Flywheel - McPherson College Auto Restoration Magazine, Spring 2026

Reimagining Templeton Hall

An

Automotive restoration students often make community connections during their time at McPherson College. Ian Foster, senior, was among several students who helped a local elementary school celebrate the schoolwide reading of The Mouse and the Motorcycle by Beverly Cleary by bringing their motorcycles to the school. One of the young students recognized Foster from a recent McPherson College stage performance in which he appeared in The Old Man and The Old Moon.

or 50 years, McPherson College's Automotive Restoration program has been built by people who believed that preserving automotive history matters—and that the next generation is worth investing in.

Today, that belief is carrying us into an exciting new chapter.

Over the past year, we've welcomed outstanding faculty and staff who bring fresh expertise, new perspectives, and a passion for teaching. Togeth er, they're helping prepare students not just for today's careers, but for the opportunities that will shape our industry for decades to come.

At the same time, we're planning the most significant expansion in our program's history. New teaching spaces, specialized labs, engineering facilities, and collaborative learning environments will allow us to educate more students and strengthen the hands-on learning that has always defined McPherson College. While our facilities will grow, our mission remains the same: preparing thoughtful, skilled professionals who will preserve and advance automotive heritage.

As exciting as the future is, none of it would be possible without the people who believed in this program long before today's momentum.

Many individuals have shaped McPherson College's journey, but it seems timely to acknowledge one person in particular. Mr. John D. Groendyke of Enid, Oklahoma, passed away on June 13, 2026. More than a decade ago, Mr. Groendyke simply said "yes" when he was asked to help fund expansion of our staffing. His investment wasn't in bricks or equipment. It was in people. That decision set in motion a transformation that continues today. Our story would have been different without that moment. His confidence changed the direction of the program. It changed my own life. More importantly, it has changed the lives of hundreds of students who have discovered careers, purpose, friendships, and opportunities they never imagined possible.

That is the remarkable thing about education. A single act of generosity doesn't end with one gift; it echoes through generations. We’ve been fortunate to have such support from the collector car community.

As we look ahead, there is an unmistakable sense of energy across campus. New faces. New ideas. New spaces. New opportunities. Every new hire, expanded lab, student project, and industry partnership is another investment in the future caretakers of our automotive heritage.

The cars we teach about tell stories of innovation, craftsmanship, and perseverance. Our students are writing the next chapter of that story.

We invite you to be part of what comes next.

Amanda Gutierrez VP for Automotive Restoration and Engineering

gutierra@mcpherson.edu

flywheel magazine SPRING 2026

McPherson College

1600 E. Euclid McPherson, KS 67460 www.mcpherson.edu © 2026 McPherson College

staffing & brand CAMPUS NEWS 2 donations & partners SUPPORT

6 templeton hall EXPANSION

4 students C.A.R.S. CLUB MOTORING FEST

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McPherson College National Advisory Board for Automotive Restoration

Paul Russell chair, Adam Banks, Ross Barton, Wayne Carini, Tom Cotter, K.C. Crawford, Scott George, Matthew Goist, McKeel Hagerty, Adam Hammer, Dave Kinney, Jonathan Klinger, Michael Kunz, Casey Maxon, Myron Stine

Automotive Restoration Faculty and Staff

Ed Barr, Luke Chennell, Chris Clark, Mike Dudley, Garrick Green, Curt Goodwin, Amanda Gutierrez, Brian Martin, Matthew Miller-Wells, Chris Paulsen, David Rees, Cory Unruh

Updates Campus News

Introducing the new McPherson College Automotive Restoration logo

Designing a new logo for McPherson College’s Automotive Restoration program meant distilling five decades of craftsmanship, purpose, and tradition into a symbol built for the future. That symbol was unveiled during the program’s 50th anniversary celebration at car show weekend, May 1-2.

Nathan Holtus, a 2016 McPherson College graphic design alumnus and partner at Jekyll Studio in Kansas City, created the contemporary look for the new logo. His goal was for the new logo to transcend specific automotive features and feel intrinsic not only to the program but to the school at large — like it was there all along.

The logo also needed to look at home on national and international stages and needed to work across many different media.

He found inspiration in the McPherson College M logo that features a column detail, symbolizing the three pillars of the college mission — scholarship, participation, and service. The new auto restoration logo uses a stylized M image representing both the mission and the open road students travel on moving to the future. It appears inside the familiar imagery of a car badge for a sleek looking symbol that will identify the automotive restoration program well into the future.

Staff

Dr. Michael Stichter

McPherson College named Dr. Michael Stichter founding director and chair of engineering, a key milestone as the college prepares to launch its new engineering degree this fall.

An alumnus of the college’s automotive restoration program and an experienced professional engineer, Stichter will lead development of curriculum, facilities, faculty, and industry partnerships for a program rooted in experiential learning.

Stichter earned a doctorate in mechanical engineering from Drexel University and is now a licensed professional engineer across multiple states. Most recently, he served as director of engineering and failure analysis at ARCCA, an engineering consulting firm in Pennsylvania. There, he led a multidisciplinary team conducting complex investigations involving mechanical systems, materials, and industrial processes.

His professional background spans aerospace manufacturing, combustion research, and applied engineering development—experience that will help shape a hands-on, industry-connected engineering program at McPherson.

“Mike brings exactly the kind of experience and mindset we were looking for,” said Amanda Gutierrez, vice president for automotive restoration and engineering. “He understands both the theory and the application of engineering, and he’s deeply aligned with our belief that students learn best by doing. Just as important, he knows McPherson, and that connection shows in the way he’s already thinking about building something meaningful for our students and for the industry.”

As founding director and chair, Stichter will focus on project-based learning, strong industry partnerships, and integration with the college’s nationally recognized automotive restoration program. His vision emphasizes an educational experience in which students engage in real-world problem-solving from the start—designing, building, and testing in collaborative lab environments.

“This is an exciting moment for McPherson College,” Gutierrez added. “Engineering expands what we can offer students while strengthening our role as a destination for automotive education and innovation.”

The new bachelor's degree was announced last year after receiving approval from the Higher Learning Commission. The degree builds on the college’s historic academic strengths in automotive restoration, natural science, and mathematics while responding to the local and regional workforce needs.

Stichter’s appointment reflects the college’s continued investment in experiential learning and its long-term vision to build a distinctive, industry-connected approach to engineering education.

“I am excited to return to McPherson College to build an engineering program rooted in experiential learning, using the automobile as a teaching tool, and sharing my expertise with the next generation for

careers in engineering analysis and beyond,” Stichter said. “McPherson College gave me my foundation, and I’m honored to give something back.”

With Stichter’s leadership, McPherson College is poised to develop an engineering program that not only prepares students for successful careers but also contributes to the future of the automotive and engi-

genuine passion for the automotive world that aligns with the program.

Before he was a McPherson College student, Rees built a career in Australia that began by earning a degree in engineering from Swinburne University. He worked as a draftsman and spent a decade in the construction industry, managing complex projects and collaborating with teams to deliver high-quality commercial and residential builds.

ity, collaboration, and innovation.

Miller-Wells brings a strong background in both automotive restoration and public programming. Most recently, he served as director of education at The Garage Automotive Museum in Salina, where he developed educational experiences, curated exhibits, managed staff and volunteers, and built community engagement. He also has hands-on restoration experience and a passion for teaching and mentoring.

He is a McPherson College graduate with a degree in auto restoration and emphasis on history. He understands the college’s impact firsthand and returns with a

“David’s path to McPherson College is a reflection of the kind of curiosity and enthusiasm we value,” said Amanda Gutierrez, vice president for automotive restoration and engineering. “Combined with his restoration training, he brings a thoughtful, practical approach to managing our workshop spaces and supporting the day-to-day work of students and faculty.”

Rees found McPherson College on a cross-country trip visiting museums and car shows. After a quick tour of Templeton Hall, he ultimately decided to enroll as a student in 2019. Since graduating, he has been working as a used car reconditioning manager, overseeing workflow, coordinating repairs, and ensuring vehicles are completed efficiently and to a high standard.

Alongside his professional experience, Rees brings a passion for the classic car. When he’s not at work, he enjoys working on his 1950s Cadillacs or collecting antique gas pumps and memorabilia.

Promotions & Recognitions

Luke Chennell, Michael Dudley, and Curt Goodwin were promoted to the rank of professor this spring. Chennell teaches drivetrain and chassis restoration and research and documentation, Dudley teaches automotive trim, and Goodwin teaches engine rebuilding.

Garrick Green, professor of technology, was recognized this year for 25 years of employment at McPherson College, and Chris Clark, associate professor of technology, was recognized for 10 years of employment. Green teaches machining technology and fundamentals of woodworking and Clark teaches automotive paint and

Congratulations to each of these faculty members for their remarkable service to educating the next generation of automotive resto-

Reimagining Templeton Hall for the next generation

At the 50th anniversary celebration of the Automotive Restoration program at McPherson College in May, Amanda Gutierrez, vice president for automotive restoration, announced plans to update and expand Templeton Hall, the program’s home for the past 50 years.

“The next phase of Templeton Hall will allow us to better support the way students learn today and the way they will want to learn tomorrow,” Gutierrez said. “It will create room for modern equipment, more creative lab experiences, expanded teaching spaces, and the continued growth of students interested in studying the automobile.”

The renovation and expansion are funded in part by a generous multimillion-dollar gift from the Lucas Trust, which will help strengthen the program’s long-term future and support facilities, tools, and learning environments for automotive restoration.

Stan Lucas was a mechanical engineer and entrepreneur. In 1957, he started Lucas Automotive Engineering, which began by making steering wheels for early Fords and later expanded to manufacture hard-to-find tires for antique cars, serving a worldwide market. The company reflected both his enterprising spirit and passion for classic cars.

Gutierrez also announced a $16 million fundraising campaign for the project, with $10 million already committed. Over the next six months, the college will work with donors to raise an additional $6 million.

Plans for Templeton Hall will double the current square footage and include significantly more lab and office space, along with new areas for students to gather, a new entryway, and a showroom. Completion of the new facility is expected in early 2028.

Last year, the college announced the addition of a new bachelor's degree in mechanical engineering. It recently announced hiring Michael Stichter, an automotive restoration alumnus and professional engineer, to lead the new program. The degree builds on the col-

will have opportunities to move across disciplines, applying theory and craftsmanship in collaborative and experiential ways.”

While Templeton Hall has long served the automotive restoration program, demand for the program has pushed the building beyond its capacity. The expansion and renovation project will incorporate the adjacent facilities building and add new laboratory spaces, expanding the complex to more than 62,000 square feet. Workshops will be reorganized to improve workflow, while creating additional room for advanced projects, new technologies, and future growth.

The Hoffman Building, the 22,700 square-foot building originally constructed in 1961, will become the home of the new mechanical engineering program. Renovations will create flexible teaching laboratories, fabrication and prototyping spaces, a computer lab, and collaborative student work areas designed around hands-on learning.

The building project will add much-needed square footage and support gradual growth of up to 40 percent over the next several years in automotive studies enrollment. More importantly, the project positions McPherson College to strengthen its role as a national hub for students, collectors, industry leaders, restorers, and enthusiasts who share a passion for the automobile and its future.

Long-time friend establishes scholarship

Sean Reardon of Lawrence, Kansas, recently established the Jim and Theresa Reardon Endowed Scholarship in memory of his parents, who supported his love and passion for cars from an early age. His many years of engage ment have translated into becoming an invested supporter of the Automotive Restoration program. Reardon is a familiar face at the McPherson College C.A.R.S. Club Motoring Festival every year, sharing his Porsches and a fre quent student in the Summer Institute.

Top: Jim and Theresa Reardon with a car completely built by Jim as a retirement project.

Top right: Jim and Theresa Reardon with her first Porsche, which took her 84 years to finally get.

Right: Sean Reardon with his Porsche.

Donors meet $1 million challenge to launch Drivers Circle

A $1 million matching gift challenge made by Will and Cary Singleton was successfully met to help launch the Drivers Circle, a new avenue of support for the automotive restoration program.

The Drivers Circle marks the program’s 50th year as the nation's only bachelor’s degree program dedicated to classic car restoration by ensuring students continue receiving real-world experiences through internships, field trips, attending industry events, and mentorships from experts.

Will and Cary Singleton of Costa Mesa, California, first learned about McPherson College when they hired Matt Goist, a 2017 graduate of automotive restoration, as their collection manager. Each summer, they host two to three McPherson College interns to work at the Singleton Collection – a 45,000 square-foot facility focused on American automobiles from the earliest days through the 1970s and beyond.

Impressed by the caliber of students who work with them, the Singletons have already hired a former intern full time and plan to continue looking to McPherson College as their collection grows. They understand the importance of supporting the next generation of restoration professionals in gaining the experience, understanding, and craftsmanship needed to carry this tradition forward.

Gifts to the Drivers Circle fund experiential opportunities and help support upgrades to shop equipment and teaching spaces, scholarships, and professional development to keep instruction aligned with current industry standards. All donors to the program become members of the Drivers Circle and receive regular program updates and the Flywheel magazine.

Learn more about the Drivers Circle at: www.mcpherson.edu/driverscircle

American Bugatti Club

The American Bugatti Club is a longtime supporter of the MC automotive restoration program. Its relationship with the college began with a collaborative project led by Professor Luke Chennell, who worked with stu-

Snap-On celebrated this year’s automotive restoration graduates with its Makers and Fixers caps. Makers and Fixers is an ongoing community campaign that celebrates the passion, expertise, and grit of craftsmen and women.

C.A.R.S CLUB Motoring Festival

Fifty years of McPherson College automotive restoration were on full display during the annual C.A.R.S. Club Motoring Festival on May 2.

The campus grounds became the show field for 507 vehicles from across the United States.

Featured cars included a 1908 American Underslung, a 1948 Tucker, a 1954 Kurtis 500M and a 1968 Lamborghini 400 GT, among many others. Also on display were three concept vehicles from the General Motors collection: the 1959 Cadillac Cyclone, 1988 Cadillac Solitaire, and 2025 Cadillac Elevated Velocity. A 1932 Alfa Romeo 8C earned Best of Show honors.

The Motoring Festival is entirely organized and managed by McPherson College students. It’s likely the only car show where concours-quality restorations are displayed alongside student project cars. The wide variety of vehicles displayed draws thousands of visitors to the campus for the event.

“The car show is the biggest event we have on campus, drawing alumni and cars from all corners of the country,” said Ernest Skehan, car show chair. “Students work all year to make sure they put on a great event to showcase their work.”

Next year’s show is scheduled for Saturday, May 1, 2027.

McPherson College 1600 East Euclid PO Box 1402

McPherson, KS 67460

Route 66

A group of McPherson College students traveled the western end of the fabled Route 66 over spring break, ending at the Santa Monica Pier. There were 50 stops along the way, and daily milestone points were awarded to each car. The trip took a total of 10 days and included vehicles ranging from a 1930 Model A to a 1976 FJ Land Cruiser.

Watch their trip at: youtu.be/pj54vlXvbsk