Bernard C. Radde Distinguished Service Award: Mike and Lisa Welch

The Bernard C. Radde Distinguished Service Award was presented to Mike and Lisa Welch in 2018.

Mike and Lisa Welch are long-time supporters of the college. Both of them have served on numerous boards and committees, giving generously of their time and resources.

Mike and Lisa have been involved with the Winner’s Circle Benefit Auction for over 16 years, beginning as guests, and then as event chairs in 2010. In 2011, they established the Mike & Lisa Welch Family Endowed Scholarship, and Lisa continues to serve on the auction’s executive committee.

Mike has served on the Lake Michigan College Foundation board since 2002, and was board president from July 2012 to June 2014. During the Foundation’s Campaign for Tomorrow, Mike provided leadership as a cabinet member. The Welch’s contributed as donors to the construction of LMC’s new Wine and Viticulture Center and Lisa serves on the board of Lake Michigan Vintners teaching winery and tasting room.

President of Magnate Worldwide, Mike also founded the freight expedition company Express-1. He serves on numerous other boards in southwest Michigan. 

Mike and Lisa both grew up in Berrien County. Lisa is a graduate of Edwardsburg High School and Michigan State University.

In addition to Lake Michigan Vintners board, she also serves on the Curious Kids Museum Board of Directors.
A graduate of Lakeshore High School, Mike attended Lake Michigan College, and graduated from Western Michigan University.

Mike, Lisa and their two children live in Stevensville. Kara is a sophomore at MSU, and Carter is a junior at Lakeshore High School.