The Impact of Giving

The Impact of Giving manifests in a variety of ways and this edition of Watts News highlights several examples. I hope it inspires you to reflect on your connections to Ohio State, our MSE and WE family, and our ability to prepare the future leaders of our community.

The stories in this edition underscore a key point about giving: our careers, vision, and values are shaped by generosity. In Betting on Bright Futures, alumnus Doug Fairchild (’80, ’82, ’95) notes that “Ohio State bet on me” when “neither I nor my family could afford to pay for college.” Learn about his vision to create a scholarship fund to provide “an opportunity just like the one I received.” Investing in Opportunities explores the benefits of cultural exchanges for OSU MSE student Paul Lacher and University of Queensland student Lara Cullinane during SP 17. They were made possible through a gift by QIC Global Infrastructure. A State-of-the-Art Gift highlights a combined effort by Obara USA, RoMan Manufacturing, WTC, and Honda to provide a new resistance welding system that will transform the undergraduate welding engineering experience. Giving Distinction looks at two alumni -- Jonathan Blank (’01, ’02, ’08) and Steve Dunmead ('85, '87) who offer sterling examples of professional achievement for our current students. A Lasting Impact profiles the efforts of alumnus David Slate Williams (PhD ’78) and spouse Louise to establish the Rapp Visiting Scholar Fund. It will enrich educational and research activities by hosting visiting scholars from academia and industry. Additional gifts toward this fund are sought. Remembering Roger Washburn Staehle describes the far-reaching impact of an alumnus (PhD ’65) who founded the Fontana Corrosion Center at OSU, traveled the world to tackle corrosion challenges, and touched the lives of students and faculty at OSU and the materials community.

What impact of giving resonates with you? Who or what shaped your OSU experience? We are here to listen. Reach out to Associate Director of Development Kevin Readey (readey.5@osu.edu) or me (anderson.1@osu.edu). Click here to learn more. Go Bucks!