OFIC Welcomes New Board of Trustee Members
OFIC is proud to introduce its newly appointed Board of Trustee Members, Dr. Michael Gilligan and Yvette Hunsicker. Read more about their accomplishments below.
Dr. Michael Gilligan
President Emeritus, Henry Luce Foundation (New York), Columbus, Ohio
Dr. Michael Gilligan is President Emeritus of the Henry Luce Foundation, New York. Retiring from the Luce Foundation in 2019, he returned to his native Central Ohio, where he’d grown up and worked for 20 years as a teacher and administrator in Catholic education, both K-12 and college.
Created in 1936 by Henry R. Luce, co-founder and editor-in-chief of Time Inc, the Luce Foundation today offers support for the knowledge sector: colleges and universities, museums, research libraries and think tanks. During Gilligan’s presidency, the foundation awarded more than $500 million of grants, grew its assets under management by 50%, and launched new initiatives in historic program areas: Asian studies, American art, women in STEM, public policy and international relations, theology, and leadership development.
Gilligan holds three degrees in English, BA from Duke University, and MA and PhD from University of Virginia. He has served on more than a dozen not-for-profit boards, including the Council of Independent Colleges (CIC), United Board for Christian Higher Education in Asia, and Brooklyn Philharmonic, and today is senior advisor for CIC’s faculty workshops on civil discourse.
Yvette Hunsicker
Vice President of Corporate Social Responsibility and the Office of Inclusion and Diversity, American Honda Motor Co., Inc., Marysville, Ohio
Yvette Hunsicker is Vice President of Corporate Social Responsibility and Inclusion & Diversity at American Honda Motor Co., Inc., where she leads Honda’s philanthropic and inclusion and diversity initiatives across the U.S., overseeing the Honda USA Foundation and community relations programs, and working to advance inclusion and equity both within the company and society.
Hunsicker’s career at Honda has spanned more than 30 years, including a broad range of roles and leadership positions. She joined Honda at age 19 as a welding associate in a manufacturing plant and steadily advanced through the company’s manufacturing operations while earning her bachelor’s degree in business management. These experiences have given Hunsicker a unique perspective on Honda’s diversity, equity, and inclusion.
A major focus for Hunsicker is Honda’s workforce diversity. Her leadership has resulted in several changes to HR’s hiring practices to create diverse interview panels, mentorship and sponsorship programs, Business Resource Groups (BRGs), and inclusive leadership & anti-racism training programs, and ensure equitable promotions. Hunsicker developed a metric to guide the company’s commitment to reflecting society at every level of the organization, particularly in leadership by 2030.
As part of Honda's efforts to promote equality in its workforce and society, Hunsicker also led the company’s release of its first inclusion & Diversity Report in 2022. The report outlines Honda's commitments to advancing inclusion and diversity and shares recent actions the company has taken, including key initiatives within its workforce and the communities where Honda associates live and work. Honda was also recognized by DiversityInc as one of the Top 50 Companies for Diversity based on the efforts outline in the report.
Honda has had a 30-plus year relationship with historically black colleges and universities (HBCUs). Under Hunsicker’s leadership, Honda has enhanced these relationships and expanded the company’s connection with institutions supporting HBCUs. In 2019, Hunsicker formed a partnership with the Thurgood Marshall College Fund (TMCF) to create affordable paths for students pursuing an education in engineering, supply chain management and manufacturing-related fields. In 2022, Hunsicker was appointed TMCF’s board of directors. Hunsicker also has been instrumental in fostering Honda’s holistic approach with HBCU students and graduates, including providing co-op and employment opportunities and highlighting student achievement through programs such as the Honda Campus All-Star Challenge and the Honda Battle of the Bands.
Hunsicker also serves on the Columbus, Ohio YWCA Board of Directors, the Eagle Rock School and Professional Development Center Board of Directors, the National Diversity Council Board of Directors, the Ohio Diversity Council Board of Directors, and is a member of The Conference Board Global Diversity & Inclusion Executive Council.
OFIC connects students across 33 member campuses with Ohio’s top corporations and foundations to make the dream of completing a college education a reality through scholarships, internships, and career opportunities. Learn more at ofic.org.
OFIC Hosts 2022 Spring Awards Luncheon
The Ohio Foundation of Independent Colleges (OFIC) was proud to gather with our Board of Trustees, staff, and friends to honor two outstanding member campus alumni at the 2022 Spring Awards Luncheon. After required cancelations in 2020 and 2021, everyone jumped at the opportunity to be in the presence of peers to celebrate the accomplishments of two beyond deserving individuals.
Kara Trott - Hall of Excellence Inductee
The Hall of Excellence was established in 1987 and is “home” to 138 distinguished people who have attained positions of leadership in their professional careers, demonstrated exemplary civic engagement, and in the spirit of the liberal arts tradition, have taken paths of lifelong learning and supported independent higher education in Ohio. This year’s recipient, Kara Trott, is a 1983 Ohio Wesleyan University graduate, where she studied Politics and Government and Philosophy. A powerful advocate for healthcare reform and women in business, Kara is the founder of Quantum Health, a Columbus Business First Best Place to Work for over ten consecutive years. Retained by large employers as the front end of their medical benefit offering, Quantum Health provides an end-to-end guided experience for members in navigating their healthcare journey.
Bill Spiker, Kara Trott, Rock Jones, Randy Marker
Many saw the problems with the healthcare system. Kara was the first to see the solution that put the consumer first and listened to what they needed. Based on insights learned during a two-year study that tracked 3,200 people and included nearly 300 physicians, she launched Quantum Health—a first-of-its-kind consumer care coordination and navigation company that provides a guided consumer experience through their unchosen healthcare journey. With Trott at the helm, Quantum Health has continued to grow by leaps and bounds. Today, serving nearly one million people from coast to coast.
Kara is an award-winning entrepreneur and businesswoman, being named one of Smart Business Magazine’s Smart 50 every year since 2014 and receiving prestigious awards like the Ernst & Young Entrepreneur of the Year Award and the Women Presidents’ Organization’s Mary Lehman MacLachlan Economic Empowerment Award. She is a member of The Committee of 200, an invitation-only organization for the world’s most successful women business leaders.
Since graduating, she has generously donated her time and finances to her alma mater. A member of the Board of Trustees and Alumni Board of Directors, Kara is a leading donor to Ohio Wesleyan’s Connect Today, Create Tomorrow campaign. While she specifically focuses on supporting The OWU Connection, Kara also significantly supports faculty development, student scholarships and campus renovations.
Kara earned her J.D. from The Ohio State University Moritz College of Law and supports her other alma mater as a member of the Women Presidents’ Organization, The Ohio State University President’s Club Advisory Board and the National Council for The Ohio State University Moritz College of Law.
Dr. Robert Head, III - Earl F. Morris Award Recipient
Mr. Earl F. Morris, was a faithful and dedicated OFIC volunteer, supporter, and an early inductee himself in the OFIC Hall of Excellence. This award was established in 2010 to recognize long and extraordinary trustee service to an OFIC member college or university. This year’s recipient, Dr. Robert Head, III, is a 1976 Defiance College graduate, where he studied management in preparation for his remarkable career. His early career was in the banking profession. After graduating from Defiance College and working at the Toledo Trust Company, he graduated from the University of Toledo with an MBA in 1980. His next role in banking was as Vice President of Trust Services at the Northern Trust Company in Chicago.
Dr. Robert Head, III
After nearly two decades of significant and successful years in corporate America, Dr. Head shifted to service and leadership in higher education. Receiving both a second master’s degree and a Ph.D. from Benedictine University, he served Benedictine as Vice President for Administration and as an Associate Professor in their MBA Program.
In 2001, Dr. Head returned to Ohio as President of Urbana University, a former OFIC member campus. At Urbana he was credited with increasing enrollment by 20 percent and doubling the residential population, attracting more international students to campus, expanding academic programs, and creating partnerships with business and industry.
He was selected President of Rockford University in Illinois in 2008. While there, enrollment reached their highest level in school history. The endowment grew by more than 50 percent and he raised more than $15 million in campus capital improvements. Retiring in 2016, Dr. Head was named President Emeritus of Rockford University.
Bill Spiker, Dr. Robert Head, III, Richanne Mankey, Randy Marker
He now devotes his time, energy, thought, and love to his alma mater as he also strives to inspire trustee colleagues through his first-hand knowledge of just how complex and intriguing the “business” of higher education is today. As a man of color who witnessed his campus go from a small percentage of students who were not white during his undergraduate years to a campus today that is nearly 50 percent diverse (mostly students who are African American and Hispanic), Dr. Head is actively participating in the success of young people that is so important to the success of our communities, our country, and our world.
Ohio Dominican University students participating in the Encova Information and Risk Management (IRMA) program shared how the hands-on experiences and personal mentorship they’ve received have prepared them for careers in a wide range of specialties within the rapidly growing insurance field.
Encova/IRMA Program Participants, Faculty and Staff
Francie Henry, Former OFIC Board Chair, Regional President at Fifth Third Bank
Finally, Francie Henry offered closing remarks on the theme of inspiration: she was inspired by the work of the board of trustees; inspired by the Ohio Dominican University students, by the trustee service of Dr. Robert Head; and inspired by Kara Trott’s leadership and success with Quantum Health.
Congratulations to our honorees and thank you to all of the event attendees!
Loren Hughes Promoted to OFIC Manager of Scholarship Services
New role to enhance scholarship administration between students and donors
The Ohio Foundation of Independent Colleges (OFIC) announces the recent promotion of Loren Hughes as Manager of Scholarship Services.
Hughes joined OFIC in November 2021 as part-time Scholarship Support Coordinator to assist the scholarship services team in the scholarship administration process. In her new role, she will continue the administration of scholarship programs which entails awarding scholarships and student and donor company support.
“Loren has done an impressive job supporting the scholarship operations of OFIC. As her role expands, OFIC will benefit from her talents as she’ll undoubtedly help to further streamline scholarship service for donors, partner companies, and campuses,” OFIC Vice President of Operations, Brett Fields said.
Hughes earned her bachelor’s degree from Malone University, an OFIC member campus in Canton, Ohio.
She spent four years at Westerville Central High School as an administrative assistant in the counseling office, working with school counselors to prepare students for post-secondary endeavors. Hughes also served the district as an ESL paraprofessional, providing support to English-Language Learners at the middle school level. During that time, she coached cross country and track and field for Worthington Christian Schools.
Hughes is excited to enter her new role and continue her career at OFIC. “It's a meaningful experience to be involved in students' lives as they seek to further their education. I appreciate the opportunity to be part of that journey through my involvement with OFIC."
About the Ohio Foundation of Independent Colleges (OFIC)
The Ohio Foundation of Independent Colleges believes all students who enroll at a member campus deserve the opportunity to complete their college education. Every day we connect and partner with corporations and foundations to make this dream possible by helping to keep education affordable through scholarships, internships and career opportunities. Our goal is to facilitate an exceptional appreciation of independent higher education and its impact on the state of Ohio’s citizens, economy, and culture. Through OFIC’s Scholarship Management Resources, we create national scholarship opportunities by partnering with organizations in Ohio and beyond. Learn more at ofic.org.
OFIC Holds 2nd Virtual CareerFest
The Covid-19 pandemic turned the world upside down, but as businesses and organizations continue to strive for normalcy, the need for employees persists.
On Feb. 4, students from OFIC‘s 33-member campuses and employers gathered virtually, with the help of Handshake, at the second held virtual Careerfest. Future employees and organizations were able to come together to discuss internship and employment opportunities through group and 1:1 sessions.
There are many benefits of virtual fairs many employers and students see versus the face to face experience OFIC used to hold before Covid-19.
“I love the ease of attending a fair without travel, extra costs. And I feel like it's a great opportunity for introverted students who may not be comfortable just walking up to a stranger/salesperson on campus,” a CareerFest 2022 employer said.
A CareerFest 2022 student was very happy with their experience at the event: “Organized and helpful!”
Virtual learning and working have become a new way of life for many, and OFIC plans to expand their online presence as much as possible, including Virtual Workplace Spotlights that are designed to be customized and available to businesses on an individual basis, through Handshake.
“We’re excited about the opportunity to connect students with employers in Ohio in today’s climate,” said Lori Burrows, OFIC Regional Vice President of Development. “We are very excited about in-person connection opportunities set to take place this fall,” continued Burrows.
Brett Fields Promoted to OFIC Vice President of Operations
New role to focus on organization-wide operational optimization
Brett Fields has recently been promoted to the position of Vice President of Operations for The Ohio Foundation of Independent Colleges (OFIC). In his new role, he will oversee all aspects of OFIC operations including database, scholarship administration, finance, and human resources. OFIC President Bill Spiker shared, “As a part of his new position, Brett will help me with strategic planning and the important annual execution of plans and programs by the entire OFIC team. He will also serve as a staff liaison with select committees of the Board of Trustees. He was selected for this promotion because of his work ethic, passion for his work, and his overall commitment to serving students.”
Brett Fields, OFIC VP of Operations
Joining OFIC in 2014, Fields served as the manager of scholarship services, overseeing all scholarship programs and administration, working as the primary contact for students, families, campuses and donor companies to ensure a seamless scholarship process. Under his leadership, OFIC scholarship management has seen significant growth thanks to attentive stewardship, account management, and process refinement. In 2018, Brett transitioned into the role of director of scholarship services and established the scholarship support team at OFIC. “Brett’s work at OFIC has been great. He’s a respected member of the staff and there’s every indication that his success will position OFIC for a strong future,” stated OFIC Board Chair Randy Marker.
Through its Scholarship Management Resources, OFIC now proudly boasts local and national scholarship partners for both talent acquisition and employee benefit scholarship programs. Through revenue associated with these partnerships, OFIC is able to further its focus of supporting independent, private higher education in Ohio.
Fields earned a bachelor's degree from The Ohio State University and holds an MBA from one of OFIC’s member campuses, Franklin University. After earning his bachelor's degree at Ohio State University and serving as a student caller for donations, he began his career at Franklin University. As a leader within the financial aid office, Brett became familiar with OFIC through administering campus scholarships received through Franklin’s OFIC membership.
“I’m excited for this new role as VP of Operations and look forward to continuing to contribute to the growth and success of independent, private higher education in Ohio through our work at OFIC,” said Fields.
About the Ohio Foundation of Independent Colleges (OFIC)
The Ohio Foundation of Independent Colleges believes all students who enroll at a member campus deserve the opportunity to complete their college education. Every day we connect and partner with corporations and foundations to make this dream possible by helping to keep education affordable through scholarships, internships and career opportunities. Our goal is to facilitate an exceptional appreciation of independent higher education and its impact on the state of Ohio’s citizens, economy, and culture. Through OFIC’s Scholarship Management Resources, we create national scholarship opportunities by partnering with organizations in Ohio and beyond. Learn more at ofic.org.
Jumpstart your future at Virtual CareerFest 2022
One of the greatest fears college students have is the worry that they will not find a job after graduation.
Even in a time where a Bachelor’s degree is almost essential for any secure career, it can still be hard for graduates to be hired into their field. This is why networking with professionals throughout your time on campus is fundamental for post-graduation success. Career fairs are a great way to get your foot in the door and meet important people that can help you jumpstart your career.
When you attend a virtual or in-person career fair, you are opening the doors to many opportunities at one time. Even if a particular company may at first look like it does not currently have a position that fits your credentials, you are still making an important and meaningful connection with that person and putting your name out into the workforce.
At the beginning of a networking experience, you may have an ideal picture of what career path you would like to take. Meeting people and understanding what jobs are out there and what a future employer needs and expectations they may have can give you a better understanding of what your ideal job might entail or maybe it will completely open your eyes to a new pathway. Handshake, the platform for OFIC’s Virtual CareerFest 2022, has a great list of tips to help you best prepare for success.
Employers were once in your shoes and have gained valuable experience throughout their careers. They will have some expert advice to share with you or new insights and suggestions to landing your dream job. Throughout this experience, you could gain insight about an organization and what it would truly like to work there. You can also give them your resume to review and put your face to the name as you introduce yourself. With these and other steps you are more likely to be remembered and have success.
Career fairs provide the opportunity to practice professional skills while setting yourself apart from other candidates by telling your story to them. If a job is not the direct result of attending, you will still have fresh new connections, experience, advice, and insight to further your career exploration. The potential success and positive effects of attending CareerFest are endless. Find your future career and make your mark by attending OFIC‘s virtual CareerFest on Friday, February 4, 2022, from 10:00 am to 2:00 pm via Handshake.
OFIC Welcomes Hallie Gallagher as Vice President for Regional Development, Northeast, Southeast Ohio
Experienced philanthropic leader to focus on deepening OFIC’s relationships across Northeast and Southeast Ohio
The Ohio Foundation of Independent Colleges (OFIC), a non-profit organization that represents 33 independent colleges and universities enrolling over 80,000 students across the state of Ohio, today announces the appointment of Hallie Gallagher as the Vice President for Regional Development, Northeast and Southeast Ohio.
“We welcome Hallie and look forward to working with her as she develops relationships with corporations and foundations in Northeast and Southeast Ohio. She’s an outstanding professional with years of philanthropic experience in Northeast Ohio,” said Bill Spiker, OFIC President.
OFIC seeks scholarship and other forms of support which benefit its private, independent colleges and universities. OFIC also builds talent pipeline connections helping Ohio businesses find student interns and bachelor degreed employees.
Gallagher recently served Cleveland Central Catholic High School as Director of Annual Giving and Alumni Affairs. Prior to that she worked at the Hospice of the Western Reserve and three of OFIC’s 33-member campuses, Oberlin College, John Carroll University, and Notre Dame College.
“I am so excited to build on the legacy of support and meet new partners to benefit OFIC and its students. Helping secure funding to make the dream of a bachelor’s degree come true is a thrill for me personally and professionally,” said Gallagher.
A graduate of Canisius College in Buffalo, Gallagher holds her bachelor’s degree in Communications. She will join Lori Burrows, Vice President for Regional Development for Central and Western Ohio. OFIC receives over $1.7 million in support from all of Northeast Ohio each year toward its annual campaign which last year exceeded $4.7 million.
OFIC Board Chair Randy Marker noted, “Hallie will complement the OFIC team and I know she will do a remarkable job on behalf of the nearly 80,000 students that call our campuses home for their academic pursuits.” OFIC has just over seven decades of success and since 1950 has distributed over $157 million to its member campuses with $52.5 million funding 26,800 scholarships supporting Ohio students with financial need.
“Our graduation rates outpace the publics for all students, but in particular our graduates of color finish in four years at a rate of 21 percentage points ahead of students of color attending Ohio’s publicly funded campuses,” shared OFIC President Spiker. “With nearly $2 Billion of annual economic impact, along with producing 20,000 grads each year, the campuses of OFIC, their presidents, faculty and staff make a tremendous and lasting impact on Ohio’s economy,” Spiker continued.
For more information, visit www.ofic.org.
OFIC Announces $2 Billion Annual Economic Impact from its 33 Independent Member Campuses on the State of Ohio
Study highlights financial impacts of independent liberal arts colleges and universities on the state of Ohio - calls for campus student support and partnership with Ohio’s corporations
The Ohio Foundation of Independent Colleges (OFIC), a non-profit organization that represents 33 independent colleges and universities enrolling over 80,000 students across the state of Ohio, today announces the results of an economic impact study (EIS) resulting in a $2 billion annual impact from its members on the state of Ohio.
Commissioned by OFIC and conducted by G. Jason Jolley, Ph.D., and Eric Belleville, M.A., from Ohio University’s Voinovich School of Leadership and Public Affairs, the economic impact study was designed to assess the economic impact of OFIC’s 33 member institutions on the state of Ohio. Institution operations, construction, and students spending for OFIC member institutions represented $2 billion in annual economic impact. OFIC successfully competed for a capacity-building grant from the Council of Independent Colleges (CIC), located in Washington, DC, which funded the study.
“Each of our member colleges and universities generate economic value communities, and their impact is big,” stated OFIC President Bill Spiker. “These figures tangibly showcase the fiscal impacts our members have on the state of Ohio. Students from our liberal arts-based campuses demonstrate impact through their leadership, analytical problem-solving skills, and enhanced written and verbal communication. Our intent is to elevate awareness of those fiscal and "people” impacts to Ohio business leaders to demonstrate the importance of our sector and growing need for student support through scholarship and internship programs,” continued Spiker.
OFIC works with top companies in Ohio and beyond whose HR teams strive to maintain a steady pipeline of educated, work ready candidates. Partnering with OFIC affords those companies the opportunity to become top intern and employment choices for recent graduates, especially liberal arts graduates from OFIC’s 33 member campuses. Learn more at ofic.org/impact.
About The Ohio Foundation of Independent Colleges (OFIC)
The Ohio Foundation of Independent Colleges believes every student that enrolls at a member campus deserves the opportunity to complete their college education. Every day we connect and partner with corporations and foundations to make this dream possible by helping to keep education affordable through scholarships, internships and career opportunities. Our goal is to facilitate an exceptional appreciation of independent higher education and its impact on the state of Ohio’s citizens, economy, and culture. Through OFIC’s Scholarship Management Resources, we create national scholarship opportunities by partnering with organizations in Ohio and beyond. Learn more at ofic.org.
Making an Impact (Ohio Business Magazine Feature)
Ohio’s independent colleges and universities play a big role in shaping Ohio’s workforce and economy
By Corinne Minard, Ohio Business Magazine
When thinking about the industries that comprise Ohio’s economic ecosystem, its independent, private colleges and universities may not be the first thing that comes to mind. But with an annual economic impact of $2 billion, these schools play a big role in our state’s economy.
The Ohio Foundation of Independent Colleges (OFIC), a nonprofit membership organization representing 33 independent, private colleges and universities across the state of Ohio, commissioned the economic impact study.
OFIC Receives $105,600 in CIC/UPS Scholarships to Distribute to Ohio’s Independent Colleges and Universities
The Ohio Foundation of Independent Colleges (OFIC) has received $105,600 in CIC/UPS Scholarships to assist 33 students, one at each of its member independent colleges and universities in Ohio during the 2021-2022 academic year. The scholarships were made possible by a grant from the Council of Independent Colleges (CIC) in Washington, DC, through the CIC/UPS Educational Endowment.
“A key component of OFIC’s mission is to increase Ohio’s independent college and university persistence to graduation rate,” said Bill Spiker, president of OFIC. “We’re honored to receive and distribute these funds from the CIC/UPS Educational Endowment to students across our 33 member campuses.”
Nationally, CIC provided more than $1.4 million in student scholarships through state-based associations to make independent colleges and universities more affordable and accessible to underserved students.
Colleges in Ohio that received CIC/UPS Scholarships this year from OFIC include:
Ashland University, Baldwin Wallace University, Bluffton University, Capital University, Cedarville University, Defiance College, Denison University, The University of Findlay, Franciscan University of Steubenville, Franklin University, Heidelberg University, Hiram College, John Carroll University, Kenyon College, Lake Erie College, Lourdes University, Malone University, Marietta College, University of Mount Union, Mount Vernon Nazarene University, Muskingum University, Notre Dame College, Oberlin College, Ohio Dominican University, Ohio Northern University, Ohio Wesleyan University, Otterbein University, Tiffin University, Ursuline College, Walsh University, Wilmington College, Wittenberg University, and The College of Wooster.
“The Council of Independent Colleges is proud to support nearly 450 low-income, first-generation, minority, and new American students in 26 states through the CIC/UPS Scholarships,” said Marjorie Hass, president of the Council of Independent Colleges. “Through our partnership with OFIC, these scholarships help individual students pursue their education at one of Ohio’s superb independent colleges and universities.”
The CIC/UPS Scholarships Program has made a independent college education possible for more than 21,000 low-income, first generation, and minority students and has had a transformative impact on individuals, families, and communities across the country.
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About the Council of Independent Colleges
The Council of Independent Colleges (CIC) is an association of 758 nonprofit independent colleges and universities, state-based councils of independent colleges, and other higher education affiliates, that works to support college and university leadership, advance institutional excellence, and enhance public understanding of independent higher education’s contributions to society. CIC is the major national organization that focuses on services to leaders of independent colleges and universities and state-based councils. CIC offers conferences, seminars, publications, and other programs and services that help institutions improve educational quality, administrative and financial performance, student outcomes, and institutional visibility. CIC also conducts the largest annual conferences of college and university presidents and of chief academic officers in the United States. Founded in 1956, CIC is headquartered at One Dupont Circle in Washington, DC. For more information, visit www.cic.edu.
About The UPS Foundation
Since its founding in 1907, UPS has built a legacy as a caring and responsible corporate citizen, supporting programs that provide long-term solutions to community needs. Founded in 1951, the UPS Foundation leads its global citizenship programs and is responsible for facilitating community involvement to local, national, and global communities. The foundation’s philanthropic approach centers on four focus areas: health & humanitarian relief, equity and economic empowerment, local engagement and planet protection. To UPS, giving means combining employees' skills, passion and time with the company’s logistics expertise, transportation assets, and charitable donations to make a measurable difference in society.
CIC and OFIC Launch Consortium for Transfer Pathways in the Liberal Arts in Ohio
The Council of Independent Colleges (CIC) and The Ohio Foundation of Independent Colleges (OFIC) announce a grant from the Teagle Foundation and Arthur Vining Davis Foundations to launch an Ohio Consortium for Transfer Pathways to the Liberal Arts. This new project will bring together 14 independent colleges and universities and 10 community colleges in Ohio to establish three pathways to a baccalaureate degree in English, psychology, and biology for students at community colleges.
The Ohio Consortium will build on lessons learned through CIC’s previous Teagle-supported project to support community college transfer into CIC member institutions in North Carolina, “Independent Pathways: Community College Transfer in the Liberal Arts.” In announcing the grant, CIC President Richard Ekman said, “Private colleges and universities offer community college students a proven pathway to successfully completing bachelor’s degrees. CIC’s member institutions are proud to contribute to the national priority of increasing degree completion rates for students who begin their academic careers at community colleges.”
The Ohio Consortium for Transfer Pathways to the Liberal Arts will build on a solid foundation for community college transfer in the state of Ohio. As Project Director Winnie Gerhardt notes, “a strength of the transfer landscape in Ohio is the commitment of community colleges to helping their students transition to baccalaureate degrees and the many individual partnerships and articulation agreements they have forged with independent colleges and universities to achieve this goal.”
CIC and OFIC will draw on the existing relationships and mutual trust between participating institutions to design clear, consistent pathways to a baccalaureate degree at any of the institutions in the Consortium. The Consortium will address some of the most challenging barriers faced by community college students transferring to four-year colleges and universities, including a lack of comprehensive advising and credit loss in the transition between institutions. According to Ekman, “Losing credits during the transfer process can have severe consequences for students. Not only does taking extra classes cost more and add to student debt, but it can also increase students’ time-to-degree or even lower their chances of graduating at all.” Discipline-specific guided pathways that provide curricular templates for students to transfer as junior English, biology, or psychology majors will alleviate credit loss and reduce the confusion and anxiety surrounding many transfer decisions, so students can focus on their goal: graduating with a bachelor’s degree.
Participating CIC Members:
Ashland University
Baldwin Wallace University
Bluffton University
Capital University
Defiance College
Denison University
Hiram College
Lourdes University
Malone University
Muskingum University
Ohio Dominican University
Ohio Wesleyan University
Tiffin University
Ursuline College
Participating Community Colleges:
Central Ohio Technical College
Clark State College
Columbus State Community College
Cuyahoga Community College
Lakeland Community College
Lorain County Community College
North Central State College
Sinclair Community College
Stark State College
Terra State Community College
About CIC
The Council of Independent Colleges (CIC) is an association of more than 750 nonprofit independent colleges and universities, state-based councils of independent colleges, and other higher education affiliates, that works to support college and university leadership, advance institutional excellence, and enhance public understanding of independent higher education’s contributions to society. CIC is the major national organization that focuses on services to leaders of independent colleges and universities and state-based councils. CIC offers conferences, seminars, publications, and other programs and services that help institutions improve educational quality, administrative and financial performance, student outcomes, and institutional visibility. It conducts the largest annual conferences of college and university presidents and of chief academic officers in the United States. Founded in 1956, CIC is headquartered at One Dupont Circle in Washington, DC.
About OFIC
Ohio Foundation of Independent Colleges was founded in 1950 to conduct annual solicitations of companies and foundations to benefit private colleges in Ohio. OFIC today has 33 member institutions and 80,000 students. OFIC solicits financial support from corporate donors that believe strongly in higher education, connecting students with donors and empowering donors to design scholarships that have a direct impact on Ohio students, their local community, and their future employees.
Care, Community, Commitment: Solidarity in Action – Highlights from OFIC’s Virtual Diversity Forum
Listening, learning, and leading were the top “how-to” takeaways from The Ohio Foundation of Independent Colleges (OFIC’s) first ever Virtual Diversity Forum. Over 160 members of corporate Ohio, OFIC member campus students, and staff gathered via Zoom for thoughtful conversations on how to commit to caring for ourselves, our communities, and our future.
The forum opened with Keynote Daniel Juday’s timely and powerful presentation on how to respond to the challenges of the pandemic by addressing grief to make room for growth. An esteemed Speaker/Listener/Convener, Daniel posed thought-provoking questions that helped each participant consider how they can address challenges experienced on college campuses, in the workplace, and within their personal lives.
Daniel Juday’s 5-Phase Approach
He provided a 5-phase approach (Ask, Assess, Acknowledge, Act and Advocate) to help participants go from asking questions to being purposeful advocates. “We can create the world we want to live in, but we have to go through a process to acknowledge where we are now, so we can get to the place we want to be,” Daniel’s parting advice to the forum.
Collaborative panel discussions led by OFIC member campus staff, students, and OFIC partner corporations focused on D & I and social justice initiatives in higher education, how to sustain inclusive, safe spaces, and ways to engage the next generation to support their personal and professional success. Hearing from all constituencies – corporations, campus staff, and most importantly students – was a standout successful element of the event. “I love hearing from students,” stated a forum participant and member campus representative. “Student voices are critical to our work (it's why we do what we do). It's always good to be reminded of where we are in student advocacy and hearing their voices is key.”
Corporate panelists stated the significance of asking questions within our communities about diversity. These inquiries help build stronger strategies for celebrating differences and creating more inclusive opportunities. Following these steps are especially important as campuses look to retain students and corporations look to hire them.
Notre Dame College Vision & Voice Content Entry
Next, OFIC’s 2019 Diversity Grant Award recipients, Otterbein University and Notre Dame College, showcased their grant funds in action – plans for an intersectional activism conference at Otterbein, and a vision and voice contest at Notre Dame. OFIC’s Diversity Grants are designed to support successful existing programs or to launch new initiatives around diversity, inclusion, and equity on our member campuses.
The forum concluded with reflections from Diversity Forum committee members who reiterated the importance of action and change, not just solidarity statements. Final thoughts highlighted a positive result of the pandemic – widespread digital access to social justice and inclusion resources like webinars, digital conferences, and panels which would have been previously unavailable. “Given the success of our 2020 online event, we will look to continue incorporating a virtual experience in some way – like hosting creative “group viewing parties” that will encourage extended groups of participants to engage in the event or conversations thereafter,” stated OFIC Diversity Forum Leader and Regional Vice President of Development, Lori Burrows. OFIC looks forward to partnering with corporate Ohio to make future Diversity Forum and Grants possible.
OFIC would like to thank and recognize all the 2020 Virtual Diversity Forum event participants, contributors, and committee members:
John Comerford, Ph.D., President of Otterbein University
Daniel Juday, Speaker/Listener/Convener, Daniel Juday LLC
Danyelle Gregory, Director of Diversity, Access, & Inclusion, Muskingum University
Trinidy Jeter, Assistant Dean of Students for Diversity and Inclusion, Director of the Office of Multicultural Student Affairs, Denison University
James E. Prysock III, Director, Office of Social Justice & Activism, Otterbein University
Priscilla Hammonds, Assistant Vice President, Diversity & Inclusion and Community Relations, Grange Insurance
Nichole Barnes Marshall, Vice President and Chief Diversity and Inclusion Officer, L Brands
Ralph Smithers, Jr., CPCU, API, AIS, Assistant Vice President, Diversity and Community Relations, Encova Insurance
Adrian L. Sullivan, Manager, Diversity & Inclusion, Cardinal Health
Karen Ashley, Chief Diversity & Inclusion Officer, AEP
Angela Bretz, VP and Chief Diversity and Inclusion Officer, Nationwide
Ragan Savage ’23, Muskingum University
Sammy Cintra ’23, Denison University
Tarma Obeng ’21, Denison University
Henry Quijada ’22, Ohio Dominican University
Morgan Rowan ’21, Walsh University
Dr. Carol Ziegler, SND, Executive Administrative Assistant & Exec Director of the Abrahamic Center, Notre Dame College
Dr. Connie Smith, Associate Professor, Early Childhood Education, Walsh University
Jalisha Lancaster, Student Development, Director of Multicultural Affairs, Ohio Dominican University
Katie Cahill ’21, Studio Art BFA with graphic design concentration, Otterbein University
Will Elkins, Communications and Social Media Manager, Marketing and Communications, Otterbein University
Willie Franklin, Senior Technology Specialist, Information and Technology Services, Otterbein University
Lori Burrows, Regional Vice President for Development, OFIC
Tacarra Davis, Executive Assistant to the President, OFIC
Brett Fields, Director, Scholarship Services, OFIC
Bill Spiker, President, OFIC
Miss the forum? Watch the on-demand recording.
Stay tuned for the 2021 OFIC Diversity Forum details – coming soon!
Ursuline College President Receives National Leadership Award from the Council of Independent Colleges
Ursuline College President Sister Christine De Vinne, OSU, PhD, was awarded the Council of Independent Colleges’ 2020 Charles W.L. Foreman Award, the highest honor given by the organization’s State Councils, in a virtual ceremony on April 27, 2021.
The award is presented annually to a college president or corporate trustee who has demonstrated an outstanding record of service, leadership and commitment that distinguishes the recipient from their peers in support of the CIC’s State Councils’ mission to promote independent higher education.
Bill Spiker, president of The Ohio Foundation of Independent Colleges (OFIC), nominated Sister Christine to receive the national CIC award in recognition of her leadership, service, and participation, on numerous committees, panel discussions, conferences, and seminars at the state and national levels.
"Sister Christine is a founding committee member of our Women’s Scholarship Initiative which raises money in support of non-traditional age female students who are returning to college in pursuit of their bachelor’s degree,” Spiker wrote. Launched in 2015, the initiative has raised nearly $380,000 to fund 114 scholarships awarded to 88 students enrolled at 24 of OFIC's 33 member campuses.
“Above it all, Sister Christine has a giving spirit and very welcoming, engaging attitude and approach to her support of independent higher education across the country, of The Ohio Foundation of Independent Colleges on the state-level in her home state of Ohio, and mostly with her impactful, insightful, and devoted leadership of her alma mater, Ursuline College. She is most deserving of this honor and it is a privilege to nominate her for the 2020 Charles W. L. Foreman Award,” Spiker wrote.
“Like Ursuline College, the Ohio Foundation of Independent Colleges and the Council of Independent Colleges seek to transform students through higher education,” said Sister Christine. “Together these organizations are strong allies in our mission, and it is an honor to be recognized by them.”
Spiker originally nominated Sister Christine to receive the award in spring 2020. Due to the pandemic, the 2020 award ceremony was cancelled and rescheduled as a live virtual event set for April 27, 2021.
The award is named in honor of Foreman, who served as president of the UPS Foundation and board chair of the Foundation for Independent Higher Education, which merged with CIC in 2010.
OFIC is one of 27 State Councils affiliated with the national CIC and represents 80,000 students at 33 Ohio independent colleges and universities.
About Ursuline College – Founded in 1871, Ursuline College is an accredited liberal arts college rooted in Catholic traditions of intellectual inquiry and social justice. Ursuline educates students for service, leadership and professional excellence through an array of undergraduate, graduate and degree-completion programs in the liberal arts, nursing, and professional studies. At Ursuline, women-focused undergraduate programs and co-educational graduate and degree-completion programs foster lifelong learning. The College offers 11 sports competing at the NCAA Division II level. www.ursuline.edu
About OFIC – The Ohio Foundation of Independent Colleges (OFIC) was founded in 1950 to conduct annual solicitations of companies and foundations to benefit private colleges in Ohio. OFIC today has 33 member institutions and 80,000 students. Solicitation is conducted annually with the help of hundreds of corporate and collegiate volunteers calling on companies and foundations headquartered or doing business in Ohio. OFIC raises both unrestricted and restricted gifts including scholarships and endowments. Unrestricted gifts are largely used for student financial aid. www.ofic.org
About CIC – The Council of Independent Colleges is an association of more than 760 nonprofit independent colleges and universities, state-based councils of independent colleges, and other higher education affiliates, that works to support college and university leadership, advance institutional excellence, and enhance public understanding of independent higher education’s contributions to society. CIC is the major national organization that focuses on services to leaders of independent colleges and universities and state-based councils. CIC offers conferences, seminars, publications, and other programs and services that help institutions improve educational quality, administrative and financial performance, student outcomes, and institutional visibility. It conducts the largest annual conferences of college and university presidents and of chief academic officers in the United States. Founded in 1956, CIC is headquartered at One Dupont Circle in Washington, DC. www.cic.edu
Local Group Invests over $190,000 in Local Students and Future of Logan County
Scholarship fund sponsored by Logan County businesses and community members offers Logan County students scholarships through The Ohio Foundation of Independent Colleges (OFIC).
Supporting local has never been more important than in today’s uncertain world – and that’s just what local members of a collegiate scholarship fund, The Logan County Founders Club, have done. The fund’s mission is to support Logan County students’ dreams to attend Ohio independent colleges and universities through scholarships managed by The Ohio Foundation of Independent Colleges (OFIC).
Serving 33 independent colleges and universities throughout the state of Ohio, OFIC helps students by soliciting financial support from donors that believe strongly in higher education.
Founded in 2011 by local entrepreneurs, The Logan County Founders Club has donated over $190,000 in scholarships which has benefited 42 students from Logan County, 40 of which have graduated or are still making progress toward their degrees. As a result, the program has an impressive 95% persistence to graduation rate.
The fund’s chair, Randy Marker of Logan County-based Marker Construction, is passionate about educating more local businesses towards the opportunity to give to a student in need. “Why donate? Simply put – the impact on students is immeasurable,” stated Marker who serves on OFIC’s Board of Trustees. “A scholarship is more than just monetary, it comes loaded with the promise of hometown support, an opportunity to attend college as a first-generation student – a chance at a dream held by numerous generations.”
Why independent colleges and universities versus public universities?
Independent colleges and universities, including the liberal arts experience, are a great fit for students from Logan County who want personalized attention from faculty, smaller classes, and participation in extracurriculars and athletic programs. As a result, graduation rates are much stronger especially for first generation and low income students. Support through OFIC makes it possible for these students to achieve their dream of a college education.
How to get involved
What does giving to the fund through OFIC entail? OFIC President, Bill Spiker, explains, “Gifts each year to The Logan County Founders Club help students afford the need that exists between loans, financial aid packages, and the cost of attendance. OFIC is grateful for all of The Logan County Founders Club donors who have generously supported our students thus far.” Full scholarships run $3,300 annually, combined funds from multiple supporters are also welcomed. To participate in the pooled fund, donors may give online at ofic.org/givenow, choose “Student Scholarship” for the gift designation, and note Logan County Founders Club in the comments.
The time to give is now. Fewer than three out of 10 Ohio students who start high school earn a college degree within 10 years and only 28% of all Ohioans 25 years of age or older hold a bachelor’s degree. Your support can begin impacting Ohio’s talent pipeline today. To learn more about joining The Logan County Founders Club, contact OFIC, info@ofic.org.
About OFIC
OFIC was founded in 1950 to conduct annual solicitations of companies and foundations to benefit private colleges and universities in Ohio. OFIC today has 33 member institutions and 80,000 students. OFIC raises both unrestricted and restricted gifts including scholarships and endowments.
OFIC Hosts First Ever Virtual CareerFest
Over 380 students and 90+ employers from Ohio and beyond gathered virtually via Handshake to network and discuss career opportunities.
2020’s COVID-19 shutdown prompted Ohio’s premier career connections festival, OFIC’s CareerFest, to go digital. Leveraging OFIC member campus, Capital University’s, Handshake platform, CareerFest virtually fostered introductions between government agencies and many well-known corporations from Ohio and students from OFIC’s member independent colleges and universities.
Through Handshake, CareerFest employers hosted 150 group sessions with over 350 students participating and over 700 student 1:1 sessions to discuss internship and full-time employment opportunities. Student attendees were given the opportunity and encouraged to research employers in their chosen field prior to the event. Likewise, through the virtual Handshake hosted event, employers were able to view resumes and student-submitted registration information such as class year, academic major, and career interests
Since 2001, CareerFest has been a top networking event for students of OFIC’s 33-member campuses to join companies and government agencies in need of specialized talent. The typically in-person event has been hosted in Columbus and Cleveland with both generalized and focused employer needs such as financial services.
“Although different, this year’s event was very well received,” stated Judy Moehl, OFIC event coordinator and CareerFest lead. “A post-event survey revealed over 90% positive feedback from employers who were excited to get the opportunity to network in the midst of a global pandemic,” continued Moehl. A broadened range of employers joined this year’s event with special concentration on accounting, finance, business administration, communication, healthcare, and education.
““CareerFest was very organized and provided me the opportunity to meet with some wonderful students!””
What does the future hold for CareerFest? “The connections formed at this year’s virtual CareerFest were wildly impactful,” remarked OFIC President, Bill Spiker. “We’re honored to be a part of helping to strengthen Ohio’s talent pool in new and innovative ways. Virtual events have lower costs, easy to track metrics, and the opportunity to reach more people – more are definitely in the works for OFIC,” said Spiker.
Stay tuned for CareerFest 2022 dates and information, visit ofic.org/careerfest.
OFIC Connections Newsletter - Spring Semester 2021
What's new at OFIC? Hear from leadership, review 2019-2020 campaign impacts, get to know our students, member campuses, corporate donors & trustees. Read now.
Tiffin University and OFIC Announce Education Partnership
L to R: C. Todd Jones, President and General Counsel of AICUO, Dr. Lillian Schumacher, Tiffin University President, Bill Spiker, President of OFIC.
TIFFIN UNIVERSITY, Tiffin, OH—Tiffin University, the Association of Independent Colleges and Universities (AICUO) and the Ohio Foundation of Independent Colleges (OFIC) have entered into a new educational partnership according to Dr. Peter Holbrook, Tiffin University Provost.
Through this new partnership, employees of AICUO and OFIC’s member colleges and universities now have the opportunity to save on the overall cost of earning a Ph.D. in Global Leadership and Change offered by Tiffin University beginning fall semester 2019.
“Global Leadership and Change was developed with the adult professional in mind,” said Dr. Kenneth Rauch, Director of the Ph.D. Program. “It was designed with a curriculum to recognize the challenges and tremendous opportunities within today’s cross-cultural work environment. Practitioners in leadership roles in today’s business and educational environments have often been excluded by the traditional delivery of Ph.D. programs and extensive residency requirements within these programs. TU’s degree is offered within the online format and features limited residency requirements. Flexibility and the relational approach of faculty engagement allow students to work independently, but never alone.”
“Ohio’s independent colleges are partnering in many creative ways to make innovative educational programs affordable,” said C. Todd Jones, President and General Counsel of AICUO. “Tiffin University’s program will open outstanding opportunities for leaders at our state’s institutions. AICUO is proud to partner with TU to help make Global Leadership and Change available to new leaders on our member campuses.”
"The Ohio Foundation of Independent Colleges (OFIC) is pleased to partner with Tiffin University as they offer greater access to their doctoral program, Global Leadership and Change, to qualifying employees of our 33-member campuses,” said Bill Spiker, President of OFIC. “Tiffin University and our other independent colleges and universities in Ohio are providing undergraduate and graduate programs which will help secure Ohio's economic future."
“Tiffin University is proud to partner with AICUO and OFIC to offer their member institution employees the opportunity to continue their education," said Dr. Lillian Schumacher, Tiffin University President. “Tiffin University aspires to motivate and positively impact individuals through educational collaborations like this representing an incredible opportunity to help adult learners.”
Does CareerFest work? Ask Braxton.
CareerFest connects corporate Ohio, non-profits, and graduate schools with students from campuses across the state from OFIC’s 33-member colleges and universities. Does CareerFest help students find jobs and companies fill their talent pipeline?
YOU BET!
Walsh University President Announces Retirement
North Canton, Ohio – After 18 years of monumental growth under his leadership, Walsh University President Richard Jusseaume has officially announced his retirement. Jusseaume will stay on as Walsh’s leader through the end of this fiscal year (June 30, 2019) and, to ensure a smooth transition for the new president, will remain in a consultant position for the final year of his contract. A national search to procure Walsh’s new president will commence immediately.
As Ohio’s second longest-serving president of a four-year private university, Richard Jusseaume became the sixth president of Walsh University in 2001. Under his guidance, Walsh has experienced phenomenal growth in almost every facet of its operations including enrollment, academic programming, faculty and staff, financial resources and physical facilities. In total, he has spent five decades at Walsh in various roles including student, Dean of Students, Board of Director member, and ultimately as President. He began his career as an educator for 17 years before transitioning into corporate leadership at Graphic Enterprises Inc. He led Graphic Enterprises for another 17 years before returning to Walsh where he has just completed his 17th contract year as President. For a complete timeline of accomplishments, visit https://www.walsh.edu/jusseaume.
Campus to Career Connections (Ohio Business Magazine Feature)
By Eric Spangler
Rob Twitchell knows the value of an education from an independent college in Ohio. Twitchell, the COO of Reliant Capital, an accounts receivable management company headquartered in Gahanna, Ohio, graduated from Ohio Northern University, an independent university located in Ada, Ohio.
That’s one of the reasons Twitchell says Reliant Capital recently decided to make a donation to The Ohio Foundation of Independent Colleges to fund three renewable scholarships for students attending one of 33 independent colleges and universities in Ohio.
The only stipulation for the scholarship is that students preferably live in Franklin County and contiguous counties, since that’s where Reliant Capital is located; they should major in business, communication, finance or marketing; and must meet the academic standards of The Ohio Foundation of Independent Colleges and demonstrate financial need, says Twitchell.
“We just kind of feel that as our company grows it’s our responsibility as a corporate citizen to give back to the community,” Twitchell says. “And since we support the higher-education industry it just kind of made sense for us to get involved and support their work.”
Reliant Capital helps colleges by managing their outstanding debt, he says. “We treat our borrowers with dignity and respect,” says Twitchell. “The institutions we support are extremely important to us and expect us to treat their alumni and former students well and we pride ourselves on doing that.”
He says Reliant Capital does everything possible to help people resolve their distressed loans so they can get back on with their life. “We just want to make sure that we participate in every phase of this by offering scholarships and helping people make it more affordable and hopefully people don’t end up as our customers,” Twitchell says.
Making a donation for scholarships is important to Reliant Capital because the money is being used to make a difference in students’ lives, he says. “I’m personally a big fan of a liberal arts education and I’ve seen the value of it in my own life.
“I realize that there are some people that might be on the edge of being able to afford attending one of these schools,” Twitchell says.
Scholarships through The Ohio Foundation of Independent Colleges gives companies access to the state’s future workforce.
Scholarships through The Ohio Foundation of Independent Colleges gives companies access to the state’s future workforce.
It’s that personal touch that has elevated The Ohio Foundation of Independent Colleges, the national leader in providing unrestricted gifts and student scholarships to Ohio’s independent colleges and universities since its founding in 1950 to now, says Bill Spiker, president of the organization. Until 1986 the group raised money through corporate donations for general expenses at its member institutions, he says.
But The Ohio Foundation of Independent Colleges started raising money from corporate donors specifically for student scholarships at member institutions in 1986.
“I like to say we dipped our toe in the water in 1986 and then today we’re up about chest high,” says Spiker. Today, about three-fourths of the money the group raises is distributed back to its member schools in the form of scholarships, he says.
The scholarships have been successful because corporate officials like to know where their gift is going and what their money is supporting, Spiker says.
Twitchell agrees with that assessment. “I really can’t stress enough that the money for The [Ohio Foundation of Independent Colleges] goes right to the student so we’re getting the money right to the point of need, which I think is pretty critical,” Twitchell says.
Corporate officials can even get introduced to a scholarship recipient and that may lead to a new employee upon graduation, he says.
“Students may have a choice as to where they want to start their career and if a company has stepped forward with a contribution to help reduce the cost of attending a member school then that student may look more favorably on joining that company,” says Spiker. “So it’s a way of establishing that relationship,” he says.
That relationship creates a “campus to career connection,” Spiker says. “That’s what we’re saying to corporate Ohio, we’ve got something to return to you,” he says. “It’s not just, ‘Give us money and we’ll do a good job with it.’ It’s really saying to them we can potentially give you a return on your investment, especially if you’re hiring.”
The scholarships provided by The Ohio Foundation of Independent Colleges are creating a talent pipeline for corporate Ohio, says Spiker. “The reason we exist is to raise money from corporate Ohio, return it to the students who are attending the member campuses, making their education affordable and creating a future workforce for Ohio,” he says.
That, in turn, may help keep Ohio’s economy strong and growing. Twitchell says it’s well documented that Ohio is going to face a shortfall of qualified workers in the very new future. By providing scholarships to students with financial needs businesses are making it possible to address that shortfall of qualified workers, he says.
Spiker agrees that keeping qualified workers in Ohio is important to the economy and says the scholarships offered by his organization are creating a talent pipeline for Ohio business.
Twitchell succinctly sums up the scholarship program and its importance to the state’s economy. “I think by participating in this [scholarship program] we’re making the Ohio economy better, which benefits us all,” says Twitchell.