The MHA "Ludwig Community Benefit Award" was named in honor of Patric E. Ludwig, a man of vision, commitment and compassion who died suddenly in 1996 at the age of 57. Ludwig served as MHA president from 1974 to 1985 and as president of Bronson Health Group, Kalamazoo, from 1985 until his untimely death. Both terms of leadership were marked by exponential growth and dramatic accomplishment. Former American Hospital Association President Dick Davidson said, "Pat kept community need at the heart of all he did. His vision of leadership in the healthcare field was simple. It was defined by results — that meant better healthcare for everyone."