Erie and Orlyss Endowment Fund

Erie and Orlyss Sauder are true symbols of the contemporary entrepreneur. As a young man, Erie had an idea that small tables could be built from scrap lumber that the company he worked for was throwing away. After a visit to some possible buyers in Chicago and fifty years of work, that dream and vision can be called successful by every measurement.

Sauder Woodworking Co. and six subsidiary companies employ 1,250 people who manufacture wooden tables, church benches, microwave carts, computer furniture and dozens of other products.

The Sauders have recently committed a $1 million endowment gift for the business and economics program at Goshen College. Some of the monies have been set aside as endowment for scholarships for students electing business, economics or accounting majors.

“We especially need young people in business who are willing to work according to Biblical principles,” Sauder said. He believes that solid preparation along with diligent and conscientious work are the keys to success in business.