Auto Restoration Archives

Posted On: April 11, 2022
By: Tina Goodwin

Priceless, one-of-a-kind classic automobiles will be on display during the 22^nd Annual C.A.R.S. Club Motoring Festival at McPherson College on Saturday, May 7, 2022, from 9 a.m. to 2 p.m. A few of the cars expected on the field this year include the 1938 Buick Y-Job concept car, the 1961 Mako Shark Corvette concept, and the 1970 Pontiac Pegasus concept all from the General Motors collection.

Each year, the student-run car show attracts rare vehicles from across the country and expects 350 to 400 vehicles to be on display throughout the campus grounds this year. Other special cars expected at this year’s event include a 1941 Chevrolet Fleetline from Rad Rides by Troy, a 1937 Cord 812 Sportsman, a 1954 Mercedes-Benz 300 SL Coupe, Aston-Martin DB2, and a 1937 Mercedes-Benz 540K Special Roadster.

“The car show is the ultimate celebration of automotive work where future automotive restorers and current masters within the industry meet,” Wyatt Miceli, a senior and student leader of this year’s car show, said. “The show is entirely student-operated and welcomes all marques across a variety of price ranges. Every year, both students and professionals show off their skills and get to enjoy a great day surrounded by friends, family, and community.”

The weekend will also celebrate the dedication of The Paul Russell & Company Center for Automotive Research in Miller Library on the college campus. The dedication will take place on Friday and the space will be open to tour on Saturday.

Along with a wide variety of classic automobiles, the event will also feature entertainment provided by the McPherson College Steel Drum Band and Jazz Band as well as the McPherson High School Jazz Band. The Model-T Build Team will demonstrate at 2 p.m., just prior to the awards ceremony. Building tours of Templeton Hall, home of the McPherson College Automotive Restoration Program, will be available from 10 a.m. to 1 p.m. There is no charge for spectators. Food trucks will also be available on campus to purchase food and beverages.

Car enthusiasts are encouraged to participate in a Cruise-in on Friday, May 6 on Main Street in McPherson beginning at 6 p.m. There is no registration or entry fee required for this event, which serves as a sneak peek at what will be on the show field and an opportunity for any car or motorcycle owner to display their rides in an informal show.

Pre-registration for Saturday’s event is available online at a discounted rate until April 22. Registration can also be made on the day of the show. Details are at mcpherson.edu/autorestoration/cars.

Posted On: April 7, 2022
By: Tina Goodwin

A family’s life-long passion for cars has made it possible to establish an endowed scholarship at McPherson College with an initial gift of $400,000 in the name of Col. Daryl and Ann Hemken. The permanent fund will award scholarships annually to students in the automotive restoration program.

“The Hemken family’s love of cars is extraordinary and their desire to support the next generation of automotive leaders assures that their family’s passion will continue well into the future,” McPherson College President Michael Schneider said. “The impact of their gift will be far-reaching, not only on the lives of our students but also on the automotive restoration industry that will benefit from our graduates.”

The late Col. Daryl and Ann Hemken started buying and collecting cars shortly after they were married in 1954. What started as a hobby turned into a passion that involved their entire family and eventually led to the founding of The Hemken Collection Museum in Williams, Iowa, where they lived. The collection was sold at auction in September 2021.

Daryl Hemken began his military career in 1948 and spent 34 years in the Army Reserve, retiring in 1982. He earned a degree in agriculture from Iowa State University and moved to Williams in 1962 where he farmed until retiring in 1994. Ann Hemken graduated from Cornell University and was a teacher for 24 years. Their love for collecting cars began with a 1914 Model T Ford Roadster purchased in 1960. Over the years, they acquired well over 150 automobiles and a wide assortment of parts. The core of their collection included cars from every manufacturer in the United States made between 1947 and 1948. They opened The Hemken Collection Museum in 2000 where Ann continued her love of education by giving tours to guests as well as researching, cataloging, and creating displays for the museum. Her commitment to education was a factor when the museum’s board of directors considered places to receive the proceeds from the auction.

In addition to the generous gift, the museum also hosted two McPherson College student interns to work for a summer preparing the collection for the auction.

“These scholarships acknowledge the Hemkens’ strong love of the automotive experience and belief in the value of education,” Amanda Gutierrez, vice president for automotive restoration, said. “In honoring Colonel and Mrs. Hemken with this gift, the family also honors the automotive experience that they all enjoyed together. And, they support a generation of students pursuing a career that carries on that love of the automobile.”

Posted On: February 22, 2022
By: Tina Goodwin

Jeff Slagle is offering a $10,000 matching gift towards auto restoration on Power Day 2022.

Jeff Slagle is not a McPherson College alumnus but has completed as many classroom hours as some graduates and this year is joining the alumni who support the college’s annual Power Day with a matching gift.

Slagle, who lives in Huntsville, AL, is a regular participant of the Summer Institute offered through the automotive restoration program at McPherson College. Each year in June, the college offers a variety of weeklong classes for hobbyists and professionals taught by the school’s auto restoration faculty. Slagle has been coming to the institute for the past seven years.

“I haven’t taken every class yet, but I have taken some twice,” Slagle said. “I believe in education and wanted to learn from somebody who knows what they are doing rather than watching YouTube videos and possibly learning bad habits.”

“Car Camp,” as he calls it, started for Slagle when he searched the internet for “car schools” and “restoration” in hopes of finding some help on a car project. He found McPherson College and stumbled onto the Summer Institute registration. Slagle says he’s gained knowledge and confidence over the years coming to the summer classes. He is an ASE certified Master Technician and helps other car owners in his local car club work on their classics.

“Just because you are taking a class on engines doesn’t mean that’s all you are learning about,” he said. “It’s interesting, and I keep coming back because that’s where I get to see a lot of my friends. All of the people I have met there over the years are my friends and we all have a common interest. It’s my summer vacation.”

Slagle has been showing his appreciation of the program for several years by making gifts to Power Day, the yearly online day of giving; however, this year he decided to support the college with a $10,000 matching gift for the automotive restoration program.

“I’ve given in the past, mostly to get the free t-shirt,” Slagle jokes. “I was asked if I would consider a matching gift and I thought this was a good way to show my appreciation of the program and maybe encourage others to do the same.”

Power Day is set for March 10 and will include live videos and updates all day on all of the college social media channels. Last year’s Power Day raised nearly $200,000. Other matching opportunities this year include a $50,000 matching gift for the MC Fund or any academic program from the Paul Family as well as $25,000 of matching gifts for athletics, from young alumni, and for the choir trip to Carnegie Hall from the VanGoethem family.

More information about Power Day is on the McPherson College website, mcpherson.edu/power.

Posted On: April 15, 2021
By: Tina Goodwin

Jackie Gulliion, sophomore auto restoration student

The title of her first book, “Nuts & Bolts,” is very fitting for McPherson College students Jackie Gullion. She is a sophomore in the automotive restoration program and getting ready to publish her first collection of poems, prose, and non-fiction.

Gullion, who is from Fremont, CA, received a Horizon Fund Grant from the college to help her with the cost of publishing the book. The college awards the mini-grants to encourage the development of entrepreneurial ideas among students. McPherson College has awarded more than 250 grants since 2010.

The idea of writing a book did not occur to Gullion until she became a student at the college and began writing letters to her aunt.

“Writing was something I did a lot in high school but I didn’t think I was good at it,” she said. “Then I came here and joined the Rogue Writers. I realized how much I enjoyed writing.”

Through Rogue Writers – the college’s creative writing club – and encouragement from professors, Gullion gained the confidence to start collecting enough work for a book. She is also pursuing a minor in writing and hopes to become the first person at McPherson College to graduate with one.

“I plan to continue writing after I graduate,” she said. “My goal is to publish a book each year. I already have enough for one or two more books.”

Some of her writing reflects her other passion for automobiles, such as this excerpt from a poem: “Remembering the sounds;/drills making music, engines coming to life,/screams of frustration, ones that we can all relate to/nuts and bolts turning/bringing together life of something/we never thought would be resurrected.”

McPherson College was her first and only choice when it came to selecting a college. She received a Phil Hill Scholar in 2020, a scholarship awarded by the Pebble Beach Company Foundation, and serves as president of C.A.R.S. Club, the student organization for auto restoration.

“Some of the writing in the book is about how I feel when I’m driving and the experiences I’ve had as a student in the AR program,” she said. “It’s my meditation moment.”

Gullion hopes to have a book launch party next semester and looks forward to hosting a book signing and reading events at local stores and libraries.

Posted On: March 15, 2021
By: Tina Goodwin

The McPherson College C.A.R.S. Club has announced it will host its annual car show on Saturday, May 1, 2021 at the campus. Last year’s event was canceled due to the pandemic.

The event will be open to the public; however, vehicle registration will be limited to current students, faculty and staff, and alumni. The student-run event has been held each year since 1999.

“Traditionally, this is something our students and our friends in the car community look forward to each year,” Chris Paulsen, faculty advisor of the event, said. “We are happy that we can host a scaled-back version this year and look forward to seeing some of our favorite cars on display.”

Although weekend activities associated with the car show in the past, such as a Cruise-in and Evening with AR dinner, will not happen this year, organizers are planning weekend activities for the students. Past shows have attracted more than 400 cars, displayed a wide variety of featured cars, and hosted special guests.

Those attending the campus event will be expected to follow the college’s health and safety protocol for outdoor gatherings requiring a facemask.

Posted On: February 23, 2021
By: Tina Goodwin

Matching Gift From Brumos Collection Unlocks $2M Toward College’s $20M Goal

McPherson College has announced that it raised $1 million in gifts and pledges to meet the $1 million challenge goal set by Florida philanthropist and automotive enthusiast, Dano Davis. Additionally, the college met the challenge three months ahead of schedule, according to Amanda Gutierrez, vice president for automotive restoration.

“One of the goals for this project was to make sure that everyone had a chance to participate,” she said. “This milestone was achieved through the generosity of many alumni and friends with gifts at all levels. And it included a lot of first-time donors as well.”

The college announced the donor challenge in June. The Davis gift supports developing business workshops that enhance the curriculum in the restoration major and scholarships to students in the restoration management track. The gift allows the program to explore other creative ways for students to experience multiple facets of the collector car world by working with industry professionals to share their knowledge.

“I was motivated to support McPherson College and specifically the automotive restoration program after visiting the campus and meeting several of the students there,” Davis said. “I wanted to motivate others and help them see the importance of generously supporting an endeavor that preserves the skills and knowledge to work on historic automobiles.”

The Davis gift is a major piece of the $20 million Building Community comprehensive fundraising campaign. A key component of this multi-year campaign is to increase funding for academic programs like auto restoration. Launched in 2019 with more than 50 percent of the goal met, the Building Community campaign will surpass its $20 million goal.

Posted On: February 4, 2021
By: Tina Goodwin

McPherson College announced the names of four students from the automotive restoration program who were recognized as RPM Scholars. The students, all sophomores, are Scott Hayford, Spring Creek, Nevada, majoring in automotive restoration technology; Zachary Bredfield, Heppner, Oregon, majoring in automotive restoration history; Michael Halgren, Overland Park, Kansas, majoring in automotive technology; and Israel Acosta, Houston, Texas, majoring in automotive restoration technology.

RPM Foundation is an educational grant-making program of America’s Automotive Trust. RPM is funded by collector vehicle and classic boat enthusiasts to serve youth and young adults on their pathways to careers in automotive or marine restoration and preservation along with the long-term interests of the collector vehicle and boast communities.

“RPM Foundation’s mission to mentor and support young people on the path of auto restoration and preservation is a natural match for our work at McPherson College,” Amanda Gutierrez, vice president for automotive restoration, said. “We appreciate the longstanding support the college has received from them for our students.”

Each year the college selects students from the automotive restoration program to receive the scholarships.

“The RPM Foundation scholarship allows me to continue my dream and further my education at McPherson College with less financial stress, motivating me even more so to pursue the fantastic opportunities that are in front of me,” said Acosta.

Posted On: July 23, 2020
By: Tina Goodwin

Donald Osborne

Join McPherson College “Wheels of Change: How the Automobile Shaped Our Lives,” a six-week summer experience that explores the people, innovations, and art of the automotive industry. Next week’s session on Thursday, July 30 at noon CDT is the final session of the summer and is titled “Art for the People – How Harley Earl and automotive styling democratized beauty,” with special guest Donald Osborne, CEO of Automotive Valuation Services and CEO of Audrain Automobile Museum and Concours.

Every week millions of people tune in to learn more about classic cars on the CNBC Primetime show “Jay Leno’s Garage,” where Osborne co-hosts the recurring segments – “Assess & Caress with Donald Osborne” and “Behind the Bowtie.” He is the author of “Stile Transatlantico/Transatlantic Style: A Romance of Fins and Chrome,” is a classic car historian, consultant and writer specializing in postwar Italian sports cars. An Accredited Senior Appraiser (A.S.A.) member of the American Society of Appraisers, he works for clients on the acquisition, sale and valuation of classic vehicles and travels the world attending major events, rallies and auctions. His expertise is frequently shared with the readers of Sports Car Market, and he has written for The New York Times, BusinessWeek Online, the Wall Street Journal, Octane, Art & Antiques, Palm Springs Life, and Road & Track. In addition to his latest curatorial project with the Audrain Automobile Museum for ‘Styling the Future: A History of GM Design & Concept Cars’, he also curated the exhibition ‘Ferrari and Futurists- An Italian Look at Speed’ at Heather James Fine Art in Palm Desert, CA and an exhibition based on his book, entitled ‘Transatlantic Style: A Romance of Fins and Chrome,’ at the Blackhawk Museums in Danville, CA. A talented opera singer and stage performer, Donald is often requested to open and close leading classic car event ceremonies by singing the national anthem, as well as emcee throughout the course of the event.

Professor Ken Yohn, chair of McPherson College’s Department of History and Politics, serves as host and instructor for the webinar. For more than 20 years, Professor Yohn has taught courses on the social history of the automobile at McPherson College and has led student study trips to Europe and South America.

Each week on Zoom, Wheels Change will focus on fascinating topics from the advent of the automobile to its impact on war, globalization, and design. There is no cost for the series but space is limited and registration is required for each session. For more details about the series or to register go to https://www.mcpherson.edu/autorestoration/wheelsofchange/.

Posted On: July 20, 2020
By: Tina Goodwin

Students Inspire Philanthropist to Support America’s Only Bachelor’s Degree in Historic Automotive Restoration

McPherson College has announced a $1 million matching gift challenge from Florida philanthropist and automotive enthusiast, Dano Davis. The gift will support business curriculum development, student experiences, and scholarships for students enrolled in the only bachelor’s degree in historic automotive restoration in the country.

Davis hopes his gift will motivate others to support McPherson College’s Automotive Restoration program. Any gift designated to the restoration program – for lab and classroom support, scholarships, the tool fund, endowment – will qualify for the match.

“I became acquainted with the college through its students who visited the Brumos Collection on a college-sponsored spring break trip in 2018. I was so impressed that I hired one of the students to work for me,” Davis said.

The following year Davis attended the student-led car show on the college campus, bringing two cars from the Brumos Collection. “Visiting campus and seeing the commitment of the faculty, staff, and students was inspiring. I knew I wanted to do something to help support not only the technical aspect of their automotive education but also the business side of it.”

Davis was principal owner of Brumos Motorcars, a successful dealership group, and Brumos Racing, which fielded a team for many years with drivers such as Hurley Haywood, who is tied with five wins as the most successful driver at the 24 Hours of Daytona. Davis’ family founded the well-known grocery store chain, Winn-Dixie. The chain grew to 1400 stores in 13 states and $14 billion in sales. They sold the company in 2011.

In January of this year, Davis opened The Brumos Collection, a collection in Jacksonville, Florida that focuses on the development of the automobile and the Brumos Porsche racing legacy. The museum is housed in a building that was created to resemble the Ford assembly plant that once operated in Jacksonville.

“As a successful businessman and entrepreneur, Mr. Davis recognizes the importance of a well-rounded education in preparing students not just for a first job but for a long career,” Amanda Gutierrez, vice president for automotive restoration, said. “His investment in our students expands academic opportunities in a way that makes for a lifetime impact in the collector car world.”

Davis’s $1 million commitment will support developing business workshops that enhance the curriculum in the restoration major and scholarships to students in the restoration management track. The gift allows the program to explore other creative ways for students to experience multiple facets of the collector car world by working with industry professionals to share their knowledge.

For more information or to make a gift, contact Amanda Gutierrez, vice president for automotive restoration, at [email protected] or visit www.mcpherson.edu/autorestoration/support/

Posted On: July 16, 2020
By: Tina Goodwin

Casey Maxon, heritage specialist with the Historic Vehicle Association

Join McPherson College “Wheels of Change: How the Automobile Shaped Our Lives,” a six-week summer experience that explores the people, innovations, and art of the automotive industry. Next week’s session on Thursday, July 23 at noon CDT is titled “The Great War – Industrial pacifism, mobilization, and mechanization.” with special guest Casey Maxon, heritage specialist with the Historic Vehicle Association.

After graduating from McPherson College with a degree in Historic Automotive Restoration in 2013, Maxon joined the Historic Vehicle Association (HVA) and helped establish the National Historic Vehicle Register program with the U.S. Department of the Interior and the Library of Congress. Maxon manages documentation, photography, historic research, documentary production, and the HVA’s archive and library. Additionally, he helps curate the HVA’s annual historic vehicle exhibit on the National Mall in Washington, D.C.

Quicklinks

Category: Auto Restoration

McPherson College Car Show Expects Unique Field of Classic Cars

McPherson College Announces Endowed Scholarship Gift To Automotive Restoration Program

Institute “Alum” Challenges Others To Give On Power Day

Horizon Grant Funds First Book For Auto Restoration Student

McPherson College Cars Club Announces Changes To Annual Car Show

Auto Restoration Crosses $1M Finish Line Early

Matching Gift From Brumos Collection Unlocks $2M Toward College’s $20M Goal

McPherson College Students Receive RPM Scholarships

‘Wheels Of Change’ Welcomes Donald Osborne for Season Finale

McPherson College Announces $1 Million Matching Gift Challenge

Students Inspire Philanthropist to Support America’s Only Bachelor’s Degree in Historic Automotive Restoration

‘Wheels of Change’ Discusses the Great War with HVA Historian, Casey Maxon