Rudy Ehrenberg, Muhlenberg’s former dean of students, died on Wednesday, April 23. He worked at Muhlenberg for 12 years, from 1994 to 2006, after a 30-year career in the U.S. Army. The flagpole in Scotty Wood Stadium is dedicated to him.
“Rudy left an indelible mark on our institution,” says President Kathleen Harring. “He was a man of immense integrity and a deeply committed leader, always prioritizing what was best for the college and its students. His legacy of thoughtful leadership and unwavering dedication to our community’s well-being continues to inspire us.”
Colleagues remember him as a man who cared deeply about Muhlenberg. “Rudy had a great impact on so many young people. He commissioned many, many Muhlenberg students who wanted to go into the military,” says former Vice President for External Affairs and Community Relations Mike Bruckner. “The funny part is, because of his stern appearance, many freshmen were afraid of him. But as they got to know him and dealt with him on many issues, they learned to love him.”
He was a dependable, thoughtful leader, says former Chief Business Officer and Treasurer Kent Dyer. “When differences of opinion arose you were able to have a calm discussion with Rudy, and … it all came down to what is best for the college,” he says. “If he said he was going to do something you knew it would be done and would be done well.”
Former Dean of Admissions and Financial Aid Chris Hooker-Haring remembers Ehrenberg as a valued friend and colleague. “We didn’t always agree on every issue, but I always respected his thoughtfulness and integrity,” Hooker-Haring says. “He had a vision for how our college community should operate, and he stayed true to that vision.”
Ehrenberg’s survivors include his wife, Sandy; two sons, Rudy and Steve; six grandchildren; one great-grandchild; and three sisters. Read more about his life here.
