One of oldest graduates passes away

Charles E. “Charlie” Stevens, 94, passed away July 6. He was one of 19 members of the graduating class of Brainerd Junior College in 1940– the first in Brainerd. Starting college in 1938 was a privilege, he once said, just as it is today
for those capable of managing the responsibility and the freedom. “He was a most delightful gentleman,” said Jean Beckmann, coordinator of the Central Lakes College Alumni Association. “Charlie was quite the talker.” In 2008 he presented the CLC Foundation with memorabilia, including the monthly Brainerd Collegian. Charlie sold and designed the publication’s advertisements that sold for as little as 60 cents. “He is known to most college students as a most ambitious boy, and
ardent worker,” the Collegian said in a feature article about its
hustling ad man. After serving his country in the military during WWII, Charlie was employed for 30 years as an agent for New York Life. He continues to support the higher education mission at CLC through provisions in his estate plan. Such forethought was second nature for the gracious and grateful benefactor.

Read about Charlie Stevens at  http://brainerddispatch.com/stories/091708/nei_20080917012.shtml