Gerald Welch was an educator and visionary leader who guided MCCC for 14 years as its second president. It was under his presidency that MCCC established The Foundation at MCCC. Without Jerry's support, guidance and spirited leadership, The Foundation may never have been.
Jerry's imprint can be observed across the MCCC landscape, but perhaps his most indelible impact was in, and through, the lives of the thousands of students who passed through the classrooms and halls of MCCC. MCCC is widely viewed as the "jewel" of the Monroe community, and Jerry is a big reason why. We remain forever grateful for the countless contributions he made to our college and community.
As president, Jerry would often deliver the following Irish blessing before many college gatherings. With it, we toast to his memory and extraordinary legacy.
May the road rise up to meet you.
May the wind be always at your back.
May the sun shine warm upon your face;
the rains fall soft upon your fields and until we meet again,
may God hold you in the palm of His hand.
Gifts can be made in memory of president emeritus Gerald Welch to support an endowed scholarship established by Jerry and his wife Dr. Joyce Haver.
