Amarillo College and International Aerospace Coatings (IAC) celebrated the life and legacy of the late Donnie Hammer on Oct. 9 with the presentation of the inaugural Donnie Hammer Memorial Scholarship, awarded to aviation student Bryan Lopez.The event, held at AC’s East Campus Public Service Training Center, brought together Hammer’s family and friends, IAC leadership, and Amarillo College faculty and students to honor Hammer’s decades of dedication to the aviation industry.

Amarillo College will host its annual Employability Forum from 8-11:30 a.m. on Friday, Nov. 7 at AC's Innovation Outpost, 1200 S. Polk St.Hosted by AC’s Hispanic-Serving Institution (HSI) Science, Technology, Engineering, or Mathematics (STEM) Grant in partnership with Career Services, the Employability Forum brings together students and local employers for a morning of mock interviews, networking, and professional engagement. The event is designed to help students strengthen their career readiness skills while giving business professionals an opportunity to support and connect with the region’s emerging workforce.

Amarillo College will administer physical ability testing for anyone seeking admission to the AC Fire Academy at 9 a.m. Saturday, Oct. 25 and Saturday, Nov. 8 at the First Responders Academy (FRA) on Plains Boulevard.Passing the physical ability test—which consists of simulated fire-scene activities—is among the requirements for admission to the Fire Academy. Signing up for physical testing is helpful, but not required. Participants may also walk in on either date.

Amarillo College will celebrate art, culture, and remembrance during its 23rd Annual Day of the Dead Art Show, opening with a public reception from 5 to 8 p.m. Thursday, Oct. 30 in the Common Lobby of the Amarillo College Washington Street Campus.The exhibition honors the traditional Mexican holiday Día de los Muertos, a colorful and heartfelt celebration of life and memory. The show features original AC student, faculty, and community artwork inspired by themes of remembrance, heritage, and connection.

Amarillo College’s Innovation Outpost became a hub of exploration and discovery last Tuesday as more than 50 students, educators, and community members gathered for an immersive cybersecurity experience. Hosted by the College’s Computer Information Systems (CIS) program, the event featured live cyberattack simulations, industry-grade analytics tools, and a “Lunch and Learn” spotlighting AC student Zai’Chanel Anderson.

Amarillo College’s East Campus will host its largest-ever Career Fair from 11:30 a.m.-2 p.m. and 5-7 p.m. Wednesday, Nov. 5. This event will bring together AC students and a growing roster of employers eager to connect with local talent.With more than 20 employers already registered and a goal of 50, the Career Fair will feature opportunities for AC students from all East Campus majors, along with the employers most relevant to their fields of study. It serves as a showcase of the career pathways available through Amarillo College’s industry community and the innovation happening on East Campus.

Amarillo College invites students, employees, and community members to celebrate fall fun at the College’s 5th Annual Pumpkin Patch & Trunk or Treat set for 6-8 p.m. Thursday, Oct. 30 at Parking Lot 10 behind the Byrd and Parcells Building at AC’s Washington Street Campus.Last year’s event drew more than 1,000 participants, and organizers say this year’s celebration will be even bigger—with free pumpkins, hot chocolate, popcorn, and a photo booth for everyone who attends.

Amarillo College invites the community to its second Chautauqua session of the fall, “The Questions Concerning Technology,” on Wednesday, Oct. 15 from 5:30 to 7:30 p.m. in the Oak Room in the College Union Building on Amarillo College's Washington St Campus. This thought-provoking event is part of AC’s ongoing Chautauqua series, Conversations About Be-ing Human, which examines the intersections of culture, technology, and religion in today’s world. The October session will focus on how technology shapes—and challenges—our understanding of what it means to be human.

Amarillo College (AC) will honor three extraordinary alumni whose lives and work have shaped the Panhandle and beyond at its 2025 Distinguished Alumni Celebration, taking place Tuesday, Oct. 14 at the Amarillo Country Club.This year’s honorees—the late Captain Jim Dick Miller, U.S. Navy retired; geologist and community leader Jim J. Brewer; and nonprofit executive and education advocate Katharyn Wiegand—reflect the breadth of impact AC graduates make in the world.

Amarillo College is turning up the volume this month with two evenings of live music, proudly presented by its student ensembles. The concerts are free and open to the public, and everyone is invited to celebrate the continued tradition of music-making at AC.Just this semester, one new student shared that she didn’t know Amarillo College had a band until a former classmate invited her to rehearsal. Stories like hers highlight the importance of spreading the word: Yes, we do that here—from concert choir to jazz, mariachi, and more.

A quarter century ago, Amarillo College and long-time Dumas residents planted a bold idea in the Texas Panhandle: that higher education should be within reach for every resident of Moore County. On Thursday, Oct. 16, the community is invited to celebrate the 25th anniversary of that vision—the establishment of AC’s Moore County Campus.

Dr. Jamelle Conner, President of Amarillo College, was honored last week with the Career Achievement Award from the Amarillo Women’s Network during its annual Night of Celebration and Inspiration.The event, held Tuesday, Sept. 16 at Amarillo National Bank’s Skyline Room, brought together community members to recognize women leaders who have made significant professional contributions.

Amarillo College invites the community to an unforgettable evening of art and music at “From Canvas to Concert: Gospel & Gershwin” set for Tuesday, Oct. 7. The celebration begins at 6 p.m. for members of the Amarillo College Keep Us Live Arts Performance Series with an invitation-only festive cocktail buffet in the basement of the Amarillo National Bank College Union Building. Members will enjoy live demonstrations, participate in hands-on activities, tour studio spaces, and experience a dramatic Raku firing in the Kiln Yard. Select one-of-a-kind pieces created by AC students and faculty will also be available for purchase. 

United Supermarkets and Kellanova will present Amarillo College with a $10,000 donation to support its on-campus food pantry on at 10 a.m. Wednesday, Sept. 24 in the Ware Student Commons on Amarillo College’s Washington Street Campus.The donation will benefit the Amarillo College Food Pantry and Advocacy & Resource Center (ARC) Services, which provide non-perishable food, toiletries, and essential supplies to any currently enrolled AC students or employees in need. Recipients can access the pantry twice a month.

The Amarillo College Music Department invites the community to a lively evening of music, food, and fun at its annual Fiesta Concert, showcasing a program of music from and inspired by Latin-American traditions.The concert will take place at 6 p.m. Saturday, Sept. 27, in the Amphitheatre (PIT) and mall area behind the Music Building and Experimental Theatre on AC’s Washington Street Campus. Guests are encouraged to bring blankets and lawn chairs for a festive outdoor experience.

Amarillo College will host a community celebration to mark the accomplishments of its Badger Bold Comprehensive Campaign, a five-year initiative that has transformed opportunities for students and strengthened the College’s impact on the region.The celebration is scheduled for 10 a.m. Thursday, Oct. 2 at the FirstBank Southwest Center on AC’s Washington Street Campus.

Amarillo College invites students, faculty, staff, and the community to explore its newly remodeled Library and Writers’ Corner during a special Open House from 2-4 p.m. Wednesday, Sept. 10. The celebration will take place on the third floor of Ware Student Commons at AC’s Washington Street Campus.

Amarillo College will make history with its first-ever presidential investiture—a joyful, community-centered celebration honoring both tradition and progress—set for 10 a.m. Friday, Sept. 19, at the Oeschger Family Mall on the College’s Washington Street Campus.This time-honored academic ceremony will formally install the College’s new president, symbolizing the continuity of leadership and the deep connections between the institution, its students, and the broader community.

Last week, the Amarillo College (AC) Board of Regents approved the Badger Bound Scholarship, a new program designed to make higher education more accessible, affordable, and achievable for area students beginning next fall.The scholarship provides up to 45 hours of free college credit for students who complete at least 15 dual credit hours at AC during high school—enough to total 60 hours and earn an associate degree. To participate, school districts will establish partnership agreements with AC on behalf of their students.

Amarillo College’s Panhandle PBS will welcome Lidia Bastianich—Emmy Award–winning public television host, best-selling cookbook author, and renowned restaurateur—to Amarillo for Savor the Goods: A Night of Friendship and Flavor with Lidia Bastianich on Wednesday, Oct. 22 at the Legacy Room at Arts in the Sunset, 3701 Plains Boulevard.