Bellin College Class of 1968 steps up with generous gift in celebration of their 50th Reunion
A call for water filter and clean stove donations for an upcoming mission trip to Guatemala went out in the spring issue of the Bellin Forward, and the class of 1968 generously answered.
“A classmate read the article about the Guatemala mission work by the students in the Bellin Forward and suggested we take on the water filtration systems as a donation celebrating our 50th anniversary from Bellin School of Nursing,” said Audrey Burmeister, class of 1968. “Another suggested that we make it ’50 for the 50th.’ With the generous donations from our class and an anonymous donor, we are able to provide 52 water filtration systems for the upcoming mission trip.”
The water filters will be given to families in the village of Baltimore, which is about 30 minutes from the El Faro mission, and home to Guatemalans of tradition Mayan descent. The first three years Bellin College students and faculty went on this trip, they brought no more than 25 filters. With this gift, they will double that!
Each filter will serve a family of five to six people, and last them about three years. Since this is their fourth year traveling to Guatemala, they will begin replacing the earliest filters they provided.
“We are thrilled to be able to provide clean water to men, women and children,” said Burmeister. “Clean water is so vital to the health of these people.”
The water filters will be given to families in the village of Baltimore, which is about 30 minutes from the El Faro mission, and home to Guatemalans of tradition Mayan descent.
While in Guatemala, the students educate the people about the importance of clean water and, throughout the years, families have come to know what the filters are and desire to have one. When the Bellin College group leaves Baltimore in January 2019, every household in Baltimore will have a water filter, and any leftover will be given to families in the next village in need — Rio Salado.
“It’s great to see this type of generous response from our alumni,” said Lynn Murphy, Guatemala trip coordinator and Bellin College faculty member. “Our alums are great role models for our current students, and we are so thankful for their donation!”
Burmeister and her class encourage students and fellow alumni to be proud of the education they received at Bellin College. The opportunities in nursing are endless, says Burmeister.
“It doesn’t seem possible that we graduated 50 years ago,” she said. “I’m sure I speak for the entire class when I say we are so proud to be a graduate of Bellin. We were provided an excellent education to enter the nursing field. It is amazing the advancements the college has accomplished in 50 years. Thanks to dedicated administrators, educators, and staff for bringing the college to present day.”
Students in Guatemala.
