From MCC to CEO: A Donor’s Commitment to Opportunity

Bill Hornbuckle ’77, CEO of MGM Resorts International, began his journey to the top of his career as a student at Manchester Community College (now CT State Community College Manchester). Alongside his wife, Wendy, Hornbuckle is giving back to the institution that played a crucial role in his life by establishing the "Bill ’77 and Wendy Hornbuckle Endowed Scholarship." Their generous $100,000 gift creates more opportunities for future hospitality students at Manchester, ensuring that others can follow in his footsteps. 

As the son of a U.S. Air Force serviceman, Hornbuckle spent his childhood moving from place to place, finally settling in Connecticut when he was six. His family faced financial challenges, and like many young people in similar situations, Hornbuckle assumed that college was out of reach. After graduating from East Catholic High School in Manchester, his plan was to enter the workforce immediately. But fate had other ideas. While working as a bartender, Hornbuckle discovered the Hotel-Motel Management program at MCC, a chance encounter that would change the course of his life. 

At MCC, Hornbuckle found more than just an education—he found a community and a pathway to success. The hands-on experiences, whether baking pies for fundraisers or rotating through various roles in the food service lab, taught him invaluable lessons in teamwork, leadership, and the complexities of the hospitality industry. These experiences ignited a passion within him and laid the foundation for what would become a stellar career in hospitality. 

After earning his associate’s degree at MCC, Hornbuckle continued his studies at the University of Nevada, Las Vegas (UNLV), earning a bachelor’s degree in hotel administration. Starting as a busboy in Las Vegas, Hornbuckle’s determination and the skills he acquired at MCC propelled him through the ranks to his current position as CEO of MGM Resorts International.  

Reflecting on his journey, Hornbuckle acknowledges the profound impact that MCC had on his life. “The college gave me planning and presentation skills, taught me how to think and put things in perspective,” he says. “MCC helps build a work ethic and the emotional intelligence that is a core skill no matter what field you choose to pursue.” 

Now, through the "Bill ’77 and Wendy Hornbuckle Endowed Scholarship," the couple is creating a legacy that will touch the lives of countless students. Their endowed fund will provide ongoing support for those pursuing careers in hospitality, offering them the same life-changing opportunities that Hornbuckle experienced. This scholarship is more than just a financial contribution; it is an offer of hope for students who, like Hornbuckle, may not see college as an option. Through his benevolence, Bill Hornbuckle is not only honoring his roots but also lighting the way for the next generation of hospitality leaders, ensuring that the doors of opportunity remain open for others.