Clarence and Mae Orendorff Imhoff Scholarship Fund
Now semi—retired, Clarence and Mae Orendorff Imhoff operate a large grain farm with their son, John, near Roanoke, Illinois. They have been long—standing supporters of Goshen College over the years, making generous contributions not only for annual operations, but also for such special projects as the Umble Center and various music facilities. The Imhoff Scholarship Fund represents a further dimension in their interest in Goshen College and its students — both now and in the future.
The Imhoffs have direct and indirect ties with Goshen College. Mae is a 1939 graduate of GC, using her degree to teach music and
English in a local high school, and to serve as a church organist. Although he never studied at Goshen, Clarence has been a regular attender at concerts and programs presented by GC choirs and faculty in Illinois over the years, and counts many college officials and professors as personal friends. The Imhoff’s two daughters —— Phyllis (Wulliman) ‘71 and Georgia (Smith) ‘76 — are also CC graduates.
Active members of the Metamora Mennonite Church, the Imhoff a stress the importance of appreciating religious heritage and supporting church agencies and institutions. They are active members of the Illinois Mennonite Historical Society which operates a museum near Metamora. Daughter Phyllis, CC associate director of student finance, said that her parents were Goshen advocates as long as she can remember. “They never talked much about other colleges. I sensed their confidence in Goshen’s integrity, not only in its religious emphasis but its academic program, too,” she recalled. Clarence explained his belief in the college this way: “Goshen is where many young people form proper attitudes and is a first step for many toward future usefulness in the church.”
The Clarence and Mae Orendorff Imhoff Scholarship gives tangible evidence of the intangible attitudes the donors have toward their church and its college. Their generous assistance will allow many more young people to develop their own minds and values in preparation for lives of work and service.