Written by, and with photos by L. M. Land
On October 23, 2025, over 150 people joined together to celebrate Raquel Thueme, retiring president of the Ruth Mott Foundation.
Thueme retired after 14 years with the Foundation. She was hired as program director in 2011. Thueme was a key part of the team who researched and implemented the Foundation’s pivot to focus on north Flint.
Speakers for the event included Maryanne Mott, board chair of the Ruth Mott Foundation, and Lawrence Moon, trustee emeritus. They spoke to the ability Thueme had to bring the best out in people, having “the patience of a saint,” and her outstandingly deep, unflinching commitment to Flint, of which Berston Field House is an example.
The celebration was held at Berston Field House, where Thueme and BB Nolden worked together to make the huge renovation a reality. A commitment made to the north end is that whenever possible, most of what is available at Berston will remain free to attend.
Tours were given of the new BB Nolden Center, which is nearing its finish line. The new basketball court is an enormous NBA regulation-size court, with a USA compliant track for walking above. Telescopic bleachers will be installed, as well as lockers and concessions that will service both the indoor and outdoor events. Outdoors will be a softball field, little league field, a kid’s play area, multipurpose soccer field and pickle ball courts. Plans for exercise equipment and much more are in the works. The original part of Berston will become community meeting rooms.
It was evident that Thueme and her passionate commitment to north Flint will be sorely missed. The room was full of representatives of a wide range of beneficiaries or community partners, such as Sister Carol Weber from St. Luke N.E.W. Life Center, Kevin Collins from Kuungana Drum and Dance and Tracee Glab, executive director of the Flint Institute of Arts.
The groundwork Thueme has laid will certainly make the transition for new director, Sue Peters, an easy one. Peters will be the new president beginning November 3, 2025.
