BMCC honors Hansell
By Terry Murry on Friday, March 22nd, 2024 in Columbia Basin News More Top Stories
PENDLETON – The vote was unanimous as the Blue Mountain Community College Board of Education honored retiring Sen. Bill Hansell (R-Athena) at its regular monthly meeting.
“Bill Hansell is the standard when it comes to public service,” Board President Bill Margraff said. “From his days as a county commissioner to Salem and all points in between, Senator Hansell has served Blue Mountain, its students, the communities, and our region with an eye on what’s best for the people and what’s best for the region.”
Hansell was elected to be a Umatilla County commissioner in 1982 and served through 2012. While in that position, he was also elected to be the president of the National Association of Counties. He was chosen to be a state senator by voters in the 29th District in 2012 and will retire at the end of his term this year.
BMCC President Mark Browning pointed out that Hansell has also remained active in his hometown of Athena, serving as a 4-H leader, FFA supporter, and a big booster of the Weston-McEwen TigerScots.
He carried his love of sports with him to Salem. The University of Oregon graduate is known by his peers throughout the capitol as Mr. Duck.
Photo of Bill Margraff, Margaret Hansell, and Bill Hansell provided by BMCC.
