Lindenwood Magazine - Spring 2022

26 27 SPRING 2022 EDITION SPRING 2022 EDITION THE LINDENWOOD THE LINDENWOOD Giving THE GIVING COMMUNITY CANOPY The Mighty DONOR PROFILE As the next generation of business leaders and entrepreneurs enter the south side of Harmon Hall, they pass by Pfremmer Patio. It is a well-maintained space that overlooks north campus and offers a quaint location to enjoy lunch on a warm spring day in St. Charles. For the man whose name adorns the space, however, this patio stands as an important marker on his journey with the university. Ralph Pfremmer says that his story with academia, particularly Lindenwood, may not be conventional, but nevertheless is at the heart of so much that came after. “My story with Lindenwood is a story about a how a place can change your life.” Pfremmer recalled his early days working as the food service director at Lindenwood, which at the time was led by Dr. Dennis Spellmann. Stating that the entrepreneurial spirit that has informed much of his professional career was learned on campus. “I really believe Lindenwood is one of the biggest entrepreneurial stories out there when it comes to higher education,” Pfremmer said. “It was truly a bootstrap kind of effort. The thought on the part of leadership at the time was ‘let’s just make sure we save this place and then we’ll keep figuring it out along the way.’” While working at Lindenwood, Pfremmer went back to school and eventually started his own hospitality business, the Pfoodman, which won the contract for the university’s dining services. During his 20 years with the university, he said that he is indebted to so many leaders that took him under their wing and treated him as more than the “food service director.” “I’m not sure I can convey how important John Hammond, Jim Shoemake, Ray Harmon, Elizabeth Rauch, Dale Rollings, Gary Shaw and others were in encouraging me to stay and be part of Lindenwood,” Pfremmer said. Another name Pfremmer cited as being instrumental in his education is former head of development Ed Watkins. “I spent a lot of time around the development team and Ed, who was really fun and very successful,” he said. “I learned from him and the board about the importance of institutional philanthropy. I learned how to be appreciative and unwavering in pursuing the achievement of a collective goal.” He said that his time with Lindenwood was so instrumental in his personal and professional development that he absolutely had to give back. In addition to Pfremmer Patio, there is Pfremmer Hall, and a scholarship in entrepreneurial studies named in honor of his father. Pfremmer also created a challenge gift as part of this year’s Giving Week to support the Hammond Institute for Free Enterprise in the Robert W. Plaster College of Business and Entrepreneurship. “I’ve tried to set an example for other people who might not necessarily come from something, who are ‘self-made.’ If you’re able to help, I think that’s a good way to help oneself,” Pfremmer said “Call it karma or simply appreciation but I’ve always found that the more I give, the more I get.” As Lindenwood takes the next step in its journey, Pfremmer said he is proud to champion this special university. He sees Lindenwood’s journey as one of resilience and perseverance that dates back to its founding. He feels those values are woven through the experience students get here. Pfremmer believes that now is the time to get involved to help shape the next generation of higher education. “None of us have all the answers, but what we can do is show up. Whether that’s making a gift or attending an event or sporting match, just show up.” None of us have all the answers, but what we can do is show up. Whether that’s making a gift or attending an event or sporting match, just show up. RALPH PFREMMER Pfremmer joins Lindenwood friends at LU Night with the Blues THE GIVING COMMUNITY