TOPEKA (KSNT) – Washburn Tech will be renaming its southwest Topeka campus following a substantial donation that was made in the fall of 2024.
The southwest campus will be renamed the Washburn Tech Bruce and Theresa McPherson Campus after they made a $3 million donation to the school, according to a press release from Washburn Tech. The campus is located at 5724 SW Huntoon Street.
The Huntoon campus was built in 1964 and was originally part of the Northeast Kansas Vocational Technical School, according to the university. It later became Kaw Area Technical School and became affiliated with Washburn University, becoming Washburn Tech, in 2008.
“The investment Bruce and Theresa have made in Washburn Tech’s programs, its students and its future along with their belief in the value of technical education have allowed us to be bold, to innovate and to change lives,” said Dr. JuliAnn Mazachek, president, Washburn University. “We look forward to preparing even more students to enter the workforce, allowing us to make a greater impact and ensure our community and region have the workforce needed to continue to grow and thrive.”
Jen LeClair with Washburn Tech said the McPhersons have supported many initiatives at Washburn, including scholarships to athletic facilities. Mazachek says the naming of the Washburn Tech campus on Huntoon is part of the school’s vision for the future.
“We are so grateful to Bruce and Theresa for playing such a substantial role in supporting the growth and expansion of Washburn Tech and supporting the workforce for generations to come,” said Marshall Meek, president, Washburn University Alumni Association & Foundation. “Their gift is a clear indicator of their belief in the value of Washburn Tech and its programs and their vital importance to our regional economy and development.”
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