- Date Of Birth: August 29, 1926
- Date Of Death: May 16, 2018
- State: Michigan
Dr. Marvin Jay Ludwig, President Emeritus of The Defiance College, died Wednesday afternoon May 16, 2018 in Portage, Michigan.
Marvin was born August 29, 1926 in Sioux City, Iowa, a son of Reverend L. Harrison Ludwig and Naomi B. (Strayer) Ludwig.
Dr. Ludwig served as the President of Defiance College from 1975 to 1994.
Dr. Ludwig increased the endowment and fundraising allowing for 4 new buildings on Campus. He was awarded the Defiance College Pilgrim Medal in 1994.
Dr. Ludwig also served as the Secretary General for the YMCA’s of Ethiopia, expanding the YMCA from one to 23 facilities and developing leadership and training programs for youth and families. Under Dr. Ludwig’s leadership the YMCA was awarded the Haile Selassie First Prize Trust Award for Outstanding Achievements in Humanitarian Activities. During WWII, he served with the U.S. Marines.
Dr. Ludwig also was active on many boards and civic organizations including Church World Service and Rotary International. He was preceded in death by his parents; his wife, Ruth Ludwig, on November 21, 2010; son, Marshall Ludwig, on May 19, 2002; sister, Ruth Laird; and brother, Dean Ludwig.
He is survived by his daughters, Robin Lovely and Rhonda Ludwig living in Kalamazoo; son-in-law John Lovely; grandsons John J. Lovely, Brendon J. Lovely, James R. Ludwig and Shawn M. Ludwig; and, daughter-in law Kathy McGill Ludwig.
