MCPHERSON, Kan. (KSNW) – A family’s passion for cars turned into a scholarship to McPherson College.

This scholarship was presented to McPherson College with an initial gift of $400,000 in the name of Colonel Daryl Hemken and his wife, Ann Hemken. It will be awarded as an annual scholarship to students in the automotive restoration program.

“The Hemken family’s love of cars is extraordinary, and their desire to support the next generation of automotive leaders ensures that their family’s passion will continue into the future,” said the president of McPherson College, Michael Schneider. “The impact of their donation will be far-reaching, not only on the lives of our students, but also on the automotive restoration industry which will benefit our graduates.”

Mr. and Mrs. Hemken began buying and collecting cars shortly after their marriage in 1954. It first started as a hobby for the couple before becoming a passion involving their whole family. This led to the founding of the Hemken Collection Museum in Williams, Iowa, where they lived. The collection was sold at auction in September.

In addition to the endowed scholarship, the museum also hosted two student interns from McPherson College to work for a summer preparing the collection for auction.

“These scholarships recognize the Hemkens’ great love for the automotive experience and their belief in the value of education,” said Amanda Gutierrez, Vice President of Automotive Restoration. “By honoring Colonel and Mrs. Hemken with this gift, the family is also honoring the automotive experience they all enjoyed together. And they are supporting a generation of students who are pursuing careers that continue that love of automobiles.

McPherson College’s automotive restoration program began in 1976. Funding for the program was provided by Gaines “Smoky” Billue, a local entrepreneur who was a nationally recognized and award-winning leader. This made McPherson the only college to offer a four-year bachelor’s degree in restaurant technology in the nation.

More information about the program can be found at www.mcpherson.edu/autorestoration.