Gateway Technical College dedicated the atrium on its Kenosha Campus as the Arthur F. Mahone Jr. Student Atrium at a celebration today honoring the legacy of the late welding instructor and community leader.

It was also announced there will be an endowed scholarship established in his name, the Arthur F. Mahone Jr. Memorial Scholarship.

Mahone family members, college officials, community members and former students offered their thoughts on the legacy of Arthur Mahone, focusing many of their comments on his caring attitude, concern for community and work to teach the next generation of welders.

“It is an honor for Gateway to have this special place dedicated to the enduring spirit of service that Arthur F. Mahone Jr. demonstrated through his gift of teaching,” said Bryan Albrecht, Gateway Technical College president and CEO. “The entire Gateway community is grateful for the Mahone family’s support, and generous support through the Arthur F. Mahone Jr. scholarship.”

Arthur’s son, Tim Mahone, said the scholarship and atrium reflect the values of his father. He pointed out that the atrium is a hub for the many services and resources students engage with to reach their career and personal goals, adding it is a place where community members also gather for a number of events held throughout the year.

“Right here, at this atrium, students and families gather to discuss the challenges of life – and it will be happening here, in my dad’s name,” said Mahone.

Stephanie Sklba, Gateway Technical College vice president, Community and Government Relations, offered similar thoughts on the atrium.

“Gateway is truly honored to be a part of the legacy of Arthur F. Mahone Jr. through the naming of the student atrium, a place where services and activities come together and where our students gather,” said Sklba.

Jennifer Charpentier, Gateway Technical College Foundation executive director, indicated the scholarship will be used to support students enrolled in a Gateway welding program.

“We are grateful the Mahone family and the Mary Lou and Arthur F. Mahone Fund of the Kenosha Community Foundation have chosen to honor their father’s and grandfather’s legacy through an endowed scholarship and naming of the Kenosha Campus atrium,” said Charpentier.

“What a wonderful way to commemorate the dedication their dad had to generations of Gateway students by endowing a scholarship for generations of Gateway students to come.”