Robert W. ‘Bob’ Wise honored for over 60 years of loyalty to McPherson College
McPHERSON, Kan. — At a grand opening celebration during Homecoming, U.S. Senator Jerry Moran joined McPherson College in announcing the name of the newest building on campus – The Wise Campus Commons. The name honors the longstanding and transformative support of the Robert W. “Bob” Wise family.
Bob Wise, a 1956 graduate of McPherson College, met and married his college sweetheart, Anita McSpadden, while attending McPherson College. He practiced law at Wise and Reber in McPherson for 60 years until his death in 2021.
Wise served the greater community and state as a trusted legal adviser, economic development advocate, and longtime supporter of McPherson College. Bob was actively involved in every McPherson College fundraising campaign starting in the 1960s, most recently the Building Community campaign, which secured over $1.5 billion in commitments to the college’s endowment.
Bob and Anita Wise have been instrumental in the recent growth at McPherson College that is reshaping higher education.
“Throughout his life, Bob Wise invested in those around him, leaving a legacy of kindness, humility, and devotion to his community,” said Sen. Moran. “The Wise Campus Commons at McPherson College will serve as a reminder of the impact one person can have when they choose to devote their life to serving others. Congratulations to President Schneider and McPherson College leadership on this exciting addition. I look forward to the future successes that will occur on campus and in the community as a result.”
The Wise Campus Commons, a 55,000-square-foot facility, is the centerpiece 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 the Holman Fieldhouse (home of Bulldog athletics), Melhorn Hall science labs, Mohler Hall classrooms, and computer labs across campus.
“Bob saw the highs and lows of McPherson College, yet over 60 years, his loyalty never wavered,” said McPherson College President Michael Schneider. “His humble approach left details of his actions hard to trace for the average observer. However, for two decades, I had the privilege of working with Bob, and I can tell you the impact of his legacy is unmatched. We are proud that the signature building on our campus will bear his name so everyone will know of his impact.”
Beyond expanding dining and student gathering spaces, the Wise Campus Commons is home to several key student-focused areas, including the Elmer O. Dalke Center for Career and Experiential Learning, including the Student Debt Project, the Peoples Bank Welcome Center for prospective students, the Gooden Mulch Center for Student Collaboration, and one-stop enrollment services aimed at enhancing the student experience.
The building’s “prairie-inspired” design pays tribute to its Kansas roots, featuring a bright, glassy atrium that showcases two classic cars suspended from the ceiling — a nod to the college’s nationally recognized Automotive Restoration program. Dondlinger Construction of Wichita, which has built and managed some of the most notable projects in Kansas, served as the general contractor for the project.
