Mercer Blumberg Learning Center is named after George Mercer Jr and Gilbert “Buster” Blumberg. Both of these men had the great gift of being able to connect with students and help them to be successful in school. Mr. Mercer and Blumberg were masters at finding ways to reach and inspire students, we are proud to work at a campus that carries their name, and the staff at MBLC work every day to continue these men’s mission of connecting with students and helping them to be successful.
GEORGE MERCER JR.
George Mercer, Jr., began his 35-year career in education in Seguin in 1955 coming to the district with one year of experience in the Butler ISD. He taught science at Ball High School for 11 years until his move to Seguin High School in 1966. There he served as a teacher and as assistant principal until his retirement from full-time employment in 1990 at which time he began working as Assistant to the Director of Student Attendance. Mercer was born on January 10, 1928, in Hearne, Texas. He received his Bachelor of Science degree from Prairie View A&M in 1950 and his Master of Science in biology, administration and supervision in 1956. He held an elementary and secondary teaching certificate in all sciences as well as principal, administrative and superintendent certificates. He held professional membership in SEA, TSTA and NEA. He was a member of the Seguin Noon Lions Club, the Seguin NAACP, and the American Association of Retired People. He served the community as commissioner of the Seguin Housing Authority. He was also a member of the Greater Second Baptist Church in Seguin where he was a deacon, pianist for the senior choir, and financial secretary. In addition to his service to Seguin, Mercer served his country during the Korean War at which time he received the Purple Heart and the Combat Infantry Badge. He retired from the Army Reserves in 1976 as a lieutenant colonel. Mercer married Ethel Jones, and they had two children, Darrell and Sharita. George Mercer died on October 22, 1992, at the age of 64. The Mercer-Blumberg Learning Center was named in his honor by the Seguin ISD Board of Trustees on April 12, 1994.
GILBERT “BUSTER” BLUMBERG
Dedicating 24 years to the education profession, Gilbert W. “Buster” Blumberg began his career in the Seguin ISD in 1969. He taught history at Seguin High and Joe F. Saegert Middle School. Showing a particular talent in working with the “at-risk” student, he then began teaching at the Sue Smith campus which served as the district’s alternative school. He was proud to have worked with the Texas Education Agency Office of Special Education in formulating guidelines and parameters for alternative school programs in the State of Texas. After 12 years, he left Seguin schools to teach in Judson ISD. Returning in 1989, Blumberg once again taught at Sue Smith. In 1992, he became Assistant to the Director of Student Attendance as the visiting teacher for Saegert and A. J. Briesemeister Middle Schools. Blumberg was born December 2, 1934, in Seguin. After attending the University of Texas at Austin, he received his Bachelor of Arts degree and teaching certificate from Texas Lutheran College. Professionally, he was a life member of SEA, TSTA and NEA. He also served the country as a medic in the U.S. Army. Recipient of the Chamber of Commerce Community Service Award, Blumberg was active in the community. He was a member of the Seguin/Guadalupe County Chamber and the Hispanic Chamber of Commerce. He was a board member of both MHMR and the Seguin Activity Center. He was also a member of the NAACP and the Fellowship of Christians and Jews. Blumberg had two daughters, Christa and Hilda. He married Carolyn Ehler in 1975. Buster Blumberg died December 28, 1993, at the age of 59. The Mercer-Blumberg Learning Center was named in his honor by the Seguin ISD Board of Trustees on April 12, 1994.