Donor Spotlight
We thank all our planned-gift donors for their generous support. Here are some of their stories.
A quirk of fate changed Monica La Sarge's life.
A quirk of fate changed Monica La Sarge's life. As a bright high school senior in Ludington Monica had the second highest G.P.A. in the Class of 1949 at St. Simon's High School. When an issue arose with the original valedictorian Monica ascended to the role. A Ludington area philanthropist covered the tuition payments for St. Simon's valedictorians to attend Aquinas College and Monica unexpectedly found herself preparing for college in Grand Rapids. It was a big step for a small town girl who hadn't imagined leaving Ludington.
Monica thrived at Aquinas, graduated in 1953 and continued her education by earning two masters degrees from the University of Michigan in Social Work and Public Health. She went to work for the Michigan Department of Social Services and was instrumental in the development of the Michigan Medicaid program. Her interest was in the protection of vulnerable children and adults. She directed the Office of Institutional Abuse that developed policies to protect adults living in institutions. She died in 2009.
Monica never forgot the doors that were opened to her so to replicate the gift she was given she included Aquinas College in her estate plan. Family and friends, lead by Margaret Grost, made certain Monica's wishes were carried out by establishing the Monica La Sarge Scholarship. In the fall of 2010, when the first La Sarge scholar is named, those who knew and loved Monica will know that her fate became her legacy and her legacy lives on.
Gill Family Honors Son's Memory
Lunch in Holmdene was one of many year-end celebrations in store for John Taylor II, Aquinas senior and recipient of the Patrick R. Gill Memorial Scholarship. At the private lunch in the Conservatory he was able to meet the benefactors of his scholarship, Kim Gill '87 (second from left) and her mother Pat Hill (far right). Joining in the festivities were English Department Chair, Gary Eberle and Sr. Aquinas Weber, O.P., Chancellor Emerita. Kim and her husband Pat endowed the scholarship and named it after their teen aged son who died in an automobile accident. Since establishing the scholarship the Gill family has enjoyed the opportunity to get to know the English majors who benefit from their generous spirit. Kim and her mother were so pleased to learn about John's selection by the English faculty as their Outstanding Senior. John will be attending Indiana University Law School in the fall, but he said he will never forget the Gill family and the role they played in giving him the opportunity for an Aquinas education.
"Mr. Music" creates lasting legacy – Meet Ernest "Bud" Kretschmer
Bud Kretschmer with Music Department Chair Barbara McCargar
Known as much for the "Kretschmer Wheat Germ" business run by his family as for his lover of music, Ernest T. "Bud" Kretschmer inspires others with his passion for music. Kretschmer came to Grand Rapids from Saginaw, Michigan to take instructions from Sisters Emmanuel Kopp, O.P., and Evangelista Rohrl, O.P. He received his Associate of Fine Arts degree in 1935 from Catholic Junior College, and he later served on the Aquinas College Board of Trustees. His professional career spanned more than 60 years in wholesale foods, the U.S. Air Force and, finally, nursing home management.
In the early 60s, Kretschmer moved to California and became a community legend for his sponsorship of the Cabrillo Music Festival in Santa Cruz. Over time, he established numerous scholarships at Aquinas College, the latest honoring the memories of Sister Emmanuel and Sister Evangelista. Anyone attending a music event on campus has probably enjoyed the Kretschmer Recital Hall in the Art and Music Center. Bud also took the lead in raising funds for new equipment for the Music Department. Sadly, Bud passed away on April 26, 2009 at the age of 94 but his memory lives on in the music that fills Kretschmer Recital Hall.
Mohlers gift Aquinas with largest bequest ever – Meet Dennison, Marguerite and Audrey Mohler
Mohler's gift Aquinas with largest bequest ever – Meet Dennison, Marguerite and Audrey Mohler
Aquinas College is the beneficiary of a $3.9 million estate gift from the trusts established by Dennison and Marguerite Mohler and Audrey Mohler. According to Edward Balog, president of Aquinas College, "the Mohler Foundation bequest is a significant contribution to scholarship support for music and science students." This year twenty-eight students in the sciences were identified as Mohler Scholars, and twenty-four music students were tapped as Mohler Music Scholars. Additionally four students received Mohler Summer Research Fellowships.
As a family the Mohlers were devoted to their communities and to education. Dennison taught physics at Catholic Junior College (1934-36), now Aquinas College. Next he worked for the government's Rural Electrification Agency and later Consumer's Power. His sister, Audrey was a public health nurse for the city of Grand Rapids. She adored music and was a regular member of the audience for performances of Aquinas' faculty and staff. Audrey was an accomplished pianist who taught the blind to play the piano.
The foresight and careful planning of the Mohler family brought their gift to fruition. The legacy left by the Mohler family will remain in the hearts and minds of generations of Aquinas College students.
