Wartburg College has named Mary Sukup of Sheffield an honorary alumna in recognition of her support of higher education and faith-building opportunities for young people.

President Darrel Colson and Dr. Lee Nelson, associate professor of music and director of the Wartburg Choir and Ritterchor, presented the award to Sukup on behalf of the college and the Alumni Association during the Wartburg Choir’s April 7 concert.

A generous gift from Mary and Eugene Sukup and the Sukup Family Foundation underwrote the 2011 Iowa Public Television production of Christmas with Wartburg, which was seen statewide and on public broadcasting stations throughout the nation. Their donation also supported a commemorative DVD/CD set of the entire concert.

“Mary and Eugene are generous supporters of higher education, impacting students at Iowa State University, Wartburg College and other Lutheran institutions,” Colson said. “Mary consistently lives out the values of the Wartburg mission — leadership, service, faith and learning.”

The final selection at the concert — “I Carry Your Heart” — was dedicated to Sukup. Its composer, Wartburg senior Connor Koppin of Mason City, is a member of the choir.

The Sukups own Sukup Manufacturing, one of Iowa’s leading agriculture-related businesses. Mary has served on the board of Tentmakers, an organization that trains young adults in youth ministry to deliver practical, Christ-centered leadership and life-skills training.