2024 Ralph Davenport Mershon Award
Terry Kopchak ’76, ’80
For Terry Kopchak ’76, ‘80, a passion for Ohio State took root in childhood and never let up. It has fueled his commitment to the university, including 18 years as president of the Alumni Club of Muskingum County, and never faltered, even as he faced heath crises that would have derailed many a Buckeye.
For nearly three years, Kopchak had to fight for his life as he battled diabetes and heart and kidney disease. He endured multiple surgeries and infections and lost several toes and fingertips to amputations. Nevertheless, he continued to lead his local alumni club.
“I did a lot of club business from a bed in the hospital or nursing home,” Kopchak says. “We’d get all the board members on a Zoom call and take care of business.”
What inspires Kopchak’s devotion? “I just love Ohio State,” he says. “It goes all the way back to when I was a kid watching the Buckeyes play football and basketball on television or listening on the radio.”
At 17, Kopchak applied to only one university — Ohio State. “My mother really wanted me to go to the Ohio University branch in Zanesville, but I told her, ‘No way. I’ll take out loans. I’ll do whatever it takes. I'm going to go to Ohio State.”
His determination paid off. Kopchak earned two degrees while embarking on a successful 44-year career in education in Muskingum and Licking Counties. He worked as a teacher, principal, superintendent, educational consultant and college instructor and program coordinator.
In 1988, he joined the new Alumni Club of Muskingum County. He earned a seat on the Board of Governors in 1999, and members elected him president in 2007 and every year after that. Under his leadership, club members volunteer at community events, support local charities, host social events and raise money for Ohio State scholarships, a total of $220,000 since 1988.
Kopchak says he is proudest of the scholarship program. “This year, we awarded an all-time high amount of $19,600 in scholarships to students from Muskingum County,” he says. “We distributed 19 scholarships to high school seniors and current Ohio State students. With the cost of education, every bit helps.”
In the past year, Kopchak’s health has improved. He often powers up his wheelchair to attend alumni events. And he won’t forget the support he has received during his illness, particularly from his wife, Karin Melick Kopchak ‘75, who serves on the club’s board. With his team behind him, Kopchak will continue to serve his alma mater, fueled by love.
Presented to alumni who have demonstrated exceptional leadership and service to The Ohio State University.