(Westerville, OH) -- The Nationwide Foundation recently awarded a gift of $700,000 to Otterbein College for funding a classroom/laboratory suite within the new science center that will serve both the College and the Central Ohio community. The gift will be paid out over a three year period beginning in April 2008.

"We're pleased to support Otterbein College and it's outstanding science program," said Chad Jester, president of the Nationwide Foundation. "Our strategic capital support to Otterbein will help provide physical changes to its delivery platform that supports the science education needs of the College and supports its growing commitment to providing educational innovation for students and teachers in area public schools."

Otterbein's Science Center is currently undergoing renovations and updates in two connecting buildings in the heart of its Westerville campus. Otterbein launched the $20 million project in June 2007 supported in part by a $12 million fundraising campaign and thus far has raised $4 million through contributions and pledges. The new facility will bring the different science disciplines together to form an even stronger, more integrated science program that is ready to meet the challenges of the 21st century.

"The Nationwide Foundation's generous investment strengthens opportunities for all of our students to explore a passionate commitment to the sciences. This gift also expands Otterbein's ability to share tremendous science resources with students and teachers throughout Central Ohio. It is truly a transformational gift." said C. Brent DeVore, president of Otterbein College.

Based in Columbus, Ohio, the Nationwide Foundation is an independent corporation funded by Nationwide Companies to help positively impact the quality of life in communities where its associates, agents and families live and work. Established in 1959, the Foundation has awarded more than $169 million since 2000 to qualified nonprofit organizations that work to meet crucial needs in communities with large Nationwide associate populations. The Foundation is dedicated to making strategic philanthropic investments to meet the most critical needs in communities.