From MLCAA President
Phil Hunter MLC ’11
Seven years ago, I got a phone call from Professor Jon Schaefer inviting me to join the MLC Alumni Association. He said, “Someone nominated you. They must think you have a heart for your college and want to stay connected to it.” He was right!
Many MLC alumni haven’t returned to campus in years, but I encourage you to make the effort! I’ve been privileged to return to New Ulm each year (except during COVID) for our annual Alumni Association meeting. It’s been fun to talk to professors, see campus improvements, and meet students who have received MLCAA’s endowed scholarships.
As president of the MLCAA, I’m excited to welcome Michelle Markgraf as our director of Alumni Relations. We are blessed to have her using her high-caliber talent on behalf of MLC alumni across the country and globe. The Alumni Association will coordinate our work (especially scholarships and campus projects) with Michelle to ensure we align with MLC’s mission.
Finally, whether you’re graduating from MLC at the end of this school year, or you graduated from one of our predecessor schools, treasure your label: “MLC alum.” Let us help you get more connected to your alma mater this year!
Friends for Life!
When we say you make friends for life at this campus, we aren’t kidding! Take a look at this story submitted by Marion Brandt Schenk DMLC ’54:
It was graduation time 1951 at Dr. Martin Luther High School when seven girls in the graduating class living in Hillcrest Hall (present site of the MLC library) decided to start a round robin letter. They were Elaine Albrecht, Thelma Birkholz, Carmen Bode, Marion Brandt, Lois Buerkle, Bethel Kahrs, and Myrna Zander.
After graduation their lives went in different directions. Throughout the years, their letters encouraged and comforted each other in life’s joys and sorrows. Now, 73 years later, four of those former classmates, all in their 90s, are still living. To this day, three of them continue their round robin letter writing: Marion Brandt Schenk, Lois Buerkle Bode, and Bethel Kahrs Matthies. How blessed they are!
