Hammitts to leave estate gift to CSC music program

The pledge was made by Dr. Jackson Hammitt and his wife Peggy, who now live in Rapid City. The gift is expected to be one of the largest Chadron State has received.

“We were pleasantly surprised when he learned of this estate gift,” said Connie Rasmussen, executive director of the Chadron State Foundation. “This is one of the first gifts of this type that we’ve received. Of course, we hope that we don’t realize the proceeds for many years, but it is wonderful that the Hammitts have put the Chadron State music program in their plans.”

Rasmussen added that announcement of the gift is being made so the Hammitts can be recognized for their generosity during their lifetimes.

“This is a great contribution, and the college wants Jackson and Peg to know how much we appreciate it,” Rasmussen said.

The Hammitts plan to meet with members of the CSC music faculty before specifically designating what they would like the funds to be used for. They said they will probably recommend that a portion of it go for scholarships, but added that perhaps another portion could be used to upgrade equipment purchases.

“After giving piano lessons for 31 years, I know there are times when it would be nice to have some funds to buy a little better pianos than are sometimes available through the bid process that state colleges must follow,” said Hammitt. “That’s just one example of what we’ve thinking about.”

When he retired, Hammitt said being at Chadron State was “a perfect fit” for him because his duties allowed him to “make music” as well as teach it.

During his 34 years at Chadron State, Hammitt taught music history and literature, gave piano, organ and voice lessons, provided piano accompaniment for students and guest performers and frequently was a vocal soloist during concerts.

In addition, he directed the Chadron Community Chorus for 29 years, almost always played the processional and recessional on the organ during commencement and sang the National Anthem at the college football games.

Hammitt said while he was at CSC his musical skills improved because he continually worked with students and practiced for his performances. He noted that providing the accompaniment for guest performers was challenging because they usually chose difficult music.

He continues to be involved in music by directing the choir at the First Presbyterian Church in Rapid City.

The Hammitts met while attending Ohio Wesleyan University, where both earned bachelor’s degrees. Both did their graduate work at the University of Michigan, where she earned a master’s degree in library science and he earned both a master’s degree and a Ph.D. in music history.

While nearing completion of the latter degree, he applied for a job at Chadron State. Neither had been to Nebraska, but both spent their entire professional careers in Chadron.

Peggy worked in the Chadron City Schools for about 33 years, mostly as an elementary media specialist and an instructor in the gifted program.