“MCCC President Emeritus Gerald Welch, who passed away on Feb. 19 at the age of 87, was one of those giants on whose shoulders I and many others stand on today.
“Jerry began his career at MCCC in June 1966 as division chairman for social sciences. He was promoted to dean (vice president) of student personnel services in 1972 and was selected by the Board of Trustees to serve as the college’s president in 1986, a post he held until his retirement 14 years later.
“Jerry Welch has left a great legacy at MCCC. He was responsible for many campus improvements and innovations. As the second president of the college, he led the renovation and expansion of the Warrick Student Services/Administration Building and secured state funding that enabled an overhaul of the former East and West Technology buildings, which are now known as Founders Hall, and a major renovation to the library in the Campbell Learning Resources Center.
“In the early 1990s, he oversaw the donation of land and the construction of the Whitman Center to better serve the residents of southern Monroe County. On Main Campus, his leadership helped to transform the college into the picturesque landscape that we enjoy today, complete with a beautiful central mall and pond. That same year, he led the establishment of a longstanding partnership with Siena Heights University that allows students to earn bachelor’s degrees in a variety of areas without ever having to leave the MCCC campus.
“One of Jerry’s key priorities when he became president was the construction of a physical activity center. In 1997, he made that priority come to fruition in the form of a 50,700-square-foot facility that now bears his name – the Gerald Welch Health Education Building. Once again, he used his exceptional political prowess to secure state funding in support of this project, which houses a multipurpose room/gymnasium, dance-aerobics room, fitness center, nursing and respiratory therapy labs and classrooms, a CPR lab and faculty offices.
“Also in 1997, the Board of Trustees established The Foundation at MCCC, which now exceeds $10 million in assets. In 1999, Jerry played a pivotal role in obtaining a donation of $1 million from Shirley A. Meyer to establish the Richard M. and Shirley A. Meyer Endowment for the Arts. Funds from the endowment were used in combination with state funding acquired under his leadership to construct the La-Z-Boy Center in 2004, which houses the Meyer Theater and has become a hub in Monroe County for arts, entertainment, lifelong learning classes and business training.
“The MCCC Alumni Association, countless curriculum revisions and additions, the college website and many other innovations were also developed under Jerry’s watchful eye.
“Jerry and his wife, Dr. Joyce Haver, established an endowed scholarship that helps many students enrich and transform their lives. A military veteran, having proudly served in the United States Army, Jerry was also an active part of the Monroe community. Among his numerous activities were serving on the Monroe County Historical Society board and as a member of the Monroe Exchange Club.
“In 1986, Jerry said the following, as quoted in the book ‘Change, Growth, Challenges: Monroe County Community College, 1986-2000’:
‘I believe the purpose of education is threefold and comprehensive; it is to enable the individual to develop and realize his or her potential personally, economically and politically. Through education, the individual expands his knowledge, augments his ability to learn and cultivates his aesthetic sensibilities. Such an individual becomes a more sensitive and accomplished human being, and for that individual the world becomes a more interesting and meaningful place. Life itself takes on more value.’
“Jerry leaves a legacy of community service, leadership and student support. As a leader, he always put students first, and his legacy lives on. Jerry was personable, humorous, kind, caring and, most of all, dedicated to MCCC. Our deepest condolences go out to Jerry and Joyce’s entire family.”