Allan Hancock College’s inaugural Hancock Honors celebration on Sept. 9 was a night of firsts as the college announced the dedication of its new recital and concert hall, as well as a new milestone for its Hancock Promise program.

Those attending the sold-out event at Hancock’s Fine Arts Complex, learned the complex’s 350-seat recital hall would be called Boyd Concert Hall after the late Patricia “Patty” Boyd, a longtime patron of the arts and beloved local music teacher.

“Patty inspired generations of students, and her love and support of music and the arts in this community lives on through her legacy and in this concert hall,” said Kevin G. Walthers, Hancock superintendent/president. “This facility would not be here without her generosity.”

Proceeds from the Hancock Honors benefit the Hancock Promise program, which provides local high school graduates with a year of free tuition at the college.

The AHC Foundation announced $2.3 million in new commitments to the Hancock Promise campaign, bringing the total funds raised to support the program to more than $9.3 million.

“We are thankful to see individuals, businesses, and organizations in our community stepping up to support the Promise,” said Jon Hooten, AHC Foundation executive director. “Thanks to their support, we are closer to our goal of expanding the Hancock Promise to cover two full years of tuition for local students.”

Boyd was one of three individuals honored at the celebration that was initiated to recognize exceptional community leaders with ties to Hancock who have made positive and lasting impacts through their lives and their work.

Also honored were Ann Foxworthy Lewellen, former AHC superintendent/president; and Tommy Soulati Shepherd, a Grammy Award-winning recording artist and PCPA alumnus.