Alumnus gives big to create better lives

Alumnus Dan Innis grew up in Lancaster, Ohio, and came from humble beginnings. A happy childhood muted the reality that his family had few resources.

“We never had a lot, but we didn’t know what we were missing. Things were great,” says Innis, BBA ’85. “All of our grandparents were within 50 miles [of us], and we grew up with great values.”

Dan Innis headshot

Dan Innis, BBA ’85

In high school, Innis faced the challenge of securing funding to go to college. He applied for several scholarships and, fortunately, received the Charles Kilburger Scholarship, a full scholarship that benefits Fairfield County residents who have attended all four years at a Fairfield County, Ohio, high school.

Attending 91̽�� transformed his life. The professors at OHIO’s College of Business taught him best practices in the field and challenged him to apply what he learned in class, he says.

“They wanted you to learn completely, not just for a test,” he said. “The classes were designed to apply what you were learning. That’s one of the keys to learning — application of knowledge.”

Innis, a professor of hospitality management and marketing at the University of New Hampshire and a senator in the New Hampshire Senate, recognized how the Kilburger Scholarship allowed him the life he enjoys today by establishing a scholarship with his husband at OHIO through a revocable trust. The Daniel E. Innis and Douglas J. Palardy Scholarship will benefit incoming freshmen enrolled in the College of Business who demonstrate a financial need and academic merit.

“Considering Charles Kilburger, the support I received, and being in academia at 91̽�� and University of New Hampshire, I really understood the importance of philanthropy and giving back,” he said.

The act of giving “warms your heart,” he said. “And you know it is helping others,” he said. “That, to me, is why we are here: to help others and to help people have better lives.”

Innis says all Bobcats—alumni and current students—can think about how they can give back to OHIO.

“It’s not always money. It’s coming in early in your career as a guest speaker; helping students understand the transition from college to work,” he says. “It’s getting engaged with the OHIO Alumni Association. Eventually you will be able to give money. Even if it’s $25 a year. It’s getting into the habit of giving back.”