Larry and Jane Brandenburger

"Jane and I have been thrilled to see the College grow and the scholarships available match the needs of the students."
--Larry Brandenburger, Friends of Saint Paul College Foundation Emeritus Director

Larry and Jane Brandenburger were very pleased at the excitement their son Johnny showed during his time as a Culinary Arts student ten years ago. Jane said, “Johnny loved his small class size and the quality, personalized training at Saint Paul College.”

Johnny’s student experience inspired Larry and Jane to do something in his memory for other Culinary Arts students after his passing in 2011. They offered to spearhead a dinner to raise money for scholarships. The first dinner, held in December 2011, raised $9,300…a good start. Seven years later in December 2018, the dinner (now the gala), raised more than $350,000! Larry and Jane have been actively engaged in its fast growth.

Larry and Jane established the John Erik Brandenburger endowed scholarship for Culinary Arts students in 2014. In its first six years, their fund has helped over a dozen Saint Paul College students. The Brandenburger’s support of Saint Paul College students goes beyond dollars. Now a retired Valspar executive and scientist (he holds 32 patents), Larry has served two three-year terms as a volunteer board director for the nonprofit organization Friends of Saint Paul College Foundation. Larry contributed countless hours assisting the foundation raise scholarship, program and emergency funds for students in all Saint Paul College programs.

At the 2018 gala, Larry was bestowed the honor as an emeritus board director. He still attends board meetings in this new role, lending his advice and support. Johnny’s two brothers, Mike and Mark, have also joined in with their parents to grow the scholarship in honor of their brother. The Brandenburger family believes Saint Paul College is a fantastic place for students to learn a career skill set that can ultimately improve the student’s life and their family’s prosperity. Saint Paul College is grateful for Jane and Larry’s generosity and kind service on behalf of the hard working students in all programs.​