| Martha (Langager) Klopp '02 |
| Distinguished Young Alumni Award |
Martha Klopp is a graduate of the University of Colorado, Boulder, and St. Olaf College, where she studied exercise science and competed in cross country and track and field at both institutions. After college, Martha embraced her passions for family, writing, and running. Today, she is both a stay-at-home mother of four and an author.
Martha has published two books: Milly and the Tale from Across the Street (2019), inspired by a mysterious house in Duluth, and Up North: A Milly Tale (2020), which explores themes of the environment and takes place at a cabin near Ely. She is currently working on her third book, written for middle school and high school readers, about a young runner who learns resilience through life’s obstacles. Martha also chronicled her family’s journey of raising spontaneous quadruplets on her blog, The Klopp Quads, which reached a wide audience beyond friends and family.
Running has remained an important part of Martha’s life, from coaching track and field to competing in road races. She has also been active in her community, serving on church council and on the board of her local soccer club. At Marshall, she was awarded the Laverne Fryberger Award, and she credits her teachers—particularly in English and Creative Writing—for instilling a deep appreciation for writing as a life skill. She also credits Marshall with nurturing her love and respect for the outdoors and her awareness of environmental responsibility, influences that continue to shape both her personal life and her writing.
Martha lives by the philosophy of staying true to yourself while always striving for growth: “If you want to get something done, just do it! Write that book! Sign up for that race! Chip away at it knowing it won't be a linear growth.” She feels both surprised and honored to be nominated for this award and is grateful for the foundation Marshall gave her in academics, creativity, and environmental stewardship.
