thought she would attend college out of state until she visited McPherson College. Ballast competed in one of the five Presidential Scholarship days at the college and was selected to receive a full-tuition scholarship.
“I was apprehensive at first because it was not what I had in mind,” she said about the college. “After I visited campus, I could actually see myself there and I was able to meet faculty and sit in on a class and was very encouraged.”
Ballast will major in theatre and plans to participate in the choir when she joins the campus this fall. She was selected from a field of 107 high school seniors to receive the four-year renewable, full-tuition scholarship awarded to one student each year. Students who apply to McPherson College and qualify academically are eligible to compete in the Presidential Scholarship program. Award packages, combined with Merit Scholarships, range from $12,000-$22,000 per year for first-time freshmen based on their high school academic record, round table discussion, personal interview, and cognitive ability test.
Even before receiving the scholarship, Ballast said McPherson College was among her top choices. She applied to 13 schools in five states and was accepted to nine schools. After visiting two out of state, she determined they would not be affordable.
“The Presidential Scholarship day was a great experience and reinforced my decision to attend McPherson College. It was really cool to meet the staff and visit with current students to hear about their college experiences,” Ballast said. “It was unbelievable when I found out I had gotten the scholarship. I was still a little away from comfortably affording college but would have made it work, so the scholarship takes that pressure off of me and my family.”
Ballast has been active in community theater, as well as theater opportunities with her church and at school, and she is looking forward to learning more about every facet of the theater.
“I’m looking forward to being immersed in all aspects of theater at McPherson College and working with other students who are passionate about theater,” she said. “I met assistant professor Jen Pollard on my visit. I loved her excitement. She was the kind of person I envisioned working with at college.”
