AC and IAC Honor Aviation Legacy with First Hammer Memorial Scholarship

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.

The scholarship, established by IAC in partnership with Amarillo College, supports students in the Aviation Maintenance (A&P) Program who share Hammer’s passion for aircraft and commitment to excellence.

“This scholarship ensures Donnie’s spirit continues to inspire future generations,” said Martin Forde, general manager of IAC. “He was a mentor, a friend, and a professional who embodied the values we strive to uphold every day. We’re proud to honor his memory by investing in students like Bryan, who represent the future of aviation.”

Bryan Lopez, the first recipient of the scholarship, said he was humbled by the recognition.

“At first, I thought it was just another scholarship,” Lopez said. “But when I learned about Donnie’s story and what he meant to IAC and the aviation community, it became much more meaningful. I’m just grateful for the opportunity—it helps take some financial pressure off and motivates me to keep working toward certification.”

Lopez, a student in the A&P Mechanical Program, plans to pursue his aviation maintenance license and build his career in Amarillo’s growing aerospace industry.

Amarillo College and IAC have developed a strong partnership to prepare skilled technicians for regional workforce needs. IAC currently employs numerous AC graduates and continues to expand operations, recently breaking ground on a sixth hangar at its Amarillo facility.

David Hall, AC’s dean of technical education, said the partnership exemplifies the college’s mission to align education with industry demand.

“We are proud to work alongside IAC to give our students meaningful opportunities,” Hall said. “The Donnie Hammer Memorial Scholarship is not only a tribute to an extraordinary individual—it’s an investment in the skilled professionals who will keep the aviation industry strong for years to come.”