Dr. William Hampes Honors His Family’s Legacy
In the early 1900s, in a mountain village in Greece, a young Panagiotis Gatsos dreamed of becoming a teacher. Unfortunately, family circumstances prevented him from attending university and achieving his goal. Over a century later, his grandson, Dr. William “Bill” Hampes, is helping students pursue their educational dreams at Black Hawk College.
Helen and Peter Watson (aka Panagiotis Gatsos) with their five children.
Dr. Hampes recently expanded the endowed scholarship he established in 2020 in memory of his parents. The Mary and Louis Hampes Memorial Scholarship provides financial support for full-time BHC students who maintain a B average in any major.
As a retired psychology professor, Dr. Hampes is dedicated to supporting Black Hawk College students while honoring the educational legacy of his Greek immigrant grandparents, Helen and Peter Watson (formerly Panagiotis Gatsos) and George and Erasmia Hampes, as well as his parents, Mary and Louis Hampes.
“I established and named the scholarship to honor my parents who supported my education and that of my sister, Mary Lou, and to pass on that support to those at BHC who need it the most,” Dr. Hampes said.
Mary Lou Hampes Schoenegge earned her bachelor’s degree from North Park University and devoted 38 impactful years to teaching in the Chicago Public School System. Her brother, Bill Hampes, pursued an impressive academic journey, earning a bachelor’s and master’s degree in psychology, followed by a Ph.D. in experimental psychology. He made a lasting impact as a professor at Black Hawk College from 1989 to 2014 and continues to inspire students as a part-time tutor even in retirement.
Bill’s recent generous donation will significantly expand the reach of the Mary and Louis Hampes Memorial Scholarship, enabling even more students to benefit from this vital support.
“This [donation] will allow us to award another three scholarships annually in future years,” said Zenaida Landeros, executive director of the Black Hawk College Foundation. “Dr. Hampes has shown a remarkable commitment to our students and their futures,” she said. “His dedication and support are deeply appreciated and serve as an inspiration to our entire community.”
Your donation to Black Hawk College helps create lasting educational opportunities that can transform students’ lives and honor the legacies of those who value education.
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