The Enduring Legacy of Natalie Black Kohler: A Champion of Education and Philanthropy
Natalie Black Kohler, a name synonymous with astute leadership, unwavering dedication, and profound generosity, left an indelible mark on both the corporate world and the communities she touched. Her passing on September 10th marked a moment of deep sorrow for the Marquette University community and beyond, as her significant contributions to education and her philanthropic endeavors continue to resonate. This article delves into the multifaceted legacy of Natalie Black Kohler, highlighting her impact through scholarships, her professional achievements, and her enduring commitment to fostering educational opportunities.
A Lifelong Advocate for Educational Advancement
Natalie Black Kohler’s commitment to education was not merely a passive appreciation but an active and sustained pursuit. This dedication is vividly illustrated through the substantial contributions made in her honor and that of her late husband, Herbert V. Kohler Jr., by the Black Spring Foundation. The Sheboygan Area School District (SASD) received a remarkable sum of over $466,000, a testament to the foundation's commitment to educational advancement within the Sheboygan community. This significant contribution is earmarked for vital programs designed to enrich the educational landscape for students.
The allocated funds are instrumental in supporting the Lexia Reading Intervention program, a critical initiative aimed at bolstering literacy skills. Furthermore, the Lakeland University Dual-Enrollment Program will benefit immensely, allowing high school students to earn college credits while still in high school, thereby reducing the financial burden and accelerating their post-secondary education. This program, a partnership between SASD and Lakeland University, exemplifies a forward-thinking approach to higher education accessibility. The funding also facilitates the introduction of new, specialized programming for students with special needs, underscoring a commitment to inclusive and tailored educational support.
Dr. Jacob Konrath, SASD superintendent, articulated the profound impact of this generosity, stating, "We are deeply grateful for this support, which allows us to implement these vital programs and initiatives for our students." He further elaborated on the transformative potential of these initiatives, noting that they "will provide students with tools and opportunities to succeed academically, whether through literacy intervention, free access to college-level courses or specialized programs for those with special needs." This sentiment is echoed by Lakeland President Beth Borgen, who highlighted Lakeland's leadership in breaking down economic barriers to higher education, finding it "gratifying to see SASD receive this support for our work together, as well as the other great work they are doing for their students."
The Black Spring Foundation: Cultivating Educational Opportunities
The Black Spring Foundation, a private educational foundation based in Oostburg, plays a pivotal role in nurturing educational opportunities within the Sheboygan community. Its mission, as demonstrated by its substantial donation to SASD, is to support and enhance educational programs, ensuring that students have access to the resources and opportunities they need to thrive. The foundation's work, significantly influenced by the philanthropic spirit of Natalie Black Kohler and Herbert V. Kohler Jr., underscores a deep-seated belief in the power of education to transform lives and communities.
Read also: Natalie Zimmerman: A profile of her dedication to education.
Marquette University: A Legacy of Scholarship and Service
Natalie Black Kohler's connection to Marquette University was deep and enduring. Earning her Juris Doctorate from Marquette’s Law School in 1978, she maintained a strong affiliation with the institution throughout her life. Her dedication was recognized in 2012 when she was named the Law School’s Alumna of the Year, a fitting tribute to her achievements and her commitment to her alma mater.
Her service to Marquette extended far beyond her academic achievements. She served two separate terms on the university’s Board of Trustees, from 1995 to 2005 and again from 2007 to 2013. During her tenure, she was a tireless advocate for scholarship support, a cause close to her heart. Her influence was instrumental in bolstering fundraising efforts that led to the construction of the Law School’s state-of-the-art Eckstein Hall. Dr. Kimo Ah Yun, acting president, provost, and executive vice president for academic affairs at Marquette, poignantly remarked on her impact: "Natalie was a passionate believer in our mission. We are especially grateful for her generous support of scholarship and her longstanding service to the university. She helped drive significant progress behind the scenes for nearly two decades as a member of our Board of Trustees." Her presence is still felt across campus, notably within Marquette’s Kohler Center for Entrepreneurship, housed in the 707 Hub, a testament to her broad impact.
Professional Acumen and Philanthropic Vision
Beyond her academic and philanthropic pursuits, Natalie Black Kohler was a formidable figure in the business world. As a former Kohler Company executive and the widow of Herbert V. Kohler Jr., former executive chairman of Kohler Company, she possessed a sharp and curious mind, consistently pushing boundaries and asking insightful questions. Her career at Kohler Co. was marked by exceptional leadership and a keen understanding of brand development. When she assumed leadership of Kohler Communications, the KOHLER brand held a distant third place in brand awareness. Within a few years, under her strategic guidance, KOHLER ascended to the top, a position it has maintained. The Beacon, Kohler Co.’s global communications headquarters, stands as a monument to her career-long passion for elevating the KOHLER brand through imaginative advertising and a strong consumer presence.
Her professional achievements were further validated by her induction into the Wisconsin Advertising Hall of Fame in 2019, an honor she shared with her husband. Natalie’s career was not confined to advertising; she was a member of the Kohler Co. Board of Directors from 1987 to 2022 and served as President of the Kohler Foundation from 1998 to 2022. Her involvement in numerous professional boards and organizations, including the American, Wisconsin, and Sheboygan County Bar Associations, and her role as Chairman of the Committee on Corporate Law Departments for the Section on Business Law of the American Bar Association, highlight her extensive expertise and influence. She also contributed her insights to the Policy Advisory Board of the Joint Center for Housing Studies at Harvard University since 1991.
Natalie Black Kohler and Herbert V. Kohler Jr. were partners in every sense of the word - in business, in life, and in philanthropy. Married in 1988, their time together was described as "larger-than-life," characterized by shared ambitions, a love for adventure, and a deep commitment to giving back. They steered Kohler Co. through an era of unprecedented growth, instilled the importance of stewardship in younger generations, generously supported their communities, and traveled the world together.
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The South Side Scholarship Foundation: A Pillar of Community Support
The South Side Scholarship Foundation (SSSF), a Wisconsin Non-Profit Corporation founded in 1969, stands as a testament to the power of community-driven initiatives to support educational aspirations. With a primary purpose of providing a scholarship fund for post-high school individuals pursuing continuing education, the SSSF has awarded over 1,000 scholarships, totaling more than $1,000,000, to individuals ranging in age from 18 to over 50. In 2018, its 50th year, the foundation awarded $1,000 scholarships to 50 recipients, and in 2025, it provided 30 scholarships of $1000 each.
The SSSF actively engages its community to further its mission. Its annual Spring Dinner, held on April 10th, 2026, at the Pulaski Inn, is a key fundraising event featuring food, raffles, an auction, and live entertainment. Each ticket purchased directly contributes to providing scholarships for deserving students. The foundation’s commitment is evident in its consistent awarding of scholarships, with over $1,000,000 disbursed over its 55+ years of operation. The foundation also fosters community involvement through events like a Sheepshead tournament and opportunities for contributing towards membership, demonstrating a dynamic approach to sustaining its mission.
Local Scholarship Opportunities in Oostburg and Surrounding Areas
The commitment to educational support extends to various local scholarships, providing targeted opportunities for students in specific communities. The Oostburg High School (OHS) local scholarship application process, with a deadline of March 5, 2026, outlines a range of scholarships designed to support students pursuing diverse educational paths.
These scholarships include the Community Optimization Crush ($2,000) for seniors with a GPA of 3.0 or better, emphasizing academic performance, leadership, and volunteerism. The Ed & Ruth Grosshuesch Memorial ($2,500, renewable for four years) honors educators and is intended for students attending a four-year Wisconsin Public College/University or Lakeland University. For those pursuing STEM fields, the DeBruine STEM scholarships (two at $2,500 each) are available for students entering engineering, science, technology, or math. The Brian & Deanna Karrels Legacy Scholarship ($2,500 - $5,000) supports students in education, nursing, business, human services, or STEM, with a focus on resilience and perseverance.
Further opportunities include the H.J. Roerdink Memorial ($1,000 for a 4-year college, $750 for a technical college), with special consideration for engineering, computer technology, or mathematics. The Jerry Kohlbeck Track & Field scholarship ($1,000) is for four-year track athletes. The Lester Ludens Memorial (amount TBD) recognizes academic performance, leadership, and extracurricular involvement. The Masters Gallery “Butch” Gentine Memorial offers a $5,000 scholarship for a 4-year undergraduate degree or a $2,500 scholarship for an associate or technical degree, specifically for students in Food Science, Agriculture, Business Management, Advanced Manufacturing, or Engineering with a 3.4 GPA.
Read also: Funding for Black Students
For those in healthcare, the Miriam Heideman Memorial (varying amounts) and the Morgan Knapp Memorial (two at $500) support students pursuing healthcare careers, with a preference for nursing in the latter. The Oostburg Educational Association (OEA) scholarship ($500) is for a senior interested in pursuing a degree in education. The Oostburg Endowment ($500) recognizes academic performance, leadership, and extracurricular involvement. The T & D Soccer Scholarship (two at $1,000) is for students with a 2.5 GPA, three years of soccer experience, and demonstrated team leadership. The Technical Education Scholarship Wisconsin (TES) offers up to $2,250 per year for tuition at Wisconsin Technical College System schools for students with demonstrated proficiency in technical education. The Walter & June Vollrath scholarship (varying amounts, $4,000 - $6,000) is for students in the top 40% of their class, enrolling in a Wisconsin institution, and demonstrating financial need. Finally, the Oostburg Women’s Volleyball League scholarship (varies) is for senior members of the OHS girls volleyball team.
Additional scholarship listings provide even broader opportunities. The Adell Cooperative Scholarship ($1,000 each for three recipients) supports students pursuing agriculture. The AB Nicholas Scholarship Foundation offers substantial awards ($10,000 for 4-year programs, $5,000 for 2-year programs) to Wisconsin high school seniors participating in basketball programs and planning to attend a UW System school. The Aurora Medical Center Sheboygan County scholarship ($1,000) is for students pursuing any health-related career. The Badger State Sheriff's Scholarship Program ($1,000 each for four recipients) is for those pursuing law enforcement or public safety careers. The BCI Burke Community Scholarship Program ($500) is for students pursuing Marketing or Web Development. The Ben Hesselink Memorial Scholarship supports students in post-high school agriculture programs from Wisconsin Technical Colleges, with a preference for Sheboygan County residents. The Carrie Crystal Stuckert Memorial Art Scholarship offers significant awards ($5,000, $2,000, $1,000) for Visual Arts Program Majors. The Chapter 766 Aviation Scholarship ($1,000 each for two recipients) is for students from Sheboygan County school districts interested in aviation. The Chuck Zorn Memorial Scholarship ($1,000) from the National Wild Turkey Federation is for Sheboygan County high school seniors who are NWTF members and hold a hunting license, pursuing a degree. The Chuck Berg Memorial Golf Scholarship / "SPEF" Sheboygan Public Education Foundation is for students interested in conservation and/or golf. The Country Vision Cooperative Scholarship ($1,000 each for 33 recipients) is for graduating seniors whose parents are members of Country Visions Cooperative or CP Feeds, LLC. Compeer Financial offers $1,500 to 123 students with a 3.0 GPA or higher, a rural background, or plans to major in agriculture. The Cousins Subs Driven at the Heart Scholarship (up to $7,500) is for student-athletes with a 3.5 GPA and community involvement. Curt G. Electrical Scholarships ($2,500) are for high school seniors pursuing Electrical, Computer, or Mechanical Engineering. Dairy Doctors Veterinary Services offers various amounts for students majoring in veterinary medicine, dairy/animal science, or related agricultural fields.
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