LMC Wine Center Named For Couple

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Lake Michigan College has named its new wine and viticulture center in honor of a Stevensville couple who has worked to help the college complete major projects. LMC President Trevor Kubatzke tells WSJM News the Welch Center will be named in honor of Mike and Lisa Welch.

“They both have been big friends of the college for a long time, and a group of private donors raised funds on their behalf to name the building after them,” Kubatzke said.

Construction is continuing on the Welch Center, which should be ready for students next year. Kubatzke says it’s one of a kind in the Midwest.

“This will be a state of the art winery,” Kubatzke said. “It’ll have a lot of glass so patrons who are in the building can see the workings of the winery. Tank rooms, barrel rooms, a lab.”

The $7.5 million center will be at the Benton Township campus of LMC. Kubatzke says it’s the result of a grassroots effort with a lot of help from the Welches.