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MCC Daily Tribune Archive

John H. Koch Estate Gives $700K, Hope to Students in Need


Former MCC locker room manager, the late John H. Koch, saw how financial challenges sometimes hindered a student’s college education. His bequest of $700,000 to the Monroe Community College Foundation will help ensure full-time MCC liberal arts students have a place to turn when finances threaten the completion of their studies. He also gave $10,000 to the MCC Athletic Department for improvements to the swimming program.

Known for his frugality, love of scuba diving and extensive world travels, Koch served the MCC community from 1982 to 2004. Nearly a decade prior to his retirement, Koch informed the MCC Foundation of his decision to create an endowed scholarship fund from the residual of his estate. As a result, in 1995 Koch became a member of the Alice Holloway Young Society, a giving society that recognizes individuals who intend to benefit the college through estate planning. The gift will be used to create The Mary P. Koch and John H. Koch Endowed Scholarship Fund at MCC.

“John Koch loved MCC and its students,” said MCC Foundation President Brenda Babitz. “Through planned giving, he saw the opportunity to make dreams come true for MCC students. His family’s endowed scholarship will impact students for many years to come.”

Koch passed away in December 2007 and was predeceased by his wife, Mary, and daughter, Doris.

The first scholarships from The Mary P. Koch and John H. Koch Endowed Scholarship Fund will be awarded during the Spring 2009 semester. Students are encouraged to contact MCC’s Financial Aid Office for more information (
https://www.monroecc.edu/go/finaid or 585.292.2050).               

Mark Pastorella
MCC Foundation
07/09/2008