From modest means, the Wendts create a remarkable legacy

As a teacher, Rosie often overheard her students excitedly discussing their chances of being awarded a college scholarship. Having no children, Rosie and David Wendt still wanted to leave behind a meaningful impact on the world.

"Since we both attended The Ohio State University, a scholarship seemed to be the perfect fit," Rosie said, "I wanted someday for a student to be able to apply for and receive 'The Wendt.'"

The David Allan and Rosemarie Steger Wendt Merit Scholarship Fund now supports an Ohio State student with a stipend for up to three years.

"It isn't a large sum," Rosie said, "but every dollar of scholarship money that a student receives is one less dollar he or she will have to borrow."

From personal experience, Rosie understands the worth of a scholarship and the degree it helps you achieve. As a young woman, her father couldn't afford to put her through college. "But for the scholarship I received," Rosie says she wouldn't have earned her Ohio State degree and wouldn't have had such a fulfilling career.

After Rosie's death, her planned gift will give at least one student a full scholarship. "I have no words for how happy it makes me feel that I will be able to provide a way for a student to graduate without the huge amount of student debt that I have seen my nephews accrue."

Rosie knows that her support, "may be the difference between a student being able to finish his or her education and having to drop out to get a job."

Rosie credits the Ohio State education she and her husband both received, and the scholarship that made it possible, for everything she has accomplished and enjoyed in life. Determined to pay forward what has been given to her, Rosie donates to the MidOhio Foodbank, Neighborhood Services, and the St. Thomas More Newman Center. She also volunteers making bagged lunches for the homeless, gardening at Chadwick Arboretum and Whetstone Park of Roses, and making Christmas toys for children.

To share what Ohio State philanthropy means to you, please contact Leslie Kreinberg at 614-247-6600 or by email at kreinberg.3@osu.edu