Nationwide Foundation Awards $500,000 to Ohio Dominican University
March 22, 2005
COLUMBUS, OHIO - The Nationwide Foundation has awarded a $500,000 gift
to Ohio Dominican University for its planned student center - the Bishop
James A. Griffin Student Center. The gift will be paid out over five years,
beginning in 2005.
The Nationwide Foundation is an independent corporation funded by
contributions from Nationwide Companies. Since 1959, the Nationwide
Foundation has worked to positively impact the quality of life in communities
where associates, agents and their families work and live. The Foundation's
focus areas are Health and Human Services, Higher Education, Culture and Arts,
and Community.
"Nationwide Foundation's loyal generosity continues to be an important
resource for Ohio Dominican and comes at a pivotal time in our university's
history," said ODU President Jack Calareso. "This significant gift will help
us construct a facility that will become the heart of our campus, bringing
together students, faculty, staff, alumni and the community in a dynamic
learning environment based on the Dominican tradition. Nationwide's ongoing
support acknowledges Ohio Dominican's contribution to the Columbus community,
honors our students and provides a legacy for generations to come."
"Nationwide is proud to continue its longstanding tradition of supporting
students at Ohio Dominican University, said Chad Jester, Vice President for
Corporate Public Involvement for Nationwide and President of the Nationwide
Foundation. "The Bishop James A. Griffin Student Center is sure to enhance
Ohio Dominican's already strong student experience. We are pleased to help
Ohio Dominican provide this resource for its students."
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| The Bishop James A. Griffin Student Center |
Ohio Dominican will break ground on the student center sometime in
2006. The building will be among the most prominent on ODU's main campus.
The student center will be the focal point for most student activities
outside of the classroom, and the central gathering place for dining,
entertainment, and a variety of co-curricular and social activities. It
will feature an expansive main lobby, a dining room and other food amenities,
admissions offices, financial aid and student support services, additional
worship/reflection space, an entertainment area, and various conference and
meeting rooms. With its close proximity to Alumni Hall, the student center
will connect to an expanded space for recreation and exercise. The building
will also serve as a valuable community resource for the university's friends
and neighbors, serving as a prime site for special events and community functions.
- Through the years, Ohio Dominican has had strong ties to Nationwide and the Nationwide
Foundation, which have been generous contributors over the years to fund major projects
focused on improving academic and community life at Ohio Dominican. The company's support
for campaigns, the endowment, and the annual fund have been instrumental in helping Ohio
Dominican achieve its mission to be a preeminent Catholic institution of higher learning.
- The relationship originated with Edward Wagner, retired President of Nationwide, who
served as a key advisor for Ohio Dominican College and provided generous help with
fundraising campaigns. In 1982, the Wagner family made a significant contribution to
the university's Science Center. When Ohio Dominican was incorporated separately from
St. Mary of the Springs in 1968. Wagner was instrumental in recruiting corporate leaders
of his day for the college's first lay board of trustees. In 1968, Ohio Dominican conferred
upon Wagner an honorary degree, Doctor of Humanities, in recognition of his tireless efforts
on behalf of students and excellence in education.
- Dean Jeffers, retired General Chairman of Nationwide, was recruited by Wagner to
become Ohio Dominican's first lay board of trustees member in 1969. He served on the
board until 1978. Jeffers chaired the presidential search committee that selected Sr.
Mary Andrew Matesich to serve as the university's 12th president. In addition to generous
personal and corporate contributions, Jeffers secured financial support for Ohio
Dominican from major businesses and corporations in Central Ohio. In 1975, in recognition
of his exemplary role at Ohio Dominican and civic leadership in the community, Ohio
Dominican conferred upon him an honorary degree, Doctor of Humanities.
- Charles W. Fullerton, retired President of Nationwide, was elected to Ohio
Dominican's board of trustees in 1978 and served until 1984. In 1982, in recognition
of Fullerton's service to Ohio Dominican and his outstanding work on behalf of its
Building Committee, Nationwide provided equipment and furnishings for the Computer
Terminal Room in Ohio Dominican's Academic Computing Center. " In 1984, Dimon McFerson,
retired Chairman and Chief Executive Officer of Nationwide, joined Ohio Dominican's
board and served until 1996, the last seven years as board chairman. Under his leadership,
the college purchased additional land and carried out an endowment campaign for Alumni Hall.
In 1997, Ohio Dominican conferred upon McFerson an honorary degree, Doctor of Humane Letters,
in recognition of his many contributions to Ohio Dominican, and for his community service,
including local and national involvement with the American Red Cross and United Way.
- Galen Barnes, retired President and Chief Operating Officer of Nationwide, currently
serves on Ohio Dominican University's board of trustees. He first joined
the board in 1996.
- Since 1987, Nationwide and Nationwide Foundation have awarded over $1
million in gifts to Ohio Dominican. Nationwide currently employs approximately
80 Ohio Dominican alumni, and many have worked for Nationwide and its subsidiaries
in the past. Many of these alumni are strongly connected to the university, not only
through financial support which is matched by Nationwide's matching gift program,
but also through volunteerism with their alma mater.
