Vol. 92, Special Edition

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Amarillo College's News Source Since 1930 Volume 92, Special Edition

acranger.com

August 23, 2021

Philanthropist gives AC $15 million donation By RAYGAN LOPEZ Editor-In-Chief

During the summer of 2021 Amarillo College received a $15 million gift from philanthropist Mackenzie Scott. Over these past fcw months Scott has been gifting billions of dollars to nonprofits and charities which includes many colleges and universities. This gift represents the hard work, dedication and efforts from both faculty and students. “It is the largest gift in the history of the college and one of the largest in the history of our community,” Dr. Russell LoweryHart, President of Amarillo college said. “The gift affirms the incredible work we’ve done for accelerated learning, social services and a culture of caring,” he said. Lowery-Hart believes that everyone’s accomplishments at AC are commendable but is now becoming acknowledged at a national level.“Our college has emerged as a national leader in student success and this gift will enable us to help and serve our community even more profoundly,” Lowery-Hart said. “This gift will affirm to other philanthropists that Amarillo College is deserving and I hope this gift leads to many more,”he said. AC is still undecided as to where the $15 million gift will be used. However, Vice President of Institutional Advancement, Joe Bill Sherrod said at least $2 million will allow for the launch of the “No Excuses” plan. Sherrod also mentioned the rest of the money will go into an endowment for future use. “Money that gets endowed would be money you would put into an investment,” Sherrod said. This donation will be used to aid current and future faculty, staff and students. “The gift will be at the discretion of the president and the board of regents to determine how that money gets used,” Sherrod said. “I think we will impact our faculty but also program enhancement. These are the kind of things that we may use a little bit from that $2 million that’s expendable versus the endowment money in which you don’t spend,” Sherrod said. Not only will this help in advancing the college but also the community. According to officials, the goal is to eradicate the cycle of poverty. “I think it is honoring the work of Amarillo College today and preparing for the future but we are setting aside some money to help our current students,” Cara Crowley, vice president of strategic initiatives said. “That is always our drive here as a college to really help every student achieve their educational dream because we know that is how you change your community and that is exactly who AC is,” she said. The unanticipated gift from Scott was a shock to the college, however, the gift will help AC address the rising poverty rates in Amarillo through education. Philanthropy that is at its highest level will breed more philanthropy for the next generations. “This gift is really for our entire community,” Lowery-Hart said. “Amarillo College is just the steward of the money and we will leverage it to remove even more barriers for our students and deepen our work within the community. It is the biggest day in the 91 year history of the college and we are just getting started,” he said.

Despite Delta, classes will meet in person President recommends masks, vaccinations

By RUTH MARTINEZ Editor-In-Chief

Amarillo College is welcoming students back to campus with 100% capacity classrooms and a mask-optional atmosphere for the fall semester. According to the Centers for Disease Control (CDC), the Delta Variant spreads faster than earlier forms of COVID. “The vaccines are proven to be safe, effective and the benefits far outweigh any negligible risks,” Media Director, Sadie Newsome said. ”In addition to dramatically decreasing the likelihood of contracting the virus at all, the vaccine also protects the few vaccinated people who do end up getting the virus

RAYGAN LOPEZ | The Ranger

The CDC recommends using hand sanitizer that contains at least 60% alcohol. They also suggest rubbing your hands together for at least 20 seconds, covering all surface areas.

from the most severe and dangerous health outcomes,” Newsome said There will be a continuation of monitoring positive COVID-19 rates on campus and also a quarantine process. “If a student who was present in an on-campus class in the last 10 days tests positive for COVID, the entire class will quarantine for 14 days from the date of exposure—regardless of individuals’ vaccination status,” Newsome said. “During that time, the class will be held in a tech-supported virtual environment,” she said. Dr. Russell Lowery-Hart, the President of Amarillo College said the trust he has for his faculty and students to be responsible during this pandemic remains strong with hopes in the ability to

stay open. “I remain very, very concerned about the Delta Variant as it savages or community,” Lowery-Hart said. “The CDC research is so clear - if you are vaccinated and wear a mask, you are protected from the variant.” There are multiple locations that offer vaccinations for those who want to be prepared for the new school year. AC will also be hosting vaccination clinics on campus for the first two weeks of the fall 2021 semester. Initially, Governor Greg Abbott issued an executive order on March 10, 2021, lifting the mask mandate and eliminating restrictions on public institutions and businesses.

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