Over the decades that have passed since they met on the Hilltop, the Bauersachs have relocated from Illinois to Virginia, raised a family and led successful careers. Despite their busy lives, the ties they have to Illinois College only continue to grow today.

“We feel strongly that the liberal arts education is still relevant and valuable,” Mike said. “It’s always been something in our life that is important to us and purposeful.” 

Mike is the co-founder and former President and CEO of Ramaco Resources. He is an investor, entrepreneur and consultant, primarily working with energy, real estate and mining companies. Previously, he held senior management positions with several companies, including Massey Energy Company. His professional experience includes business development, financial analysis, planning, mergers and acquisitions.

Mike has served on the Illinois College Board of Trustees since 2022. Upon his induction into the leadership board, he said: “Illinois College provided me with a well-rounded foundation to build on. Lessons learned at IC have proven to be invaluable, not only in the business world, but life in general. I am ready to roll up my sleeves and do my part to help secure best-in-class learning opportunities for future generations.”

Mike and Lisa have certainly made an impact on students over the past couple of years. Their recent giving has reflected not only their philanthropic nature but also their aspiration to make a difference in the world in a meaningful, personal way. 

The couple has bravely shared their story and used it as the catalyst for change. When the couple’s son, Matt Bauersachs, faced challenges with addiction at a young age, it was a difficult time for the family. They soon learned theirs was not an uncommon struggle. 

Through their experience supporting their son’s recovery, the Bauersachs met many inspirational, extraordinary families whose lives had been affected by addiction. They wanted to do something to make a difference. 

The couple supported their son’s journey and helped establish a facility in Missouri called Learn to Live to support long-term recovery that he now runs. Matt earned a bachelor's degree and a master’s degree in social work and has been sober for nearly 15 years. 

Much of the couple’s recent giving to Illinois College addresses the need for additional resources at a local level to address addiction and mental health issues prevalent in many communities. When Mike joined the Illinois College Board of Trustees in 2022, they shared their story with President Barbara A. Farley. 

“President Farley asked what we were passionate about, and we talked about the work we have done with our son. Through our conversations, we learned that it was possible to create a new major. It made a lot of sense both as a way to give back to the college we love and for us to be able to make a difference in another way,” Lisa said. 

The couple established the Michael '86 and Lisa '85 Bauersachs Behavioral Health Program Fund, a transformative fund launched with a $125,000 gift to help create both an on-campus and online path for students who want to work in a variety of behavioral health careers. The program, built on the strong foundation of IC’s well established psychology and sociology programs, launched in 2023. 

The need for behavioral health professionals is great. According to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, employment of substance abuse, behavioral disorder and mental health counselors is projected to grow 22% from 2021 to 2031, much faster than the average for all occupations. 

Program director Clarissa Richardson ’09 said that, “Illinoisans are deeply affected by substance use disorders, with rural populations impacted more substantially; this program will address a crucial community need.”

The Bauersachs said they hope to also grow their involvement to help IC students prepare for their careers. 

“Eventually we would love to be even more involved, helping place students in jobs through our family’s connections and providing internships within our facility,” said Mike. “We are excited to see the impact this program will have.”