William and Elizabeth Rieth Scholarship

“Very simply, we consider Goshen College our college.” For William and Elizabeth Rieth that statement summarized their reasons for establishing a scholarship in 1986 for students in the liberal arts.

Beginning with their own youth, college experiences have shaped their lives. Beth grew up in Lawrenceville, Illinois, then went to Northwestern University where she-received a B.A. in speech and English. Her freshman roommate introduced her to young Bill Rieth, a Goshen native.

As Bill and his brothers reached college age, they followed the family tradition of attending Purdue. Bill’s father Albert graduated from Purdue where he was one of the founders of the Delta Tau Delta fraternity in 1906. Ten years later, he started the Rieth Riley Construction Company. Bill graduated in 1941 with a degree in civil engineering. His first job was with the Army Corp of Engineers; in 1943 he joined his brothers in the family business.

Following her graduation from Northwestern, Beth produced radio drama. In 1954, she and Bill married and she became part of the Maple City. In a few years two young sons were born, one of whom later attended the newly-created Goshen College Laboratory Kindergarten.

The Rieths, prominent in civic and church activities, learned to know the college through the kindergarten, the concert series, neighborhood associations and classroom experiences. Through these programs their appreciation grew for the positive influence the college had on the town.

“The college really effects the quality of life in this community– culturally, economically, educationally,” says Beth. She was one of the founders of the Afternoon Sabbatical program, a series of educational, entertaining programs produced by faculty members each year to a growing audience. She also is a member of the President’s Advisory Board. When the college invited local residents to host visiting Chinese scholars, Beth and Bill were among the first to volunteer.

“All of these opportunities gave us a close look at the college. We are impressed by the dedication of the faculty, by the SST program, by the excellent academic standards, and by the quality of students who attend Goshen College. That’s why we’re interested in establishing this scholarship- – to continue attracting the kind of young people with high moral standards, good academic preparation and an appreciation for Goshen’s values.” This scholarship is one way of keeping alive the ideals, values and standards of excellence to which Bill and Beth committed their lives.