$3 million donation helps fund new Hereford facility


Photo by Jacob Guerrero

By Linda Cortez

One man’s generosity is making a dream reality at the Amarillo College Hereford Campus.

William Hanshaw, 88, of Scottsdale, Ariz., donated $3 million to help fund the construction of a new facility in northwest Hereford. The Hereford Economic Development Corp. is providing a 10-acre plot of undeveloped land on 15th Street to be the future home of the Everett and Mabel McDougal Hinkson Memorial Campus, which could be open for classes as early as 2013.

“It’s very exciting,” said Daniel Esquivel, executive director of the Hereford Campus. “We have no room for any expansion at present, so soon our needs for our students will be met.”

Hanshaw’s donation was made in memory of his late wife, Mabel McDougal, and her first husband, Everett Hinkson.

Hanshaw taught chemistry in Panama for 18 years before teaching in the small community of St. Johns, Ariz., where he worked until retirement. While in St. Johns, Hanshaw became friends with McDougal and her husband, Hinkson.

Fourteen years after Hinkson died, Hanshaw and McDougal married and the couple remained together until she died in 2001.

“His goal is to make a mark that means something in dedication to his beloved wife and dear friend,” said Betty Trotter, a marketing counselor representative at Park Central, where Hanshaw lived for a short time. “Hanshaw is a fine man, very much involved in doing things to honor his wife.”

Hanshaw partnered with Hereford Mayor Bob Josserand about six months ago to find a way to make a positive change in the community.

“He told me, ‘I want to do something in Hereford to honor my wife,’” Josserand said in an announcement at the Here­ford Community Center on Oct. 19. “I can’t think of anything in my 20 years as mayor that has been more exciting.”

The Hereford Campus has been offering classes in a wing of an old elementary school since it opened its doors in 2005.

Then, about 100 students were enrolled. Today, AC has 497 students enrolled in classes in Hereford.

After discussing the need for a bigger AC facility in Hereford, Hanshaw and AC President Dr. Paul Matney worked together to develop a plan. On Sept. 22, Hanshaw gave Matney a check for $3 million.

“We will be forever grateful for Mr. Hanshaw,” Matney said. “He is a humble man and very motivational.”

Published: Wednesday, November 03, 2011

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