Rev. Dr. Robert (Bob) and Carol Emrich are well known in the Great Lakes Bay Region. Their impact can be seen at Delta and in the communities they’ve served for decades.

But to understand how they got to where they are today, it’s important to go back to the beginning: 

Carol and Bob met at a conference in Pennsylvania. Carol was a first-year teacher and Bob, a Gettysburg College alumnus, was in his third year of seminary. 

Bob asked Carol to marry him that night, to which Carol responded with, “I can’t because I have to grade papers.” 

Carol then asked Bob if he would like to get married the next night, to which he responded with, “I can’t because I have Greek homework.” They were married one year later. 

That was in 1969. Fifteen years later and after having three children – David, Katie and Andrew – the Emrichs moved to Saginaw, where Bob and Carol devoted their time to teaching, raising their children and volunteering in their community. 

Bob served as the pastor and head of staff for the First Presbyterian Church of Saginaw for 29 years before he retired in 2014. Carol worked in Delta’s nanny program and directed the Salvation Army Childcare Center before teaching for 17 years at the Saginaw Career Complex. 

In retirement, the Emrichs remain connected. Carol has volunteered at the Children’s Museum, Friends of Saginaw Libraries and Philanthropic Education Organization, where she helps women in the Saginaw area find scholarships and opportunities. Bob’s involvement includes Habitat for Humanity of Saginaw, Presbytery of Lake Huron and the Museum Board of Saginaw County. 

Guiding Delta’s mission through the years

Dr. Emrich is Delta’s longest serving Board of Trustees member, beginning with his first election in 1992. He is currently serving his fifth term. 

Early on in his career, he taught for a small community college in Pennsylvania, so he was enthused about being elected to Delta’s board for the first time 29 years ago. 

“I understand community colleges and what they are and how they operate,” he said. “You can’t live in the tri-county area without hearing about Delta.” 

He said community colleges, especially Delta, are special. 

“They are affordable and without exception, they have excellent faculty whose primary job is to teach,” said Dr. Emrich. “If you look at the longevity of the faculty, staff, presidents and even board members, there’s a great sense of stability.

“People like Delta, so they stay. The college is one of the few things in the area that really unites the tri-cities.” 

The Dr. Robert and Carol Emrich Scholarship Endowment 

Starting a scholarship has always been in the back of Bob’s mind. Rising tuition costs due to a lack of state support influenced his and Carol’s decision to establish a new scholarship endowment for Delta students. 

The Dr. Robert and Carol Emrich Scholarship Endowment supports students pursuing a degree in the allied health fields. 

“We value college and what it does, and we’ve been able to see what Delta has done to change lives,” said Bob. “We’re glad to be able to do something for an institution that we know and love, and to do something that would be of value for the community for years to come.” 

The Emrichs opted to start the scholarship by making a tax-free gift from their individual retirement account (IRA). People elect this option for many reasons, including those who may be required to take IRA withdrawals, but don’t particularly need the income or those who’ve experienced limitations on tax benefits. 

Are you interested in learning about making a tax-free gift from your IRA? Contact Julie Dorcey at 989-686-9079  or  juliedorcey@delta.edu.