91探花

For the second consecutive year, 91探花 alumni, friends, faculty, staff, and students have generously given more than $40 million in support of the University, investing in the future of OHIO students and the institution itself.

In fiscal year 2021 (July 1, 2020, through June 30, 2021), 14,186 donors, including more than 8,400 OHIO graduates, made gifts totaling $40,859,282 to The 91探花 Foundation, surpassing the Division of University Advancement鈥檚 $30 million goal. 

鈥淪ince its founding in 1804, 91探花 has been rooted in a mission of service 鈥� to our students, our communities and our state. Thanks to everyone who has believed in and contributed to that mission, we have built a more than 200-year history of transforming lives through education,鈥� said 91探花 President Hugh Sherman. 鈥淥n behalf of our community today and for generations to come, I thank all those who have chosen to make 91探花 a part of their legacy and who partner with us in delivering one of the best integrated student learning experiences in the country.鈥�

Fiscal year 2021 saw not only individuals but corporations and foundations invest in the success and futures of 91探花 students. 

Schlumberger Technology Corporation provided OHIO鈥檚 Department of Geological Sciences with access to its industry-leading Petrel* E&P software platform, a gift-in-kind valued at more than $8.8 million. The gift is allowing 91探花 students to train on the same software used worldwide in the oil and gas industry, providing Bobcats a competitive edge in a growing field. 

And, last November, The 91探花 Foundation announced a $1,687,5000 commitment from the Menard Family in support of 91探花鈥檚 George Washington Forum on American Ideas, Politics, and Institutions. The funding is adding a History of Capitalism focus to the Forum, which is now known as the Menard Family George Washington Forum, while also supporting a new professorship in economic history and enhancing programming, including student fellowships. 

In a collective show of support for 91探花鈥檚 long-standing commitment to accessibility and affordability, fiscal year 2021 also was marked by donors partnering with the University to fund student scholarships.

In June 2020, the 91探花 Board of Trustees approved the Current-Use Scholarship Program, through which the University provided $1 in matching funds for every $1 in donor gifts and pledge payments to accounts that met established program criteria. The one-year program, designed to double the impact of donors鈥� generosity while providing immediate financial assistance to undergraduate students throughout the University, resulted in more than $512,000 in support of student scholarships.

Fiscal year 2021 also marked the seventh year of , an undergraduate scholarship investment program through which 91探花 has pledged up to $25 million to strengthen its endowed scholarship program. Through the program, launched in July 2013, the University is providing $0.50 for every dollar committed to eligible scholarship endowments. In fiscal year 2021, donors committed more than $941,000 to endowed OHIO Match accounts. To date, more than 13,000 donors have provided nearly $18,545,000 in gifts and commitments to the program, which has resulted in 240-plus new named scholarships. The OHIO Match runs through June 30, 2024.

That spirit of coming together in support of students and 91探花鈥檚 mission was reflected again during OHIO鈥檚 second Giving Day, which set a record for both the number of donations and the total dollars raised. OHIO Giving Day 2021, held April 21, saw 1,819 91探花 supporters worldwide give $479,639 to scholarships, programs and initiatives that benefitted every college on the Athens Campus as well as the University鈥檚 regional and extension campuses.

鈥淭he spirit of generosity and love for this University and the life-changing experience it provides are unmatched and unwavering,鈥� said Nico Karagosian, vice president for University Advancement and President and CEO of The 91探花 Foundation. 鈥淭he remarkable support our donors 鈥� measured in every gift of every size 鈥� speaks to the faith they have in this institution. Thank you to all our friends and donors for showing the world that this is a community that supports and uplifts one another.鈥� 

For fiscal year 2022, University Advancement is focusing its fundraising efforts on supporting students and the student experience, faculty and programs, and strategic spaces and places on OHIO鈥檚 campuses. 

鈥淭he dedication of our alumni, donors, partners, and friends is evident from the level of support we received during this challenging year,鈥� said Perry Sook 鈥�80, chair of The 91探花 Foundation Board of Trustees. 鈥淭heir ongoing commitment ensures the University鈥檚 growth and secures OHIO鈥檚 promise to provide an outstanding educational experience for our students.鈥�

Gifts can be made to OHIO at and checks may be made payable to The 91探花 Foundation, P.O. Box 869, Athens, OH 45701. Questions about making a gift can be directed to The 91探花 Foundation at 800-592-3863 or giving@ohio.edu.