Record-Breaking Philanthropy Propels Otterbein University to Historic Fundraising Year

Westerville, OH – Otterbein University raised a record-breaking $16.7 million in donor commitments this fiscal year, thanks to strong philanthropic support from alumni, friends, parents, foundations, corporations, and community partners. The record was an increase of more than $5 million over last year’s total. The record-setting total will help advance student scholarships, academic innovation, campus initiatives, and experiential learning opportunities.

“At a time when higher education is facing significant challenges and opportunities, this record year of giving demonstrates that our community believes in the transformative power of an Otterbein education,” said President John Comerford. “Every gift, regardless of size, represents confidence in our mission. Together, our supporters ensure that Otterbein can continue to provide an exceptional and accessible educational experience that prepares our graduates to make meaningful contributions in their careers and communities.”

Otterbein’s fiscal year ended on June 30, 2026, with 5,390 gifts made by 2,713 total donors. Among this year’s gifts were 13 planned gift commitments. And among this year’s donors are more than 300 donor households that have been supporting Otterbein for 25 years or more. For their senior class gift, 83 members of the Class of 2026 donated to Otterbein. Additionally, 184 current parents and 121 former parents donated to Otterbein.

One significant gift Otterbein received this year was a generous $5.2 million estate gift from Vernon L. Pack ’50, a longtime friend and loyal supporter of Otterbein.

“The remarkable generosity we witnessed this year reflects the culture of philanthropy in the Otterbein community. Our alumni and friends witness firsthand how Otterbein changes lives and they are inspired to give back,” said Floyd Akins, vice president for philanthropy and alumni engagement. “Our donors are helping to fund every aspect of the Otterbein experience, from academic excellence to student life, and their support will create opportunities for students today and for generations to come.”

Other notable gifts include:

• An anonymous planned gift to establish an endowment for the performing arts.
• David ’68 and Cynda Schuler ’70 Widder made a $108,000 gift to enhance the weight room in Otterbein’s Rike Center for the benefit of Otterbein’s student-athletes.
• Shaquille Alexander ’18 made a $25,000 gift commitment to establish a new scholarship endowment to benefit students from Whitehall-Yearling High School.
• Rev. John Edgar and Sue Wolfe Scholarship Endowment to support graduates of Columbus Public Schools with a focus on first-generation college students.
• Dr. Shelley Payne “Be a Shelley” Health and Sport Sciences Endowment.
• Class of 1975 endowments supporting Otterbein’s Promise House and Archives.
• Malick Family Internship Endowment.
• OhioHealth gifted $250,000 to establish the OhioHealth Wellness Endowment.
• Leadership-level gifts from corporations and foundations, including Worthington Companies Foundation supported the first READY Day, Austin E. Knowlton Foundation, Vida S. Clements Foundation, Hargis Family Foundation, Roush Family Foundation, and the Westerville Otterbein Women’s Club.

“Our donors are investing in student success, innovation, and the future of the University, and we are profoundly grateful for their partnership and generosity,” Akins said. “As we celebrate this milestone, we invite alumni, friends, and community partners to join us in building on this momentum and shaping the next chapter of Otterbein’s impact as we prepare to publicly launch our comprehensive campaign in the fall of 2027.”