Mike Scherer ’67 to receive 2017 Fr. Walter Reger Award at Reunion

Mike Scherer, a 1967 graduate of Saint John’s University, will receive the 2017 Fr. Walter Reger Distinguished Alumnus Award, the highest honor bestowed by the Alumni Association for service to the Saint John’s community.

Scherer will receive the award during the 2017 Reunion Rally at 10:30 a.m. Saturday, June 24, at Saint John’s Stephen B. Humphrey Theater. In addition to the award, eight graduates of SJU will be recognized  at the rally with Alumni Achievement Awards.

The celebration will be followed by a picnic lunch during Reunion Weekend.

“He’s got the heart of a champion when it comes to Saint John’s,” said SJU trustee Jim Sexton ’81, who nominated Scherer for the award. “He’s an amazing guy, a true friend and dedicated trustee of the university.”

“Saint John’s just had a big influence on my life,” said Scherer, who has served SJU in a variety of capacities since his graduation 50 years ago. “I’ll call it the Rules of Saint Benedict – hospitality, giving back, service to other people.”

He has provided exceptional leadership during his nine years as a Saint John’s Trustee and Chair of the Buildings and Grounds Committee. Scherer helped facilitate completion of major capital projects including the Alcuin Library Renovation, Br. Dietrich Reinhart Learning Commons and the Saint John’s Athletic Complex.

Scherer and his wife Susie have supported every SJU capital campaign on the leadership level, and they have provided ongoing support for Bahamian students and their families. SJU President Michael Hemesath ’81 wrote how Scherer befriended recent graduate Ramond Mitchell ’17 and his family in his blog, “Quad 136.”

Along with his dedicated service to Saint John’s, Scherer provided tremendous business leadership as chief operating officer and board member of Scherer Bros. Lumber Company. He also shared his skills and leadership in many other community roles, including his church, education, economic empowerment and senior living.

The Reger Award is named after the long-time secretary of the Saint John’s Alumni Association. Known as “Mr. Saint John’s,” Reger, OSB, was a dean, history professor, prefect, member of the university orchestra and purveyor of Johnnie Bread.

He befriended hundreds of Saint John’s students and maintained personal correspondence with them after they graduated. Reger died in 1971, and the Alumni Association Board of Directors launched the award program later that year. The award’s first recipient was Fred Hughes ’31.

Alumni Achievement Awards

Launched in 1983, the Alumni Achievement Awards recognize SJU alumni who have been successful in their careers and/or active in church and community service. The awards are presented annually by the SJU Alumni Association Board of Directors and the university.

Each 20- through 50-year reunion class recognizes an individual classmate for his accomplishments. An awards presentation is part of each class reunion dinner.

		Richard Weening '67, in recognition of his career of leveraging his acumen and vision to build successful communications businesses, benefit underserved populations and build communities that advance philanthropic causes.
		Vic Moore '72, in recognition of his career of public service that includes four decades of contributions to Minnesota state government, an array of charitable causes and unsurpassed devotion to Saint John’s athletics and students.
		Mark Muedeking '77, in recognition of his progression from Saint John’s scholar/athlete to a career of legal excellence that includes noteworthy domestic and international achievements and unimpeachable integrity.
		Dave Philp '77, in recognition of his crafting a distinguished career as a realtor who through civic and church involvement also helped create opportunities for the real estate industry to give back to their communities.
		Carl Procario-Foley '82, In recognition of his leadership at Iona College, his embodiment of the Ministry Preparation Program at Saint John’s and his award-winning career of service to his church that has positively affected so many lives.
		Mike Baumann '87, in recognition of his impressive career in risk management services and his equally impressive record of support and counseling through his church, all of which has made a positive community impact.
		Efrem Smith '92, in recognition of his internationally acclaimed career as a preacher, motivational speaker and author, an avenue through which he has reached out to help transform lives and revitalize communities.
		Lee Torborg '51, in recognition of his lifetime of building achievements, including his construction contributions to Saint John’s and Central Minnesota as well as his legacy of dedication to his family, church and community.