Remembering
Braxton Rethwisch O A Legacy of Building and Nourishing Relationships
n November 29, the Central community was struck with the news of the death of Braxton P. Rethwisch, ’64, legendary admissions counselor and former senior regional director of admissions. Rethwisch passed away in his home at the age of 78, surrounded by his family, including his wife Judy (Engel) Rethwisch, ’65. Born and raised in Fayette, Rethwisch graduated from Fayette High School in 1960 before attending Central Methodist College. At Central, he was heavily involved in the Alpha Phi Gamma (Mokers) fraternity and served as the business manager of the Ragout yearbook before graduating with a bachelor’s degree. On the heels of his graduation, Rethwisch began working at his alma mater as an assistant to thenPresident Ralph Woodward. Two years later, he started his tenure in the Admissions Office, and the rest is history. Rethwisch had a reputation for being an “old-school” admissions counselor who really got to know the students and families he worked to recruit preceded him. His work was fruitful, bringing in an average of more than 50 new freshmen each year and as many as 70 during the great years. A scholarship in his name is awarded annually to five students through the Missouri Association for College Admission Counseling, and a Hall of Sponsors fund bearing his name was established by the Mokers in 2015. Braxton Rethwisch’s legacy at Central Methodist University is warmth, enthusiasm, commitment, hard work, and loyalty. He remained committed through the years in many ways. He and his wife, Judy, loved this campus and loved the people of Central. He helped hundreds of young people get started with their education. He inspired them, encouraged them, and happily reunited with them when they joined him as proud alumni. After an amazing letter from Marian Olson Rusk, ’63, the Talon asked for some of the people close to Braxton to submit memories. The contributions were heartfelt and articulate. Because of space limitations, we picked the best and even had to edit those quite a bit. Thanks to all for helping us remember and honor Braxton’s legacy.
Marian Olson Rusk (1963) To all of us who knew him, neither Fayette nor Central Methodist will ever seem the same without Braxton Rethwisch Braxton exemplified Moker enthusiasm, charm, leadership, and school spirit. He will live in the memories of the countless students he introduced to the possibilities Central offered them for their college careers.
William Michael Reid (1962) I remember several conversations with Braxton that demonstrated his love of Central and what a strategic mind he had. Once, Braxton asked my opinion about several of his ideas, specifically to offer health-related programs off campus at remote sites and via distance education. He believed some major innovations would be necessary to keep Central safely afloat. Braxton took his ideas and initiated the creation of several programs that I believe are now essential to Central’s identity and well-being.
32 The Talon | Summer Spring 2021 2021
