Lenert Family Scholarship for Business Majors

Richard and Mary Jo Lenert were the owners of Lenert Plumbing. A family owned business that was started by Richard’s father in the 1930’s. The Lenert’s sold the business to two long-time employees in 1992. Richard and Mary Jo had four children – Pamela Lenert, North Central College alumna ’76; Sandy Jo; Julie; and Shelly.

Richard Lenert served as president of Lenert Plumbing, president of DuPage Company PPHC Contractor’s Association, was a retired trustee of the Plumbing and Pipefitters Union Local No. 514, member of the Presidents Club and past co-chairman for fundraising at North Central College, former member of the Naperville Rotary, K of C Council No. 1369 and Naperville Jaycees. He was a WWII veteran and a member of the Naperville American Legion Post No. 43. Richard passed away in 1992.

Mary Jo was also quite accomplished in the Naperville Community. She was born in Chicago and moved to Naperville as a child. While growing up in Naperville, Mary Jo became an accomplished horse woman. She attended St. Xavier University and majored in nursing. She was the first volunteer at the Chicago Erie Street Settlement House, had her real estate license, was vice president and president of Lenert Plumbing, and a trustee of North Central College for 20 years. She was philanthropic and volunteered for several charity organizations. Mary Jo passed away in 2003.

Pamela Lenert ’76 was the only one of the Lenert children to graduate from North Central College. She majored in art, communications and English literature. In 2002, it was Pam who accompanied Mary Jo to North Central to make the final arrangements for the Lenert Family Scholarship for Business Majors, a fund that originated with her parents.