The Hutchinson Community College Endowment Association is honored to announce a $100,000 gift from longtime supporters Terry and Dee Bisbee, creating a new scholarship opportunity for students and providing critical support for key college programs.

Through their generosity, the Bisbees have endowed a Presidential and Leadership Scholarship, establishing a legacy that will benefit high-achieving students for generations to come. The Presidential and Leadership Scholarship program recognizes students who demonstrate academic excellence, leadership potential, and a strong commitment to service. Participants gain access to enhanced educational opportunities, leadership development experiences, and meaningful engagement both on campus and throughout the community, preparing them for continued success beyond HutchCC.

In addition to scholarship support, the gift will also benefit Fine Arts and Athletics, expanding access for students, enriching the overall student experience, and strengthening the college community.

Terry, a HutchCC alumnus from the Class of 1968 and current member of the Hutchinson Community College Board of Trustees, has maintained a lifelong connection to the college.

“HutchCC opened doors for me, and it’s an honor to help open those same doors for future students,” Terry said. “Dee and I believe deeply in the mission of Hutchinson Community College and the power education has to change lives. This scholarship is about investing in students who are willing to lead, serve, and make a positive impact, both while they’re at HutchCC and long after they graduate.”

HutchCC Endowment Association Director Cindy Keast expressed gratitude for the Bisbees’ continued commitment to the institution. “Terry and Dee Bisbee exemplify what it means to believe in students and in the mission of Hutchinson Community College,” Keast said. “Their generosity will have a lasting impact by empowering students, strengthening our programs, and helping ensure access and excellence for years to come.”

This investment reflects Terry and Dee Bisbee’s shared dedication to student success and the future of Hutchinson Community College, helping students pursue their educational goals and creating opportunities that will benefit generations to come.

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

The Hutchinson Community College Fine Arts department, with support from the Kansas Creative Arts Commission, will kick off its spring schedule with the annual Bryce Luty Jazz Festival concert on Friday, February 6 at 7:00 pm in the Stringer Fine Arts Center.

Now in its 51st year, the festival was named for long-time HutchCC jazz instructor Bryce Luty following his passing in 2014.  The concert will include performances by the HutchCC Concert Jazz Band, under the direction of Dr. Jack Cassidy, and the Bryce Luty Jazz Festival All Star Band.

The performance will feature guest artist Brian Lynch. Mr. Lynch is a past member of some of the most historic groups in jazz. He was a member of Art Blakey’s Jazz Messengers, the Horace Silver Quintet, and the Toshiko Akiyoshi Jazz Orchestra. In addition, he has worked with Conrad Herwig, Charles Mcpherson, Phil Woods, Bennie Golson, and has had a long association with the great Latin jazz and salsa pianist Eddie Palmieri. In 2020, The Brian Lynch Big Band released its Grammy Award winning album The Omni-American Book Club. Mr. Lynch has performed and recorded with the best in popular music including Prince and Sheila E.

Mr. Lynch holds faculty positions at the University of Miami, New York University and the North Netherlands Conservatory. He has also conducted workshops at the Eastman School of Music, the University of Norh Texas and Columbia University. He is a graduate of the Wisconsin Conservatory of Music and holds a master’s degree from New York University.

The two-day Festival begins Thursday, February 5 and is geared for high school and middle school students. Each participating band will receive a clinic from guest artist Brian Lynch or one of two guest clinicians – Dr. Emma Taylor, who is currently the Professor of Bass at Millikin University and has performed with famed drummer Carl Allen from Kansas City and famed saxophonist Jim Snidero, or Dr. Kurt Reeder, an expert in Brazilian and Afro-Caribbean styles as well as a highly sought after jazz organist. He is a graduate of Brigham Young University (BM), California State University (MM) and received his Doctorate in Jazz Studies from the University of Illinois.

Tickets for the concert are just $10.00 for adults, $8.00 for senior citizens, $5.00 for high school students and children, with Hutchinson Community College students/faculty/staff admitted free with a valid college ID. Tickets are available by calling the Fine Arts ticket office at 620-665-3503. Advance purchase of tickets is recommended.

For more information on the Fine Arts Department at Hutchinson Community College, visit the college website at www.hutchcc.edu/finearts.

The January meeting of the Hutchinson Community College Board of Trustees began with its election of officers for the coming year.  David Marshall was elected chairperson with Jan Young assuming the role of vice chair. This is Marshall’s third term as president since first being elected to the Board in 2007.

In addition, the Board received updates on the College’s strategic planning processes and heard an update from Vice President of Workforce Development Bryce McFarland on HutchCC’s outreach efforts, specifically the continued strength of its Commercial Drivers License (CDL) classes and growth of its welding program.  The Board also approved residence hall rates for the 2026-27 academic year.

The next meeting of the board will be Thursday, February 8 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.

At the December meeting of the Hutchinson Community College Board of Trustees, the Board wrapped up the calendar year with several items of routine business.

In addition, the Board received its annual audit report, approved the dates of its 2026 meetings and received an update on its upcoming accreditation visit in April.

The next meeting of the board will be Thursday, January 8.  The meeting will be at 6:00 p.m. in the Shears Technology Center Justice Theater.  The public is invited to attend.

For more information on Hutchinson Community College and Board of Trustees meetings, visit the college website at www.hutchcc.edu/boardmeetings.