Education Matters: The Broghammer Legacy

Marilyn Broghammer, photo credit Jean Poland of Poland Photography

Lucille Murphy Broghammer graduated from the Mount Mercy Commercial School in 1927 under the tutelage of the Sisters of Mercy and later earned a bachelor's degree from Coe College. She married Dr. B.G. Broghammer and the couple were active in their parish and the local community. When Dr. Broghammer died suddenly in 1947, Lucille assumed responsibility for raising their six children. She was a firm believer in education and made sure that her children were well-educated. As a fitting tribute, the Broghammer family established the Dr. B.G. & Lucille Broghammer Endowed Scholarship in 1983 to generate scholarships for Mount Mercy nursing students.

Ninety years after her graduation, Lucille's belief in the value of education has again been validated. In February of 2017, Lucille's eldest son, Dr. Benjamin J. Broghammer, established a substantial endowed scholarship at Mount Mercy in memory of his wife Marilyn. Dr. Broghammer completed a successful career as a radiologist in Mason City, Iowa, retiring to Clear Lake, Iowa, in 1994 . He and his wife have eight children—all accomplished professionals in their own right.

The Marilyn Muscat Broghammer Endowed Scholarship for Nursing was designed to provide support for juniors and seniors majoring in the undergraduate nursing program at Mount Mercy. Because Dr. and Mrs. Broghammer recognized the value of investing in the education of their own eight children, this scholarship gives preference to students whose families have multiple children pursuing higher education.

Those who knew Marilyn say she lived her life embodying the characteristics of a nurse: caring through compassion, empathy, selflessness, humility and gentleness. These qualities were evident in the years she worked in nursing, raising her family and volunteering in the Mason City, Iowa, community. She spent countless hours volunteering at Mercy Medical Center, providing assistance to patients and their families through the medical auxiliary and gift shop. She was involved in the establishment of the Meals on Wheels program in the Mason City area and taught swim lessons to those with mental and physical disabilities.

Marilyn lived her life believing that it is one's duty to give and help others. This scholarship, bearing her name, was established with the hope that by providing tuition assistance, the Broghammer family can assist students who wish to dedicate their lives to caring for others through a career in nursing.

If you have interest in impacting others through education, contact Lonna Drewelow at 319-286-4408 or ldrewelow@mtmercy.edu to explore how you can maximize your charitable giving through Mount Mercy University. Build your legacy and support what matters most to you and your family.