The impact of donor support at Hendrix reaches far beyond the classroom—it shapes futures, inspires innovation, and strengthens the community that makes this place extraordinary. These stories highlight just a few of the many ways philanthropy enriches the Hendrix experience for today’s students.
John Gill Pre-Law Program
A generous gift from George and Sallie Gill of Barrington, Illinois, has established the John Gill Pre-Law Program at Hendrix College, honoring their brother and brother-in-law, John Gill ’54, a distinguished Arkansas attorney and leader in the legal community.
The endowed program strengthens Hendrix’s already outstanding pre-law track—where students enjoy an 87% law school acceptance rate—and expands opportunities through initiatives such as the John Gill Lecture Series, a Moot Court Team, specialized pre-law courses, and enhanced law school preparation resources.
“It is a privilege to help carry forward my brother John’s legacy through this program,” he said. “We are eager to see Hendrix’s pre-law students thrive with the resources this endowment provides, equipping them to excel in their legal careers and meet the challenges of tomorrow," shared George Gill.
Read the full story: Gift Endows and Names the John Gill Pre-Law Program at Hendrix College | Hendrix College
Judy and Randy Wilbourn Odyssey
Professorship
The Judy and Randy Wilbourn Odyssey Professorship supported the professional development of Professor of
Biology Dr. Maureen McClung ’01 and provided resources and experiences for many of
her students’ Odyssey projects. Every Hendrix student who has participated in
McClung’s research dating back to summer 2019 has benefitted in some capacity from the Wilbourn Professorship.
“I couldn’t have achieved nearly as many of my goals without their support…. The Wilbourn professorship is having BIG impacts on students then and now, and on me always. I am so grateful,” said McClung.
Dr. McClung led 11 students to the Arkansas Chapter of The Wildlife Society meeting at Mount Magazine in March, where they connected with professionals, attended scientific talks, and won the student quiz bowl—against graduate teams! In April, six students presented their research from the Central Arkansas Urban Wildlife Project at the Arkansas Academy of Sciences Conference in Fort Smith. Over the summer, McClung mentored four new students on two ongoing projects: the Central Arkansas Urban Wildlife Project (CAUWP) and Monitoring Avian Productivity and Survivorship (MAPS).
Read the full story: A Passion for Songbirds at Hendrix College – PUPN![]()