Endowed Scholarships Shape the Future of OWU

Memories, relationships, and current engagement with the University prompted Nancy Spain's '64 generosity.

"I realized that it was both possible and easy to begin supporting a student financially. Moreover, a scholarship does not have to be huge to generate a big return. Giving is exhilarating. One's gift benefits a student personally and immediately. AND it is perpetual!"

Nancy Spain graduated from Ohio Wesleyan University in 1964, where she majored in elementary education. Nancy has valued and treasured the academic preparation and life-long friendships that marked her OWU experiences. During her time on campus, she was involved with the Kappa Alpha Theta sorority, university "Special Days," and Mortar Board. Upon graduation, Nancy married William Spain and became a first-grade teacher in the Columbus Public School System before moving to the San Francisco Bay Area.

Nancy greatly appreciates how OWU prepared her for a fulfilling career in education. In fondness and thanksgiving for her educational experience at OWU, Nancy chose to establish The Nancy Knapp Spain '64 Endowed Scholarship. Nancy's scholarship supports future educators and she said this was important to her with her decision to give back. 

OWU: How have you kept engaged with OWU, especially since you have been separated from OWU by over 2,400 miles and for nearly 60 years?

Nancy: Through a combination of University publications; occasional and enjoyable personal contacts by the Alumni Development Office; classmate and sorority friendships and communications; and also via my fond memories which include gratitude for some stellar professors.  

OWU: Given that you recently endowed a scholarship, how did that happen?

Nancy: Attending my 50th reunion awakened me to how special OWU was and still is. In doing some homework, I realized that it was both possible and easy to begin supporting a student financially. Moreover, a scholarship does not have to be huge to generate a big return. Too, besides focusing my gift toward a student following my teaching career, I can further enhance my gift to yield even greater benefits.

OWU: What advice would you give someone considering supporting OWU?

Nancy: Do it! Everything about creating a scholarship is terrific. Sure, there may be tax benefits, but those are secondary. Giving is exhilarating. One's gift benefits a student personally and immediately. AND it is perpetual! Furthermore, giving will re-engage you with OWU in ways you never expected. For too many years, I was basically disconnected from and barely interested in OWU. But now, I am grateful that my passive past was transformed into an active present by the simple act of helping an OWU student.