Philanthropy in Action – Fall 2026

Kathy Butler ’72 recently documented a planned gift to support the Otterbein general endowment fund. Butler serves as the president of the Westerville Otterbein Women’s Club. During her time as a student, she was on the volleyball, softball, and basketball teams and was a member of Tau Delta sorority and the Women’s Athletic Association.

Larry P. Buttermore ’65 has documented a $70,000 planned gift to Otterbein’s general endowment. By directing his future gift to the endowment, Buttermore hopes to give University leaders the ability to invest where support will be most meaningful — helping students, advancing opportunities, and preserving the vibrant Otterbein community that has remained important to him throughout his life.

Maria S Calderone, DVM, professor emerita and founding chair of the Department of Equine Science, has established the Austin E. Knowlton Center for Equine Science: Paddock and Outdoor Care Endowment. This endowment will provide care, maintenance, and long-term sustainability of the paddocks and outdoor equine wellness spaces. Funds may be used for spaces and infrastructure that promote and ensure the safety, comfort, care, and wellbeing of horses, including turnout fields, pastures, cross country field, and outdoor arena. Calderone’s visionary leadership built the foundation of the department, and her support ensures that future generations of Otterbein equines will continue to thrive.

Board of Trustees member Jonathan Hargis ’79 and his wife, Gretchen Freeman Hargis ’77, have made an additional $120,000 gift to the Campus Center Gift Fund. Their investment will support the continued transformation of the first floor of the Campus Center, creating welcoming, student-centered spaces where Cardinals can gather, build community, dine, study, and connect beyond the classroom.

Kathleen Fernandez Hillibish ’71 donated $50,020 to support the Friends of the Courtright Memorial Library Fund and the Otterbein Archives. A history major whose professional life has been devoted to historic preservation and museum work, Hillibish understands the vital role libraries and archives play in connecting people to the history and stories that shape communities. Her gift will advance the University Archives’ compact shelving project, expanding the capacity to preserve, organize, and make accessible the records, artifacts, and voices that document Otterbein’s enduring history.

Donna Kerr H’71 recently donated to multiple funds, including the Thomas J. Kerr IV Scholarship (named for her late husband Thomas J. Kerr IV H’71, who served as the 18th president of Otterbein from 1971 to 1984), and the Donna L. Kerr Scholarship, expanding vital scholarship support for students. She also supported the Friends of the Library Fund, helping sustain library resources and programming that enrich the Otterbein learning experience, as well as the Otterbein “O” Club.

Dr. Randy R. Miller ’76 and Cinda L. Miller ’77 have made a transformative gift of $200,000 to establish the Dr. Randy R. Miller ’76 and Cinda L. Miller ’77 Endowed Scholarship. This fund supports undergraduate students dedicated to improving healthcare access and advocacy for underserved populations. Preference is given to students pursuing advanced degrees in medicine, dentistry, or optometry, with secondary preference for nursing students. Recipients must support Otterbein’s diversity goals through their experience with or commitment to underprivileged communities.

Rohini Mulchandani’s most recent gift of $50,000 renews her support of the Mulchandani Assistance Fund for Immigrant and Refugee Students. Her generosity will help immigrant and refugee students overcome financial barriers by providing vital assistance with oncampus living expenses, helping them fully participate in student life.

The life and legacy of Vernon Pack ’50 will be celebrated through the creation of the Vernon Pack ’50 Endowed Chair for History and Political Science, in honor of Pack’s recent $5.2 million bequest to Otterbein. By providing permanent support for this distinguished faculty role, the Vernon Pack ’50 Endowed Chair will strengthen these academic programs, ensuring that future students are inspired to ask important questions, examine diverse perspectives, and contribute responsibly to their communities. Pack earned a history degree at Otterbein and went on to become a social studies teacher in the Columbus Public Schools. In addition to the endowed chair, Pack ’50 is well-known for creating the Vernon L. Pack ’50 Distinguished Lecture and Scholar-in-Residence program in 2002.