AC Foundation presents its Chairman’s Award to FirstBank Southwest

Last fall, FirstBank Southwest made the largest gift in its history when President and CEO Andy Marshall announced a $3 million commitment to Amarillo College, establishing the Bank as “Founding Sponsor” of AC’s resurgent intercollegiate athletics program.

In recognition of that generosity in 2022, AC named its freshly renovated athletics facility FirstBank Southwest Center; but to further honor the bank and the man at its helm, the AC Foundation in 2023 has named FirstBank Southwest as the recipient of its yearly Chairman’s Award.

The notable award was announced during the Foundation’s 59th Annual Meeting on Sept. 14, 2023 at the Amarillo Club. Each year, the Foundation bestows the honor on an individual, family, or organization in the community that has exemplified the AC mission through giving and service.

"We are humbled and honored to receive the 2023 Chairman's Award,” Marshall said. “It is a testament to our unwavering commitment to making a positive impact in the communities we serve. We firmly believe that investing in the well-being and development of our society is not just a responsibility but a privilege.

“This recognition further fuels our determination to continue supporting causes that uplift and empower individuals, creating a brighter future for all."

FirstBank Southwest’s $3 million gift not only provided a significant boost to AC’s ongoing $45 million comprehensive campaign, but it is one of the largest single philanthropic gifts ever received in the 94-year history of the College.

AC, which had not participated in intercollegiate athletics since the mid-1980s, returned to the competitive arena in 2022. Marshall said FirstBank Southwest is pleased to be “Founding Sponsor” of AC’s return to intercollegiate athletics.

“I played baseball at a community college, and my son played community college football,” Marshall said. “In fact, my entire family attended community colleges at one time or another, and I am a huge fan of the community college experience.

“Everyone in our family transferred community college credits to a university, and each one of us was far better prepared for university-level academics than we would have been without the time we spent at community colleges.”