A Buckeye Love Story 70 Years in the Making

Mary Hoffman and Raymond Cunningham were married on October 10, 2021. Like every Buckeye couple, they share lasting memories of their time at Ohio State. However, it took Mary and Raymond nearly 70 years after they graduated to meet — it was across the hallway at their retirement community where they bonded over many things, like both being members of the Ohio State Class of 1950.

Although their marriage and love story are in some ways uncommon, Mary, 94, and Ray, now 97, share in other unexpected experiences as well. For example, Mary is writing a memoir about her celebrated, decades-long broadcasting career at WOSU, and Raymond was a Navy pilot in WWII. After his service in the Navy, Raymond received a law degree from Ohio State that led to a storied career that included working within the Federal Bureau of Investigation and his private law practice.

Mary and Raymond are quite active — in fact, when Mary called the Ohio State Engagement Center to share more details about her story, Raymond was out golfing! Mary and Raymond also believe in paying forward to others; together, they've given back to Ohio State causes they're passionate about for a combined 75 years.

When we asked Mary and Raymond about why they give, Raymond told us that his time in the Moritz College of Law was instrumental to his career, and he’s always felt compelled to give back and support students who dream of starting their own law firm like he once did. Mary’s long career with WOSU inspires her giving that has spanned decades — her innovative work paved the way to 24/7 FM programming, so she gives to support her public radio community in their pursuit of finding new ways to serve the Columbus community.