2026 Robert M. Duncan Alumni Citizenship Award
Martha Campbell ’03
Martha Campbell finds ways to help others. Whether it’s raising money for Ohio State scholarships, championing childhood literacy or organizing fundraisers for local nonprofits, if there’s a need, Martha is working to fulfill it.
On any given day, Martha Campbell ’03 finds ways to help others. Whether it’s raising money for Ohio State scholarships, championing childhood literacy or organizing fundraisers for local nonprofits, if there’s a need, Martha is working to fulfill it.
Her commitment to service began with a family tragedy. In 1965, when she was just four years old, her father lost both legs in a trucking accident. Campbell, her mother and four siblings were overwhelmed, but their Northeast Ohio community rallied around them.
“People came to our home to babysit while my mom went to the hospital,” she says. “For six months, they brought food and did as much as they could to help. My parents realized they could never repay all the kindness they received, so as a family, we decided to pay it forward.”
The spirit of service has guided Campbell ever since. She has dedicated more than 20,000 hours to serving Ohio communities through organizations such as the Joshua Perry Family Foundation, the Buckeye Cruise for Cancer, the Miss Clayland Program, the Polar Express Train Ride and the Pro Football Hall of Fame.
One cause especially close to her heart is the 2nd and 7 Foundation, a Columbus-based nonprofit that promotes childhood literacy by giving away books and sending student-athletes into classrooms to read with elementary students. Campbell raises funds for the foundation, recruits student athlete volunteers and even organizes snacks for the annual football camp.
“Martha’s ability to mobilize others for a good cause is truly remarkable. She invests her heart and leadership into making a tangible difference, reflecting a level of social responsibility that is both rare and inspiring.”
“Literacy is very important to me, and I’m passionate about helping kids,” she says. “I don’t have any of my own, so that’s why I’ve spoiled everyone else’s children.”
Campbell also raises money for Ohio State scholarships. During her time at Ohio State, she was the recipient of a Stadium Scholarship, so she has a firsthand understanding of the difference scholarships can make in a young person’s life.
Campbell shares that she loved her Buckeye experience, but financial challenges forced her to return home before completing her degree. Years later, she returned to Ohio State after discovering that she was only a few credits shy of graduating. In 2003, at age 41, Campbell finally earned the degree she had always dreamed of.
She remains connected to the university through the Ohio State Tuscarawas County Alumni Club, where she has served as president , leading activities that bring alumni together and support the community.
The spirit of giving that began with her parents 60 years ago continues today. Campbell says her mother, Mary Ellen, now 89, assists her with projects, a reminder that service has always been a family affair.
Presented to alumni who have distinguished themselves in service to humanity and who have best exemplified the university’s motto, “Education for Citizenship,” by having performed significant voluntary service to their community beyond the call of business or professional duty.