Mount Mercy University announces $1 million-dollar gift from alumni couple

Mount Mercy University received a substantial gift to provide endowed scholarships to support future students for generations to come.

Prompted by appreciation for the faculty and Sisters of Mercy who shaped their lives, Mount Mercy alumni Lonnie Schwartz ’87 and Linda (Kalb) Schwartz ’87 gifted Mount Mercy University more than $1 million to establish two endowed scholarships. This gift was made in memory of their parents, Norbert & Geraldine Schwartz and Clair & Rita Kalb.

"As proud 1987 graduates of Mount Mercy, we are thankful for the values and skills gained through our education, and we believe supporting Mount Mercy's vision will create well-rounded, faith-based leaders for the future," said the Schwartzes.

The scholarships will benefit Iowa students within Mount Mercy’s largest academic areas, accounting and nursing, representing the Schwartzes undergraduate fields of study.

Mount Mercy’s board chairman, Charlie Rohde, expressed his gratitude to the Schwartzes, saying, "We are tremendously grateful to Lonnie and Linda for their extremely generous support. This gift will help students afford a great education and ensure that they have access to the resources they need to thrive while at Mount Mercy."

"Lonnie and Linda met as students at Mount Mercy and have been supportive of their alma mater for decades," said Brenda Haefner ’96, vice president for development and alumni relations. "We are so grateful for their ongoing connection with the university. The Schwartzes’ extraordinary gift and long-time support demonstrate their generous spirit and confidence in Mount Mercy’s excellence. Their gift is the single largest investment in Mount Mercy by an alumni couple in the university’s history."