Otterbein University Announces $5.2 million Legacy Gift

Vernon L. Pack ’50 once said in an interview for the University magazine that his years at Otterbein were the happiest of his life. Over the years, he was recognized as one of Otterbein’s most faithful and generous alumni champions. Otterbein lost a cherished friend in Pack when he passed away on Jan. 18, 2025, at the age of 99.

Recently, Otterbein received an estate gift of $5.2 million from Pack, one of the largest individual philanthropic contributions in the University’s history. In 72 years of supporting Otterbein, Pack donated more than $6.8 million. 

“Vernon Pack had already cemented his legacy as a kind, loyal, and generous friend to Otterbein. In the coming days, we will honor our Pack Fellowship students and welcome the Pack Distinguished Scholar-in-Residence to campus,” said President John Comerford. “So we are honored by his estate gift — a final act of kindness to Otterbein’s students that will provide even more life-changing opportunities and sustainable programs.”

Although Pack supported many scholarships and initiatives over the years, one of his favorites was the Vernon L. Pack ’50 Distinguished Lecture and Scholar-in-Residence Program. He established an endowment in 2002 to provide funding for distinguished scholars and lecturers to visit campus to address important current topics that reflect on ethical, spiritual, and social issues. The series has hosted prestigious guests like Doris Kearns Goodwin, Fareed Zakaria, Steven Pinker, Salman Rushdie, and Heather McGhee.

“Vernon showed genuine interest in engaging with the diverse speakers who visited the campus as part of his series, but perhaps his greatest joy was talking over lunch with the students who had been selected to meet the speakers,” reflected Patricia Frick, professor of English. “Vernon appreciated their ideas, listened to them with respect and curiosity, and enthusiastically encouraged them to pursue their personal and educational dreams. He was a true mentor and role model to generations of learners.”

Pack also enriched student research and community engagement through the Vernon L. Pack Fellowship and regularly supported the Otterbein Fund, Promise House, Courtright Memorial Library, scholarships, awards, and numerous academic and Student Affairs programs and initiatives. 

Pack was a regular visitor to campus, well known for his jovial greetings, his distinctive voice, his rich sense of humor, his generosity, and his computer-like memory for historical facts. He was an avid historian and lifelong learner who loved to share his knowledge with others. He taught social studies for over 28 years with a special emphasis on his favorite subject, Ohio history. He also wrote about Ohio history, with dozens of articles and several mini-books published. He was a member of Church of the Master United Methodist in Westerville, American Legion Young Budd Post 171, the Westerville Historical Society, Columbus Historical Society, and Amalthea Historical Society. He enjoyed giving history presentations and was fond of showing people the treasures and hidden secrets of Ohio, even leading day trips to those locations.

Beth Weinhardt, president of the Westerville Historical Society, was a longtime friend and executor of Pack’s estate. “Vernon Pack came to Otterbein after his service in the military during World War II. The four years at Otterbein were some of the most important of his life. After graduating, he stayed near his alma mater even though his family was in New Mexico. Otterbein became his home and family,” she said.  

“Vernon was a giver of both time and money. He lived simply, even though he had family wealth. He had a huge heart, giving to charities far and wide. He never failed to make Otterbein and its students one of his top priorities. Vernon is a role model to me and, I hope, to others,” Weinhardt added. 

Through his gifts to Otterbein, Pack always sought to advance learning, to further the common good, and to help the University grow its offerings, service, and reputation. With deep respect for the programs and initiatives he held dear, the University will thoughtfully explore the most meaningful ways to honor his legacy, ensuring his gift continues to uplift Otterbein and shape its future. 

“Vernon Pack’s life and philanthropic legacy will shape Otterbein for generations to come. Donors like Vernon reflect the very best of Otterbein: caring and humble alumni and friends who believe deeply in the transformative power of higher education and generously pay it forward to open doors for others,” said Floyd Akins, vice president for philanthropy and alumni engagement.