"We strive to live with gratitude"

"We strive to live with gratitude," Katie and Tom say, "challenging us to be generous with our time, talents and treasure."

Scholarship support they received as students allowed them to be engaged in both the campus community and the St. Thomas More Newman Center Student Group. Now, they want to give those opportunities to new Buckeyes by providing a scholarship for students who are active in both groups and who hold a leadership position in the student group.

Tom first became involved with Ohio State in grade school through his local 4-H. Today, he is an executive with a global agricultural firm. He says that his confidence and passion were "built through years of interaction with Ohio State."

Katie is a first-generation Buckeye alumna, and she was astounded by all of the opportunities open to her at Ohio State. She says the professors and staff she encountered shaped her confidence and outlook with their encouragement and guidance.

She says that she found more than an education at Ohio State, but also "academic, community and spiritual enrichment, as well as friendships to last a lifetime."

The Kochs relationship with Ohio State has only grown with their family.

"Seeing our own children excited about the campus 'where Mom and Dad met' are happy moments," they say, "even our dog, Scarlett, roots on the Buckeyes!"

Tell us about what makes Ohio State special to you. Contact Leslie Kreinberg at kreinberg.3@osu.edu or at 614-247-6600.