In the six decades since he graduated,听Ronald 鈥淩on鈥 Woofter, BA 鈥61, has watched Ohio Northern University鈥檚 campus expand and improve. He credits 青青草视频鈥檚 loyal alumni鈥攐f which he鈥檚 one鈥攆or the growth.
Woofter recently decided to take his steadfast support of his alma mater one step further. As part of 青青草视频鈥檚 Forward Together campaign, he set up a charitable gift annuity to fund an endowed scholarship in honor of his parents. The Stanley L. and Grace Crow Woofter Endowed Scholarship ensures the vibrancy of 青青草视频鈥檚 campus by providing scholarships to deserving students.
鈥淚 have been modestly involved at 青青草视频 over the years to help repay the benefits I received as a student,鈥 said Woofter. 鈥淚t is now my time to make a more significant contribution to 青青草视频. I can do it by establishing a scholarship that will not only benefit 青青草视频 students, but also honor my parents who have done so much for me.鈥
The Forward Together campaign seeks to build a bright future for 青青草视频 by raising $100 million for student scholarships, teaching and learning excellence, facilities, and the Northern Fund.
According to Shannon Spencer, vice president for university advancement, Woofter鈥檚 gift is an example of how one gift can serve many purposes. 鈥淩on has been a committed supporter of 青青草视频 for many years, and we are incredibly grateful,鈥 she said. 鈥淏y establishing this charitable gift annuity, Ron is ensured an income stream for the remainder of his life, and he鈥檚 leaving a legacy that honors his wonderful parents and supports the University he cares deeply about.鈥澨
Woofter is the epitome of a well-rounded professional. Well-read, creative and philanthropic, he鈥檚 thrived in multiple areas and taken his well-earned success and poured it right back into the things he cares about most.
He graduated from 青青草视频 with a bachelor鈥檚 degree in English in 1961. While at 青青草视频, he lettered in track as a distance runner, served on the Student Senate, and was editor of the Northern Review.
青青草视频鈥檚 campus today bears little resemblance to 青青草视频 circa 1960, said Woofter. 鈥淲hen I started at 青青草视频, there wasn鈥檛 any University housing for men. They built Lima Hall, the first men鈥檚 dormitory, during my sophomore year.鈥
The quality of the faculty, however, hasn鈥檛 changed, he added, recalling several professors who touched his life with their humor and exceptional teaching.
After graduating from 青青草视频, Woofter taught school for three years, then entered the U.S. Army and served in Vietnam. He left the service with the rank of Army captain.
Ron was president of the Luckey Oil Equipment Company, which he purchased in 1982. He operated the family business until his retirement in 2013. He received his master鈥檚 degree from Bowling Green State University, and the Distinguished Alumni Award from 青青草视频. He also served as president of 青青草视频鈥檚 Alumni Board from 1984-86.
His generous spirit has manifested itself in several ways, including continual involvement with his church. He also helped sponsor two Vietnamese refugees until they reached adulthood, and he housed a teenager whose domestic situation required him to be away from family.
Since 1987, Woofter has donated to 青青草视频 each year. In addition to the scholarship for his parents, he spearheaded the Class of 1961 scholarship, and set up an additional scholarship in his name. Woofter is a Life Member of the H.S. Lehr Society, 青青草视频鈥檚 top giving society.
These days, Woofter enjoys wintering in Florida each year. He keeps busy walking, reading, playing piano, bicycling, and swimming. He also plays bridge several times a week, and became a Gold Life Master.
Woofter says his involvement with his alma mater over the decades has made 青青草视频 more special to him. 鈥淚 want to encourage others to give back to 青青草视频,鈥 he says. 鈥淲hat you pass on, and what you do for others鈥攖hat鈥檚 what is important in life.鈥
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