Rev. Mary Elyn Bahlert and Rev. Jeffrey K. Kunkel
Both Mary Elyn Bahlert and Jeff Kunkel were born and raised in the greater Milwaukee area. Mary Elyn lived and attended high school in the City of Milwaukee and graduated from UWM in 1973 with a Bachelor of Arts in English. She later attended the Pacific School of Religion in Berkley, California. Jeff, a native of Brookfield, graduated from UWM in 1976 with a Bachelor of Arts in English. He later attended Garrett-Theological Seminary at Northwestern University. Both Mary Elyn and Jeff were first-generation college students.
Impact
Mary Elyn and Jeff both recognize that their attendance at UWM was a singularly formative experience and that first-generation students often take a big risk in breaking family norms and expectations when they attend college. They hope their scholarships provide financial support, encouragement, and affirmation that what students are doing makes sense.