McNeese Receives $1 Million Donation

The McNeese State University Foundation has received a $1 million donation from the estate of the late Dorothy Brammer Hanna to establish four endowments – the W.A. and Dorothy Hanna Endowment, W.A. and Dorothy Hanna Endowment for “Messiah,” W.A. and Dorothy Hanna Endowment for Education and the W.A. and Dorothy Hanna Endowment for Performing Arts.

“We are honored that Mrs. Hanna chose to establish these endowments through the McNeese Foundation,” McNeese President Dr. Daryl Burckel said. “She was unwavering in her commitment to education and to helping students succeed and her generosity will touch untold numbers of McNeese students for years to come.” 

In 2017, Mrs. Hanna made a generous donation to establish endowed scholarships and professorships in the performing arts department. The department was renamed the W.A. and Dorothy Hanna Department of Performing Arts to honor Mrs. Hanna and her late husband, W.A. Hanna.

This gift brings the total amount of the Hanna donation to McNeese to just over $2.1 million.

Mrs. Hanna graduated with an associate degree in music from John McNeese Junior College and a master’s degree in music from McNeese State University. She taught music for 28 years at Vinton High School, where she met her late husband, who was a coach, teacher and later principal at Vinton High School and who served two terms on the Calcasieu Parish School Board.

“Mr. and Mrs. Hanna exemplify our intent for McNeese graduates to make a life, make a living and make a difference in their community,” Burckel said.

Mrs. Hanna remained connected to her alma mater through her interest in the Lake Charles Messiah Chorus’ annual performance of Handel’s “Messiah” in McNeese’s historic F.G. Bulber Auditorium.

The Hannas both had a passion for guiding elementary and high school students to help them reach their full potential.

“These endowments are an investment in McNeese and the University’s commitment to providing high quality education in a student-centric environment,” Burckel said.