Dear Member of the MHS Community: It is with great sorrow that I write to inform you of the passing of John “Mac” Aichele ’39.

Mac embodied everything our Founders wanted their Home and School to be. As the first graduate to lead the School, he was an accomplished educator who constantly sought to learn as well as to teach.

He was civically minded, consistently sharing his time and experience with volunteer organizations like the Boy Scouts of America, Rotary Club of Hershey and the United Way.

He was courageous, serving our nation in the United States Marine Corps during World War II and risking his life for his countrymen.

After retirement from Milton Hershey School, he continued to take an interest in caring for young people, proudly serving on the board of the Shippensburg University Foundation for 25 years, including the executive committee and as chair.

Most of all, Mac was gracious, constantly giving back to the Home and School from which we have all gained so much. From his years as a teacher to his time as Milton Hershey School president and as Chairman of the Board of Managers, Mac always put his heart into making our School the best and helping our students succeed beyond expectation.

Under his leadership, the MHS community witnessed important milestones such as the decision to build Henry Hershey Field and the graduation of the first female students in 1981.

Mac showed equal measures of dedication in the largest projects and the smallest gestures. As a student, I personally recall being impressed by his attendance at what seemed like every sporting event.

Mac has always been an inspiration to those of us who graduated from the School. His example will forever serve as a guiding light of humility, compassion and generosity.

As we mourn Mac’s passing, let us also remember to celebrate his life. Mac is one of those individuals who truly dedicated himself to making our world a better place.

In his honor, I ask each of you to reflect on Mac’s example and consider what you can do today to serve with his same vigor and spirit.

We will be sure to inform you as soon as we have details about a memorial service.

Prayerfully, Peter G. Gurt ’85 President