Trevor Caviness, the Amarillo College Foundation board chairman, opened the meeting. He introduced
Dr. Russell Lowery-Hart who spoke of the many accomplishments of Amarillo College over the past year; Amarillo College was named a “Great College to Work” by The Chronicle of Higher Education, AC hired the firm Parkhill, Smith and Cooper to develop a Master Plan for the college which includes updating resources, technology and ADA compliance for all the campuses among other things. He discussed the partnership between Amarillo College, AISD, Amarillo Economic Development Corporation and the Amarillo Area Foundation to create the THRIVE scholarship for AISD graduating seniors to attend Amarillo College for free for up to four semesters. The THRIVE scholarship will pay for tuition, books and fees.
Mark Logsdon, Nominating Chairman, gave the 2018-2019 nominating report and thanked the committee for all of their hard work. He introduced the new incoming board members; Greg Graham, Chris Jensen and Katie Oppliger. The 2018-2019 Executive Committee members; Chairman, Trevor Caviness; Vice Chairman, Dusty Barrick; Secretary, Jason Velky; Treasurer, Steve Smith and AC President, Dr. Russell Lowery-Hart; Administrative Chairman, Laresa Chesley; Fundraising Chairman, Lorraine Wilhelm and Finance and Investment Chairman, John T. McElyea. The board members rotating off were recognized for their outstanding service to the board; Paul Clark, Jason Earthman, Betsy Kelley, Mark Logsdon and Bruce Moseley.
The 2018 Amarillo College Foundation Honor Roll recipients are Nancy and John Kritser. Jim Shelton, longtime family friend of Mr. Kritser made the introductions. Mr. Shelton spoke of the Kritser family’s philanthropic commitment to the residents of the Amarillo area.
The Kritser’s established the Kritser Diesel Program in 2018 on
Amarillo College’s East Campus. Because of the generosity of John and Nancy, the Diesel Mechanic students in the Industrial Technology Program will benefit from cutting edge equipment and training for many years to come.
Chairman Caviness recognized the Amarillo College Foundation Lifetime Philanthropists that have moved up a level in their giving or are new to the program in the past year, Founders: Happy State Bank, Mary Lou & Malcom Street, Jr.; Colleagues: Kay & Tommy Newton, Deanna & Bryson Oeschger; Partners: American Association of University Women—Amarillo Chapter, Cargill Inc., Junie & Richard Chambers, Teresa & Charles Clemons, Linda Davenport & Robert Carroll, Diversified Interiors of Amarillo, Kathy & Dan Dowdy, Harrington Regional Medical Center, Instruments Society of America, Fay & Bob Moore, Robbie & Bruce Moseley, Kristin A. Oeschger, Gene & Max R. Sherman, Stephanie & Paul Smith, Katherine & Clay Stribling; Associates: Amarillo by Morning Lions Club, AutoNation Chevrolet Amarillo, Laresa & Larry Chesley, Dental Group of Amarillo, Paul F. Engler, FirstBank Southwest, Linda & Wayne Hughes, Mullin, Hoard & Brown, LaVon & Clyde Nelms, Pete’s Car Smart-Kia, Rockrose Development Inc. Mark E. Rowh, Michelle Sibley & David Palmer, Tecovas Foundation, Blake & Pat Ware, Nancy & David F. Webb.
Chairman Caviness also announced the names of the Lifetime Philanthropists who passed away this past year: Charles Abercrombie, Bert Ballengee, Toni Cline, Pan Eimon, Kelly R. Forehand, Yvonne Franklin, Donald L. Moore, Betty J. Roller, Maurice J. Schooler, Billie Jo M. Tevebaugh and Donald O. Watkins.
Chairman Caviness thanked everyone for their attendance and closed the meeting.