2024 President’s Dinner celebrates generosity, legacy

Carthage introduced the Light that Travels Award on July 27 at the 2024 President’s Dinner, an annual event that honors distinguished donors and their significant contributions.

The initial recipients included Terri and Kurt ’66 Wruck, Josh Quever ’09, and Bill and Shanna Otto. The new award’s name matches the theme of the College’s ongoing $100 million fundraising campaign, Light that Travels.

Honorees in attendance at the Todd Wehr Center highlighted Carthage’s profound impact on its alumni. Representing multiple generations of Carthaginians, Mr. Quever shared that they established The Quever Family Endowed Scholarship to “pay forward the blessings we have received from Carthage.” He emphasized the importance of education in uplifting both individuals and communities, encouraging the audience to continue supporting that mission.

The Wrucks, part of a three-generation Carthage legacy, created The Wruck Family Endowed Scholarship last year to ease the burden for those with financial need — particularly students of color. Mrs. Wruck said the couple, known for their dedication to various nonprofits in the Kenosha community, are instilling in their grandchildren the value of giving back.

Mr. and Mrs. Otto, who were unable to attend the event, have remained engaged in the College’s work since their daughter’s graduation in 2021. They were recognized for a significant, multi-year pledge toward the Teletherapy Mental Health Fund.

The evening also featured a video message from campaign chair Nick Pinchuk, CEO of Snap-on Inc. Determined to maintain its rising trajectory, Carthage launched Light that Travels in July 2023 and has already raised nearly $66 million for scholarships, program innovation, and sustained excellence.

President John Swallow reflected on Carthage’s journey from its founding in 1847 to its current status as the second-largest private institution in Wisconsin. He emphasized that philanthropy has been a cornerstone of the College’s enduring success and urged guests to continue that legacy of support for students.

As direct beneficiaries of that generosity, eight highly accomplished students took part in the President’s Dinner. Collectively, they’ve received more than $325,000 in donor-enabled scholarships and grants over the past year alone, personifying the impact of this vital campaign.