East Central College Board of Trustees members stand with Bob Borgmann, representative of the Hansen estate, after he accepted the MCCA Award of Distinction honoring Robert E. “Bob” Hansen. From left are Audrey Freitag, Ann Hartley, president, Bob Borgmann, Ina “Cookie” Hays, secretary, and Dr. Joseph Stroetker, vice president.

Bob Hansen Honored with MCCA Award of Distinction

November 19, 2025 | Campus News

Robert E. “Bob” Hansen spent a lifetime helping build East Central College, and even after his passing, his impact continues to reach new generations of students.

That legacy was recognized Nov. 13 when Hansen posthumously received the Missouri Community College Association Award of Distinction at the MCCA Annual Convention and Trade Show in St. Charles. Hansen passed away in 2021.

Hansen’s influence on East Central College began at the very beginning. Elected to the original Board of Trustees in 1968, he and the founding trustees selected the first president, chose the site for the campus, hired the inaugural faculty and staff, and oversaw the planning and construction of the earliest facilities. He continued to serve on the board for 28 years, helping guide ECC through periods of growth and change.

“Bob Hansen shaped ECC in ways that are still felt across our campus,” said East Central College President Dr. Jon Bauer. “His leadership, his vision, and his belief in the transformative power of education set the foundation for everything that followed.”

ECC Foundation

Hansen also played a key role in establishing the ECC Foundation, beginning his service as director in 1975 and later becoming director emeritus. His dedication helped build a culture of philanthropy at a time when very few community colleges had formal foundations.

“Bob understood the long-term value of education and the responsibility we have to future generations,” Bauer said. “His commitment to the mission of East Central College never wavered.”

The impact of Hansen’s work can be seen in the thousands of ECC graduates who have strengthened their communities as teachers, nurses, business owners, musicians, law enforcement officers, and more. Increased earnings from ECC alumni alone are estimated at more than $3.7 billion, demonstrating the far-reaching influence of decisions made in the college’s earliest years

In 2014, the college recognized Hansen’s service by naming its largest academic building Hansen Hall. He later shared with Bauer that the dedication ceremony was “probably the most important event of my entire life.”

Even after retiring from the Board of Trustees, Hansen remained closely connected to ECC. He attended campus events, supported the arts, and continued to advocate for the institution across the region.

Continued Generosity

Hansen’s generosity continues to shape ECC’s future. The ECC Foundation recently received a $1.6 million bequest from his estate, one of the largest gifts in the college’s history. The gift will support students and academic initiatives for years to come.

“Bob’s generosity will continue to change lives,” Bauer said. “His legacy is woven into both the history and the future of East Central College, and he is truly deserving of this statewide honor.”

The MCCA Award of Distinction is one of the association’s highest recognitions. Hansen’s decades of service, leadership, and support exemplify the spirit of the award and reflect the enduring impact he made on ECC and the communities it serves.