Behind the inscription of each brick is a story or a memory. One brick is forever engraved with a marriage proposal; while many others remember loved ones who have passed away. Some celebrate relationships and friendships that began on campus, and others outline the legacy of Bronco families.
One of those family legacy bricks belongs to Rick Storch (BBA ’78, Business Administrative Systems) and Ellen (Storch) Kettler (BM ’10, Music Performance), father and daughter WMU alumni who wanted to memorialize their Bronco pride.
“When we heard that the historic east campus was being renovated into an alumni center, we knew it would be a great opportunity to reaffirm our affinity for the Brown and Gold by purchasing a brick together,” Ellen said.
Rick Storch received his degree in business information systems in 1978. He had decided to attend WMU because he’d had some family members who attended and he liked the campus and Kalamazoo. Years later, Ellen would decide to study music and apply to only three programs. Scholarship support, coupled with her dad’s connection as an alumnus, made WMU the right choice.
“Prior to me being admitted to study music at WMU, we had both been to one or two sporting events together,” Ellen said, “But my dad's Bronco pride was more fully developed in my four years as a student... probably due to his increased visits to Kalamazoo.”
After Ellen’s graduation, the two began to attend alumni events together, including the Little Caesar’s Pizza Bowl in Detroit in 2011. Rick is also a football season ticket holder, and active with alumni events. When he heard about the opportunity to make a gift for a brick at the new alumni center, the two agreed they needed to get one.
“If one's level of pride for his alma mater can be measured by the amount of branded merchandise owned, then my dad takes the cake. All Bronco everything...”
After graduating, Ellen pursued a career in arts administration which led her to the non-profit sector and eventually higher education development. She is currently a major gifts officer for the University of Michigan School of Music, Theatre & Dance.
There are a limited amount of brick pavers remaining on the portico of Heritage Hall. Secure your legacy at MyWMU.com/acbricks.