Goshen College gives thanks for nearly $2 million gift

Note: Tuesday, Dec. 2 is “Giving Tuesday,” a global day dedicated to giving back.

Milo Albrecht, 93, only attended Goshen (Ind.) College for three semesters, but his nearly $2 million gift will give many Goshen College students the opportunity to stay longer.

A regular donor to Goshen College, last month Albrecht donated $1.98 million worth of stocks to Goshen College. It is one of the largest one-time donations by an individual in the college’s history. The money will be put toward scholarships primarily for nursing students.

“Milo lived a simple, conservative life which allowed him to do this. He was an astute investor,” said Herb Roth, Albrecht’s cousin and caregiver. “He had his Bible and morning devotional, the Wall Street Journal, and a calculator.”

A lifelong farmer, Albrecht invested in land and stocks throughout his life. In 1939, Albrecht was able to follow his dream of attending college, and excelled in algebra and geometry at Goshen College. He attended for three semesters in 1939-1940 before being called home to work on the family farm when his brother Marion went into Civilian Public Service.

Albrecht continued to work on the farm until 1947 when, at the age of 26, he traveled to Poland for six months with Mennonite Central Committee. Working as a farm machinery instructor, Albrecht said he “saw lots of destruction” during that time, which would stay with him for the rest of his life.

When his time of service was finished, he returned to Morton, Illinois. This time, however, it was to work on his own farm. He and Marion farmed together, where Albrecht raised feeder cattle and his brother had dairy cows.

It was around this time that Albrecht, who never married or had children, first began giving to Goshen College. He believed that giving was important, but that “not everyone could do it.” He realized that he was in a position where he was able to give, so he put money towards student scholarships, primarily for nursing students, knowing from his own experience how important they were.

While he has never studied medicine himself, it is a subject that has always intrigued him and he values the nursing care he receives now while residing at Apostolic Christian Restmor in Morton.

“He’s a great and generous guy,” said Gordon Yoder, associate director emeritus of college relations for Goshen College and a friend of Albrecht’s. “I’ve known him for many years and I’m delighted that this happened for Goshen College and for Milo, and it’s a marvelous use of his resources.”

To donate to Goshen College, visit goshen.edu/give.