Bernard C. Radde Distinguished Service Award: Merlin and Carolyn Hanson

Merlin and Carolyn Hanson received the Bernard C. Radde Distinguished Service Award in 2006.

Merlin and Carolyn Hanson’s commitment of service to and support of Lake Michigan College has had a lasting impact on students and the community. Merlin served on the LMC Board of Trustees from 1982 to 1991, during which time he was vice-chair and board chair. Carolyn helped lead the formative years of the Winner’s Circle Auction which raises scholarship funds for LMC students. 

While serving on the Board, Merlin was instrumental in leading the charge to complete construction of the Mendel Center. The Hanson’s leadership support during that campaign led to the naming of the Hanson Theatre. Additionally, their gift of an extensive art collection graces the areas near the Hanson Theatre. Merlin was an original board member of the LMC Educational Fund, now known as the LMC Foundation. In 1988, Carolyn was co-chairperson of the first auction and, in 1989, she and Merlin co-chaired the event’s Raffle Committee.

An area businessman with a long legacy of success, Merlin is the chairman of the board of Hanson Group, which is a holding company for Hanson Logistics, Hanson
Mold, Eagle Technologies, and Pure Fact Water.