Honoring the late Julia Farnham McMahon ’87
Above: pictured l to r: Provost Teresa Garrett, John McMahon '89, James Gill III ’86, Clancy McMahon '89, and President Petersen alongside a picture of Julie McMahon after awarding her a posthumous diploma from Hendrix.
CONWAY, Arkansas (January 30, 2025) – Hendrix College recently awarded a posthumous diploma to the family of Julia Farnham McMahon ’87 and announced the establishment of the James Russell Gill III and Julia Farnham McMahon Endowed Scholarship. This tribute was made possible through the efforts of James Russell Gill III ’86, Julia’s boyfriend at the time of her passing, along with the support of her family and friends.
"It was at Hendrix that I met Julia,” said James Gill III '86. “At the conclusion of our freshman week orientation, there was a square dance. Julia approached me and asked me to dance. This was a dance that would last for four years. We lost Julia a few days after my graduation, and I am certain that she would be delighted to know that this endowment will assist deserving students in experiencing the transformative, life-changing opportunities that we both cherished."
A Prairie Grove High School graduate and passionate equestrian, Julia was set to graduate from Hendrix in 1987. Her life was tragically cut short in June 1986 due to an automobile accident. Despite her brief time at Hendrix, Julia’s vibrant spirit left a lasting impression on the campus community.
Julia’s letters home highlighted her deep connection to Hendrix, where she often shared stories about her favorite professor, Dr. Arms, the camaraderie of campus life, and the excitement of Warriors basketball. Her letters reflected her academic successes and personal growth, capturing her fun-loving, free-spirited nature.
“She was a great fun-loving girl who loved life and loved having fun between her farm chores and schoolwork,” said Susan Dunn Chambers '87. “She was ahead of me in school and was my “Big Sister” when I started at Hendrix, taking me under her wing and showing me the ropes of college life. I loved her like a sister. I am happy she is being awarded her degree. It is a wonderful way to honor an equally wonderful girl whose life was cut short."
Inspired by her memory, James Russell Gill III ’86 initiated efforts to honor Julia with a posthumous diploma and an endowed scholarship. The scholarship will provide financial support to Hendrix students, with preference given to those from Northwest or Northeast Arkansas.
Gill emphasized the transformative impact of a Hendrix education, recounting advice shared by then-President Dr. Joe B. Hatcher: “Over the next four years, it is not our goal as educators to provide you with all the answers, but rather to cultivate a lifelong need to ask the right questions.” Gill noted that this philosophy shaped his life and affirmed that the scholarship will help deserving students access similar opportunities.
Julia’s brother, Clancy McMahon ’89, reflected on her joyful spirit and fearless pursuit of her passions, remembering her as a loving sister and a competitive, determined individual who immersed herself in the horse business.
Hendrix College expresses its gratitude to the McMahon family, James Russell Gill III, and all who contributed to this meaningful tribute. Julia’s posthumous diploma and the endowed scholarship will ensure her legacy continues to inspire future generations within the Hendrix community.
About Hendrix College
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