AC benefactors John & Nancy Kritser named top Philanthropists of the Year

Amarillo College (AC) applauds the Texas Plains Chapter of the Association of Fundraising Professionals for its selection of profoundly generous AC benefactors John and Nancy Kritser for the 2023 Outstanding Philanthropist of the Year award.

Of course, the College applauds the Kritsers themselves even more!

The College specifically nominated the Kritsers for the preeminent philanthropy honor, which was announced on Nov. 17 during the 2023 National Philanthropy Day Celebration at the Amarillo Civic Center.

“Amarillo College, and specifically the East Campus, would not be the effective and dynamic community resource that it is today without the selfless support of John Kritser and Yellowhouse Machinery,” said Joe Bill Sherrod, executive director of the Amarillo College Foundation.

“The vision, gifts and service that the Kritsers have provided to AC have had, and will continue to have, a lasting impact for many years to come,” he said. “We are thrilled that they have been selected to receive this prestigious recognition.”

John Kritser, president of Amarillo-based Yellowhouse Machinery Co., gave his first gift to the AC Foundation in 2004. Since then, his personal and business gifts to the College have positively impacted an immense number of students..

His gift of $250,000 in 2016, for the purchase of much-needed training aids and equipment for a hydraulics curriculum, prompted AC to rename its diesel technology program the Kritser Diesel Program.

“John saw the opportunity to get involved in diesel-related education at AC, and he took it,” Sherrod said. “He additionally donated a front-end loader for faculty to use as a training aid in the classroom; he donated funds to build AC’s Diesel Bay; and he’s given funds that paid for faculty to attend continuing-education opportunities.”

The Kritsers additionally have given $500,000, earmarked for capital needs, to AC’s ongoing comprehensive campaign, Badger Bold.

“The Kritsers find fulfillment in supporting their community in any way they can,” Sherrod said. “When John is prepared to give a gift, he always wants to know how and in what way it can be most impactful. He is a team player who wishes only the best for the Amarillo Community, and he uses his resources to see that happen.”