McPHERSON, Kan. — During a ribbon-cutting and car-unveiling ceremony on July 24, Dondlinger Construction of Wichita presented McPherson College with a $125,000 gift to support student activities and programs. The company served as the general contractor for the Campus Commons — a 55,000-square-foot hub for student services and the centerpiece of a major campus update.
“Dondlinger Construction played a critical role in bringing our vision for the Campus Commons to life,” McPherson College President Michael Schneider said. “Their team brought the highest level of professionalism and craftsmanship to the project. We are grateful for their partnership on this project and for their commitment and support of the college long after the project is finished.”
In addition to overseeing construction, Dondlinger planned and implemented the custom rigging system used to suspend two classic automobiles from the building’s three-story atrium. The first car, a 1972 Ferrari 365 GTB/4 Daytona, was unveiled during the ceremony. A second car, a 1956 Austin Healey 100M Le Mans Roadster, was installed later. As the only college in the U.S. offering a four-year degree in automotive restoration, it is fitting for the college to showcase classic automobiles in its new flagship building.
Beyond expanding dining and student gathering spaces, the Campus Commons houses a center for career and experiential learning, including the Student Debt Project, as well as a Welcome Center for prospective students and one-stop enrollment services to enhance student support.
The Campus Commons is part of a larger expansion effort by the college, which has seen campus size increase by 20% since 2022. Nearly half of all existing campus buildings have been renovated, including all student residence halls, as well as athletic facilities, science labs, general education classrooms, and computer labs.
The gift was presented on behalf of Dondlinger Construction by company president Tom Dondlinger, along with project executive Troy Kapels, project manager Jared Woody, assistant project manager Zach Newell, superintendent Richard Scovel, and many other members of the project and leadership team.
“It’s incredibly rewarding to be a sponsor for McPherson College’s new campus commons facility and witness the genuine enthusiasm it has generated across campus—from administration and faculty to the students themselves,” said Troy Kapels, Dondlinger vice president. “The energy and excitement surrounding this new space clearly demonstrates its potential to transform campus life and strengthen the college community. We’re thrilled to be part of this meaningful project and look forward to our continued partnership with McPherson College for many years to come.”
About McPherson College
McPherson College’s mission is to “develop whole persons through scholarship, participation, and service” within a career-focused liberal arts environment. In 2023, the college secured an unprecedented $1B commitment to its endowment, marking one of the largest single endowment commitments of any small liberal arts college in the U.S. Nationally recognized by U.S. News & World Report, Money Magazine, and the Chronicle of Higher Education’s “Great Colleges to Work For,” McPherson College is renowned for its innovative programs. Its Automotive Restoration program, the first four-year degree program of its kind, made history when a student-restored Mercedes-Benz 300 S earned a class award at the Pebble Beach Concours d’Elegance – the first time a student-restored car received such an honor at the prestigious Concours. Learn about all of its programs at www.mcpherson.edu.
About Dondlinger Construction
In July 2025, McPherson College unveiled the Campus Commons, the centerpiece of a major campus update. The 55,000-square-foot campus hub, built by Dondlinger Construction of Wichita, features a striking three-story glass atrium showcasing vintage cars — a tribute to McPherson College’s renowned automotive restoration program. Founded in 1898, Dondlinger Construction has built some of Kansas’s most iconic landmarks, including the Eisenhower Memorial Library and Exploration Place in Wichita. Learn more at https://dondlinger.build/.
