McPherson College’s bachelor’s degree in automotive restoration has been known for years as the premier destination for restoration education. Now that recognition has risen to the international stage with the program winning the International Historic Motoring Awards 2015 Industry Supporter of the Year.
Amanda Gutierrez, vice president for automotive restoration, and Paul Russell, chair of the program’s National Advisory Board and owner of Paul Russell and Company in Essex, Mass., represented the college in accepting the award at the ceremony and gala dinner in November at London’s St. Pancras Renaissance Hotel.
“This is a wonderful recognition of everyone who has worked so hard to make the automotive restoration program a success – our campus community, alumni, advisory board and supporters” Gutierrez said. “This is the international stage affirming the quality and value of what we’ve built during the last 40 years.”
McPherson College Automotive Restoration program was in fantastic company among the other finalists for the award. These included such well-known organizations as: Hagerty, Jaguar Land Rover Special Operations, Porsche Motorsports North America, and Royal Automobile Club.
The automotive restoration program was established at McPherson College in 1976 with a $1.5 million donation of capital and project cars from Gaines H. “Smokey” Billue. In 2001, the program moved to a four-year bachelor’s degree – making it the only automotive restoration program offering a comprehensive liberal arts and technical education in the craft.
Launched in 2011, the International Historic Motoring Awards recognize and celebrate the skills and achievements of the worldwide historic motoring industry. The event comprises 14 award categories ranging from Museum of the Year to Motor Sport Event to Personal Achievement.
It is judged by an international panel of experts from museums and collections, major events, historic motor racing and the world of modern car design. The awards are presented in association with EFG Private Bank and Octane Magazine.
