Distinguished alumni

Marilyn (Docter ’65) Van Engelenhoven Distinguished Service to Northwestern

Marilyn Van Engelenhoven served on Northwestern’s National Alumni Board from 1981 to 1987 and helped establish an annual auction to raise money for student scholarships. Now in its 35th year, the Scholarship Auction has raised more than $825,000. She also has been active in the Women’s Auxiliary and served several years as president of the organization, which has raised more than $700,000 for scholarships and capital projects. Most recently, the auxiliary funded the seasonal plantings filling the large flower pots that enhance the college’s redesigned campus entrance.

Van Engelenhoven graduated from Northwestern in 1965 with a bachelor’s degree in elementary education. She taught third grade and kindergarten prior to becoming a community leader and volunteer.

Award year: 2017