Dr. Kenneth Lipke, who recently pledged $50,000 to Life College in matching funds, died unexpectedly on January 3, 1992.
Dr. Lipke, a Palmer graduate, bought a struggling steel plant in 1972 and turned it into Gibraltar Steel Corporation, a thriving company with annual sales of over $100 million.
Dr. Lipke, a native of Buffalo, New York, was an active leader in the community: a board member of the National Conference of Christians and Jews; honorary chair of the United Cerebral Palsy Telethon; and director for the Buffalo Council, Boy Scouts of America.
His many awards include the Presidential Citation from Presidents Ford and Carter, and the AMVETS Silver Helmet Award for Americanism in 1987, an honor formerly bestowed on Harry Truman, J. Edgar Hoover, and Kate Smith among others.
Dr. Lipke's challenge to match his pledge was taken up during Life's homecoming in November -- $10,000 from Dr. Andrew H. Krantz and his wife Dr. Kimbrough Williams Krantz. It was the largest single gift ever given by Life College alumni.
Donations may be made in his name to Life College, Development, 1269 Barclay Circle, Marietta, Georgia, 30080.
