Molbert Family Makes Donation to UND School of Law

Press Release: July 25, 2006
Ralph Molbert bio

This fall, University of North Dakota law students will be welcomed by a state-of-the-art, newly renovated and comfortable classroom. The project is the result of a significant gift to the UND Foundation from the family of Ralph Molbert, '41, a business and law school graduate. The Molbert Classroom, located in the UND School of Law, is equipped with hi-tech instructional technology and provides a more conducive learning environment for the 80-some first-year law students who will fill the seats this fall.

This donation, on behalf of Ralph Molbert, is a gift from his wife Beverly (Steele, ND); son Lauris, '79, '83, and daughter-in-law Jane Grove (Fargo); daughter Karna (Molbert) Kornkven, '81, and son-in-law Richard Kornkven, '74 (Bottineau, ND); son Eric Molbert, '89 (Bismarck); and daughter Kristi (Molbert) Benz and son-in-law Miles Benz (Steele, ND).

Though this is a major renovation project, the Molbert Classroom still maintains the historical and distinctive character of the building, which was built in 1899. "The extraordinary generosity of the Molbert family supports a dramatic improvement of the law school facility. As future generations of law students enjoy the benefits of the classroom made possible by this gift, they will have before them a permanent tribute to the professional accomplishments of Ralph Molbert and the generosity of his family," said law school dean, Paul LeBel.

Ralph Molbert took pride in his UND education, and was especially proud of his law degree. Ralph was as an attorney and businessman in Steele, N.D., for many years before retiring in the late 1990s. Today Ralph is 91 years old, and while he is unable to communicate due to Alzheimer's disease, Ralph and his family had many conversations about the UND School of Law over the years. "Dad felt like his law degree was the building block for a successful career and his formative experience at UND was essential to that and many other achievements," said his son Lauris, '79, '83, who also graduated from the UND School of Law.

Lauris remembers his father often expressing his desire to give back to the place that gave him a great start, and finds it fitting to make a donation in his honor.

While the entire Molbert family, Dean LeBel, and law school faculty and staff are thrilled about the renovation, the students may be some of the most appreciative. Third-year law student Liz Pendlay said, "This family is leading by example, reminding us as future alumni that our contributions are important and benefit the students who follow in our shoes. Their commitment to and generosity toward the UND School of Law is exceptional."

This donation, on behalf of Ralph Molbert, is a gift from his wife Beverly (Steele, N.D.); son Lauris, '79, '83, and daughter-in-law Jane Grove (Fargo); daughter Karna (Molbert) Kornkven, '81, and son-in-law Richard Kornkven, '74 (Bottineau, N.D.); son Eric Molbert, '89 (Bismarck); and daughter Kristi (Molbert) Benz and son-in-law Miles Benz (Steele, N.D.). The Molbert family hopes future students will benefit from the classroom, and have as positive and rewarding experience as Ralph did. "He is someone who set a great example of the value of a UND education. He had very fond memories of UND and a great deal of gratitude toward the law school," Lauris concluded.

The Molbert Classroom will be complete by fall orientation on Aug. 14. A formal dedication will be held at 11:30 a.m. on Oct. 6 as part of Homecoming festivities.