Saying Goodbye to MLC’s First Director of Alumni Relations

Saying Goodbye to MLC’s First Director of Alumni Relations

We’re saddened to say goodbye to Steve Balza DMLC ’93, who served as director of Alumni Relations for 16 years. As the very first hired director, Steve created the Alumni Relations
Office from the ground up. He also established the MLC Alumni Association, which raised funds for many campus projects, including the Fisher of Men statue.

With the help of the MLCAA and other volunteers, Steve hosted alumni tours and trips, assisted with class reunions, organized the Alumni Commencement Dinner, and ran an amazing Homecoming weekend. He also initiated the Archives Project and the History page—mlc-wels.edu/alumni/history—which holds all college yearbooks and hundreds of other digital assets.

Five MLCAA presidents served during Steve’s tenure: John Dolan NWC ’74, WLS ’78; Aaron Hartwig MLC ’02, ’08; Jonathan Schaefer MLC ’02; Jason Oakland MLC ’00, WLS ’04; and Phil Hunter MLC ’11, WLS ’15.

Pastor John Dolan recalls the very beginning: “An alumni society for Martin Luther College was inevitable. It was really only a matter of time that, after 1995, a small but solid group of willing volunteers would get the ball rolling. They represented a variety of gifts, ages, and ministry service. What they had in common was the commitment to lay the foundation of a
society that would give encouragement and support to the college as well as provide opportunities for alumni to interact for a good cause. It would be fun too.

“It didn’t take long before it became obvious that consistent, on-the-ground, full-time leadership would be essential. Steve Balza fit the bill, and then some. I remember a somewhat soft-spoken young man with a personality that didn’t need to take over the room. He had the wonderful ability to quietly but firmly lead. A humble spirit was matched with a drive to do a job well. I remember his organizational gifts and attention to detail.

“Under his guidance the society grew up quickly and began to offer creative, interesting, and entertaining programs that served the college and its alumni well. No one, I suppose, is irreplaceable, but Steve Balza will be missed. He left his mark, and we are grateful for it.”