Thank You For Making A Difference!
As we celebrate the 100th anniversary of Towers magazine, we would like to thank our Otterbein alumni and friends, whose generosity, volunteerism, and steadfast Cardinal pride create opportunities that transform lives every day
Floyd Akins, Vice President for Philanthropy and Alumni Engagement
As I complete my first year as vice president for philanthropy and alumni engagement, I’ve enjoyed the pleasure of working with incredible leadership, faculty and staff, and meeting students who will change the world and alumni who are making a difference in their communities through their time and treasure.
According to Giving USA, individuals contributed 74% of the $592 billion raised for charities and non-profit organizations in 2024. Here at Otterbein, 94% of the $11 million raised in fiscal year 2025 came from individuals. As many of you know, Otterbein’s founding was made possible because of philanthropy. The property that Otterbein sits on was donated by Matthew and Peter Westervelt in 1838 and later acquired by United Brethren trustees, which laid the groundwork for the University’s founding in 1847. For nearly two centuries, Otterbein’s progress has been powered by the generosity and dedication of donors who believe deeply in its future.
Before I arrived at Otterbein, I worked at three Big Ten universities and an SEC institution, where millions of dollars were raised each year through donor support. While there are many similarities and differences between Otterbein and these schools, there is something special that sets us apart from these larger institutions.
As I witnessed and experienced multi-million-dollar fundraising years and billion-dollar campaigns at these other institutions, one thing is clear: our alumni and friends at Otterbein can see an Investment that has an Immediate Impact with their gifts, or as I call it, the “Three I’s.” As your partner in philanthropy, we strive to ensure that your gifts to Otterbein can help our students, faculty, departments, and programs as quickly as possible, in ways that are meaningful to you.
Engaging our Otterbein alumni is critical to our continued success, and we recognize that there are many organizations that are seeking your philanthropic support. Unlike many larger schools, Otterbein is not a state-supported institution and, therefore, the generosity of our donors is essential to sustaining our mission and expanding opportunities for the students we serve.
The future of our “quiet, peaceful village” depends on the generosity of those who believe in our mission:
Otterbein University is an inclusive community dedicated to educating the whole person in the context of humane values. Our mission is to prepare graduates to think deeply and broadly, to engage locally and globally, and to advance their professions and communities. An Otterbein education is distinguished by the intentional blending of the liberal arts and professional studies, combined with a unique approach to integrating direct experience into all learning.
Honoring the profound role donors and philanthropy have played since our founding, we boldly ask you to invest in an institution that has transformed and uplifted countless lives throughout its remarkable history. Otterbein is truly special, and your generosity will help us write the next chapter in its distinguished story.
Floyd Akins
Vice President for Philanthropy and Alumni Engagement
akins1@otterbein.edu
614-823-1400
