Danville Area Community College officials and the DACC Foundation honored a man today (October 11, 2018) who has made many campus improvements possible. Julius W. Hegeler II has provided millions of dollars to the local community college over the years….
In addition to providing the funding for a Garden Gateway that was re-dedicated today….Hegeler has also funded improvements to the Ornamental Horticulture building, new greenhouses, an addition to the Technology Center, and funding to renovate a Carnegie Library – now known as Jacobs Hall.
[In the photo, Hegeler (on left) listens as DACC Foundation Executive Director Tonya Hill thanks him for his support of the college.]
Hegeler’s U. S. Air Force medals and uniform have been donated to the college and a ceremony today noted they will now be on permanent display in the Technology Center.
Hegeler offered some advice for young people who might be thinking about going into the military for a career…
‘’The Foundation is pleased to make a permanent display of Mr. Hegeler’s uniform,’’ said Tonya Hill, Executive Director of the DACC Foundation. ‘’We are honored that he would entrust us with such a cherished and valuable piece of his personal history.’’
Hegeler flew the last mission of the Korean Conflict after 69 missions. Upon his return to the United States in 1953 he became a flight instructor at Chanute Air Force Base at Rantoul as a Lieutenant Colonel. He had been awarded the Distinguished Flying Cross, Korean Unit Citation, and an Air Medal with a Bronze Oak Leaf Cluster for his service in the United States Air Force.
[Note: You can click on the photos to enlarge them.]
