The Hutchinson Community College Endowment Association has announced a $1.8 million gift from the estate of Ray and Dolores “Dee” Waldo, the most sizable contribution in the organization’s history.

This remarkable gift builds upon the Waldos’ long-standing legacy of generosity, following a previous $1 million donation just ten years ago. Their continued commitment to education will have a profound and lasting impact on Hutchinson Community College students for generations to come.

Ray Waldo attended Hutchinson Community College during the 1956–57 academic year before embarking on a successful career as an engineering technician with the Kansas Department of Transportation. Dolores, known to most as Dee, worked with Farmers Alliance Insurance Company in McPherson and later with Farm Bureau in Wichita. Married for more than 50 years, the couple shared a deep appreciation for hard work, community, and the transformative power of education.

Although they had no children of their own, the Waldos were passionate about investing in future generations.

“This extraordinary gift is a testament to Ray and Dee’s belief in the life-changing power of education,” said Cindy Keast, Director of the Hutchinson Community College Endowment Association. “Their generosity will expand opportunities for our students, helping remove financial barriers and opening doors. We are deeply grateful for their vision and the legacy they have created.”

Through this second transformational gift in just a decade, the Waldo legacy will continue to support Hutchinson Community College students by expanding scholarship opportunities and advancing other educational initiatives.

For more information on the Hutchinson Community College Endowment Association, visit www.hutchcc.edu/endowment.

The Ray and Stella Dillon Lecture Series at Hutchinson Community College will welcome award-winning storyteller, artist, and creative technologist Taryn Southern to the Hutchinson Sports Arena on April 21.

A native of Wichita and graduate of Wichita East High School, Southern is known for her pioneering work at the intersection of emerging technology and human creativity. An early YouTube creator whose content has generated more than 750 million views, she has spent more than two decades developing digital storytelling and brand strategies for global audiences. Her innovative projects include composing one of the world’s first AI-generated pop albums, experimenting with digital identity and cloning technology, and directing a Tribeca Film Festival documentary exploring brain-computer interfaces.

In addition to her creative work, Southern has led marketing and communications for a leading neurotechnology company, helping guide successful funding rounds totaling more than $230 million. Through her speaking and storytelling, she explores how emerging technologies are reshaping creativity, communication, and the future of human potential.

“Taryn Southern brings a unique perspective on the intersection of technology, creativity and human potential,” said Susan Buttram, chair of the Dillon Lecture Series committee. “Her work exploring emerging technologies and storytelling will offer our audience an exciting look at how innovation is shaping the future.”

Tickets to the lecture are available now at www.hutchcc.edu/dls and will also be available beginning at 9:45 am on the day of the lecture at the Hutchinson Sports Arena. Students are admitted free of charge.

Southern will appear at a press conference for members of the media prior to the lecture.  The press conference is scheduled for 9:45 a.m. in the Media Interview Room of the Hutchinson Sports Arena.

Now in its 45th season, the Dillon Lecture Series has brought influential voices to Hutchinson since 1982, providing opportunities for students and community members to hear from nationally recognized speakers representing a wide range of disciplines.

The Hutchinson Community College Board of Trustees opened its April meeting by welcoming a pair of student groups.

CRU – Campus Crusade for Christ – is a student-led group of about 10 students who meet regularly for non-denominational Bible study. The Board also welcomed several sophomore members of the Blue Dragon track team. Both the men’s and women’s teams were region champions during the recently completed indoor season with coach Robert Spies being named the Central Regional Coach of the Year for both men’s and women’s teams.

The Board received a report on the College’s upcoming Higher Learning Commission accreditation visit the week of April 13. The accreditation is up for renewal every 10 years. The HLC peer reviewers will be holding several meetings Monday and Tuesday with students, staff, faculty, board members and community members.

In addition, the Board received updates on building projects as well as on its Workforce and Outreach initiatives.

The next meeting of the board will be on Thursday, May 14 at 6:00 p.m. in the Shears Technology Center Justice Theater. The public is invited to attend. Board meeting agendas and information can be found at www.hutchcc.edu/boardmeetings.

Hutchinson Community College will celebrate the renovation of Davis Hall with a formal ribbon cutting ceremony on Tuesday, April 7 at 10:00 a.m.

The event will feature remarks from College president Dr. Tricia Paramore and special guest Senator Jerry Moran, who will join campus and community representatives in commemorating the occasion.

Davis Hall, located at 815 N. Walnut, is the hub for HutchCC’s Associate Degree Nursing program.  The renovation represents the third phase of a significant investment in the college’s commitment to providing modern, high-quality facilities that support student success and workforce development.

The updated space is designed to enhance learning opportunities while meeting the evolving needs of nursing students, faculty and the region.

Faculty, staff, students, and members of the community are invited to attend the ceremony and take part in celebrating this important milestone for Hutchinson Community College.