McPHERSON, Kan. — The Cosmosphere in Hutchinson has an SR 71 Blackhawk hanging in its Lobby. McPherson College now has a Ferrari, but not just any Ferrari.
As part of the ribbon cutting for McPherson College’s new Campus Commons Thursday morning, a rare 1972 Ferrari 365 GTB/4 Daytona was unveiled, hanging from the ceiling of the atrium of the new building that will serve as home of the college’s dining services, enrollment, career services and the college’s student debt program along with space for student organizations and meeting space.
The Ferrari was donated to the college in 2022 by Dr. Richard Lundquist, who with his wife Melanie are longtime supporters of the college including a $50 million commitment in 2023. It is one of the last models Ferrari made before its founder, Enzo Ferrari sold the company to Fiat.
During the ribbon cutting, McPherson College President Michael Schneider said the Lundquist’s financial support helped make this possible along with other campus-wide remodeling and renovation.
Other major support for the Campus Commons came from the Elmer O. Dalke Charitable Foundation which has long supported the Career Services programs at the college and funded the Career and Exponential Learning Center housed on the 3rd floor. Contributions were also acknowledged from the Julia J. Mingenback Foundation, Peoples Bank and Trust which supported the Welcome Center, The St. Stevens of Kansas Charitable Trust, Sodexo Food Service, and many friends of former McPherson College President Jack Melhorn who funded the boardroom and meeting space adjoining the Welcome Center.
Dr. Lundquist had owned the car for some 50 years, but due to back issues he hadn’t been able to drive it for some time. Melanie Lundquist had suggested at one point selling the car, but he couldn’t bear to part with something he had nearly all of his adult life. During the unveiling, he said Melanie suggested donating the car to McPherson College
“I finally decided that made a lot of sense. With the car at McPherson College, I can come and visit it like today,” Dr. Lundquist said during the car’s unveiling.
Ultimately other cars will be displayed from the atrium ceiling, with the Ferrari to then be completely restored by students in McPherson College’s one of a kind and award-winning automotive technology program.
Also on hand for the unveiling was Vice Consul of Italy Gino Serra from Kansas City, who spoke of the many connections existing between Italy and Kansas, and between the car and the college. “The Ferrari Daytona is a significant piece of Italian automotive history. It represents a special connection between Italy and the College. It unifies two communities that share a passion for art and science,” Serra said, adding there’s no better example of this than the automobile.
McPherson College Student Government Association president Kenya McCain said during the ribbon cutting she’s excited to have a space “where students can come together as a unit to access important campus resources, collaborate on projects, and create a sense of community.”
A formal grand opening for the College Commons is planned for McPherson College Homecoming weekend in September.
