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REPORT ON GIVING 2021
ANNUAL REPORT ON GIVING 2020
In 1804, a promise to provide a means of education forever gave birth to Ohio University, the first university established in the newly settled American territory. More than 215 years later, some 255,000 living alumni and 27,000 current students have seen the promise of an OHIO education fulfilled. Our promise in 1804 was the first brick laid in a long road, one whose journey lies at the heart of Ohio University’s mission and is a source of inspiration to students, educators, leadership and generations of visionary donors whose philanthropy not only supports but also endorses the path to an OHIO education.
In fiscal year 2020 (July 1, 2019, through June 30, 2020), 13,725 OHIO alumni and friends made Ohio University’s legacy part of their legacy, generously committing $49,888,642 to The Ohio University Foundation. Their support opens the door to higher education, provides students with life-changing opportunities for professional and personal growth, and equips faculty and staff with the resources and facilities that make OHIO one of the nation’s premier transformational learning communities.
This 2020 Report on Giving is a tribute to the champions of Ohio University’s future—the tireless efforts, limitless generosity, and inspiring dedication of individuals who know the value of education, who are helping us build a road to a better future, and who are committed to making OHIO a place where education goes Forever Forward. Forever OHIO.
FOREVER ACCESSIBLE
Ensuring the OHIO experience for all
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Engineering technology & management alumnus honors late wife with nursing scholarship
Ohio University alumnus Kyle Michalek, BSIT ’07, turned tragedy into hope when he announced a gift that established a $100,000 scholarship endowment in Ohio University’s School of Nursing in memory of his wife.
The Michalek family was devastated February of 2019 by the loss of Kyle’s wife, Stephanie, BS ’07, who unexpectedly passed away giving birth to their son, Andrews. Although Andrews was born prematurely, he fully recovered. Kyle, who owns Michalek Brothers Racing with his brother Corey, BSVC ’10, took a step back from his competitive hobby of racing nitromethane-fueled dragsters to focus on family.
But, on Aug. 10, 2019, Michalek Brothers Racing hit the track again at the 41st Kelly Services Night Under Fire drag race. This time, the team was joined by College of Health Sciences and Professions Dean Randy Leite during the pre-race ceremony for a special announcement.
“The past several months have been some of the most challenging months of my life,” Michalek said before the race. “Tonight, though, is going to be a celebration. As I was thinking ‘How can I honor my wife?’ I came across a thought that really resonated with all the love, the support, the compassion and the caring that everyone has given both me, my son and my family.”
Michalek realized that the generosity from his friends and family during his time of need was something that Stephanie embodied daily, bringing comfort to strangers as a skilled nurse.
“Stephanie’s legacy lives on, and we’re proud to be a part of that legacy. I assure you that for every year from now on, students will benefit from what you’ve done and from what Stephanie stood for.” said Dean Leite.
The Michalek Brothers Racing team was elated to celebrate Stephanie with a win over their rivals and off-the-track friends, Gutierrez Brothers Racing.
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School of dance founder’s legacy lives on in alumna’s impact, current students
It was 50 years ago that Ohio University established its School of Dance, and ever since then one of OHIO’s earliest dance students, Darlene Patterson Spencer, has been carrying on the legacy of the school’s founder, the late Shirley Wimmer.Patterson Spencer established the Wimmer/Patterson Urban Dance Award, providing underrepresented dance students financial support to help defray some of the costs associated with preparing for a career in the arts.
“It’s very important to nourish and support these students because this is where they get their basic tools, which will prepare them to build successful careers,” Patterson Spencer said. “Money is usually a concern for many students. Helping them in this area can help them focus on their educational goals and stimulate their creative juices to their fullest potential. They can just focus on the goals and create because as artists that’s what we do—create.”
Patterson Spencer also sees her philanthropy as a means of advancing Ohio University’s dance program and supporting Travis Gatling, who is the current artistic director and head of the Dance Division within OHIO’s School of Dance, Film, and Theater.
“This award program actually helps continue to build the excellent reputation of the OU dance program as it is already nationally regarded as an excellent training ground for future artists, choreographers, entrepreneurs and community leaders,” she said.
Wimmer/Patterson Urban Dance Award recipient Jillian Lewis, BFA ’22, met Patterson Spencer at last year’s Winter Dance Concert and reconnected at Ohio University’s 2019 Black Alumni Reunion. Lewis said both she and her family are grateful for the alumna’s financial assistance.
“But most importantly,” Lewis said, “I have gained a friend in the dance world. Darlene Patterson Spencer is so full of life and stories and is always in the audience to support the dance program. ”
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Alumni couple’s legacy of advocating for people with developmental disabilities lives on
When the eldest daughter of Robert, BSIE ’50, and Eloise Beverage, ELST ’50, was diagnosed with developmental disabilities, the couple got to work laying the foundation for their child, her peers and future generations to lead fulfilling lives.The Beverages became founding members of the first Arc chapter in Ohio, a community-based organization that advocates for and with people with intellectual and developmental disabilities. The Beverages also helped to organize special education classes in local schools and developed a deep appreciation for educators of children with developmental disabilities.
Robert Beverage passed away in 1991, and Eloise in 2002. But their lives’ work continues on in their children.
Bob Beverage established the Robert and Eloise Beverage Scholarship in Ohio University’s Gladys W. and David H. Patton College of Education. The endowed scholarship benefits full-time undergraduates who demonstrate financial need, with preference given to students majoring in moderate to intensive needs in special education.
Courtney Moog, BSED ’19, was awarded the Beverage Scholarship for the 2018-19 academic year and is currently pursuing her master’s degree.
“The money I received from the scholarship I put toward my tests and study materials for my OAEs (Ohio Assessment for Educators),” she said. “Having some financial help covering the costs of this helped take some of the stress off the test and allowed me to focus on studying.”
For Bob Beverage, assisting aspiring special education teachers contributes to a larger movement to continue building a network of care for the disabled community — a movement his parents devoted much of their lives to. “We know that with dedication, good training and mentorship, it can also be an incredibly rewarding vocation. I hope this scholarship can help make a difference in the lives of teachers like Courtney Moog and, ultimately, the special needs people whom they serve.”