20 Years
Women & Philanthropy
20 Voices for 20 Years
Letter from the chair
Dear members, friends and champions,
2026 marks the 20th anniversary of Women & Philanthropy at The Ohio State University, and as your chair, I am honored to introduce a very special publication: 20 Voices for 20 Years. This commemorative issue is more than a collection of stories. It shares two decades of impact and meaningful change, beginning with a tribute to our founding members whose passion, leadership and generosity laid the firm foundation for all we have achieved together. It also includes scholarship, grant and membership stories of success and transformation.
As you read, I encourage you to consider this anthology both a reflection, and an invitation. It is a true testament to what happens when vision and community come together, reflecting the extraordinary impact and transformation over the past 20 years. It is also an invitation to imagine the impact we can make over the next 20 years and beyond. Together, we have proven that philanthropy is not just about giving. For us, it is also about creating a community passionate about making a difference, today, and every day.
It is on behalf of our members and our institution that I thank YOU for these remarkable stories of impact. Your dedication continues to inspire, and I look forward to writing the next chapter with you, by your side.
With sincere gratitude,
Tamara J. Lampert, MBA
Chair, Women & Philanthropy
To the founding members of Women & Philanthropy at The Ohio State University, we celebrate your remarkable vision and leadership as we mark the 20th anniversary of this extraordinary initiative. In 2006, each of you boldly believed in the power of women to shape the future of philanthropy across Central Ohio and beyond, and your commitment has made a lasting impact.
Thanks to your dedication, Women & Philanthropy has raised nearly $3 million for scholarships and research, empowering countless students and advancing innovative discoveries. Your legacy continues to inspire new generations of women with a passion for giving, and we honor the voice and opportunity you made possible for so many.
Listed in alphabetical order. + indicates deceased
Catherine Baumgardner, Peggy Bellows, Marlene Berwanger, Janis Block, Mildred Chavous +, Ida Copenhaver +, Loann Crane +, Flo Ann Easton +, Barbara Fergus, Karen Fiorile, Kathy Fox, Mabel Freeman, Annie Garraway, Bonnie Garvin, DeeDee Glimcher, Joy Gonsiorowski, Anne Groves, Cindy Hilsheimer, Alexis Jacobs +, Nancy Jeffrey +, Bobbi Lucas, Nancy Marzella, Mary Jane Overmyer, Geraldine Peterman, Floradelle Pfahl, Ann Pizzuti, Anne Powers, Lou Ann Moritz Ransom, Cindy Rasmussen, Pat Robinson, Mary Ryan, Judy Sandbo, Carolyn Schmidt, Betty Schoenbaum +, Jeanie Schottenstein, Thekla Shackelford, Sarah Smith, Sheila Smith, Barbara Trueman
As we celebrate the 20th anniversary of Women & Philanthropy, we extend our deepest gratitude to our current members whose steadfast generosity and engagement sustain the heart of our mission. Your annual support is the lifeblood of our organization, ensuring that the spirit of collaboration, vision for progress and commitment to meaningful change remain vibrant within our community. Each gift, act of involvement and shared passion for philanthropy strengthens our collective impact — empowering scholars, advancing research and uplifting countless lives. Thank you for carrying forward the legacy and for keeping the flame of Women & Philanthropy burning bright for future generations.
Listed in alphabetical order. *Indicates Women & Philanthropy friend. Membership is current as of December 3, 2025:
Linda Abbott, Hana Abdelbaki, Lori Abshire, Rachelle Adams*, Barbara Ague, Rosa Ailabouni, Melinda Alonso, Alex Anthony, Julia Applegate, Catherine Baumgardner, Mary Ann Beachler, Melonia Bennett, Sarah Bohman, Michele Boillotat, Gretchen Brandt, Lisa McCauley, Kio Burrell, Molly Calhoun, Emily Christian, Cathie Cline, Sandra Collins, Katherine Conway, Phyllis Cummins, Laura Dahlem, Andrea Daugherty, Debra Davis, Amber Diglaw, Jenn Dougherty, Lauren Erickson, Lindsay Finneran, Kathleen Fox, Mabel Freeman, Maria Fu, Lauren Gannon Evans, Shannon Gillespie, Adrienne Gladish, Kelly Greene, Michael Hancock, Sara Hanson, Mary Beth Happ, Susan Hermann, Faye Herriott, Morgan Hetico, Cynthia Hilsheimer, Leslie Jance, Ananya Jena, Johanna Johnson, Julia Keckstein, Janice Kiecolt-Glaser, Laurie Kirsch, Anne Klamar, Sally Klingbeil, Tara Kreider, Elissa Kuharich, Tamara Lampert, Deborah Larsen, Susan Logan, Amanda Lucas, Deborah Lynn, Meghan McAuley, Tanya McDay, Debra Mendel, Melissa Muth, Rosa Negash, Carol Newcomb-Alutto, Doris Nocera, Monica Ohlinger, Mary Jane Overmyer, Sadie Palmisano, Molly Peirano, Geraldine Peterman, Abigail Poulisse, Anne Powers, Lois Puskarich, Claudia Reynolds, Elizabeth Roseberry*, Lauren Sabo, Judy Sandbo, Janet Sanfilippo, Kathryn Scheid, Kelsey Schmuhl, Emily Schriver, Jane Schriver, Pamela Schultz, Sarah Smith, Tracy Stuck, Elizabeth Swain, Ellen Thompson, Vicki Utrata, Kristen Van Gundy*, Katie Viau, Gifford Weary, Jan Weisenberger, Caroline Whitacre, Karen Patricia Williams, Elaine Williams, Beth Wiser, Marilyn Wollett, Devon Wood, Cheryl Zeiger, Carly Zeiger*
Dear friends,
Twenty years ago, a remarkable vision took root at Ohio State—a vision that recognized the transformative power of women's philanthropy and the vital importance of creating spaces where women could come together, not just as donors, but as leaders, mentors and changemakers.
As I reflect on these two decades, I am moved by what this community has built. Women & Philanthropy at The Ohio State University has never been simply about fundraising; it has always been about relationships, about intergenerational wisdom, about mothers and daughters, mentors and mentees, coming together to shape the future of this university and the lives it touches.
I have watched women find their voices here, discovering that their stories matter, that their passions can fuel meaningful change and that together, we can move mountains. Through scholarships that open doors for first-generation students, research that advances Ohioan's health, through programs that support working parents pursuing their dreams, you have proven that when we invest in what matters to us, the impact ripples far beyond any single gift.
To every member who has shared their time, talent and treasure with Ohio State over these twenty years: you have built something extraordinary. You have created a legacy of generosity that will inspire generations to come. As we celebrate this milestone, I invite you to remember why you first said “yes” to this work and to recommit to the possibilities that lie ahead. The next twenty years are ours to shape, together.
In firm friendship,
Molly Ranz Calhoun
President & CEO, The Ohio State University Alumni Association
Senior Vice President of Engagement, Office of External Affairs
Impact in numbers
As we celebrate the 20th anniversary of Women & Philanthropy, we extend our deepest gratitude to our current members whose steadfast generosity and engagement sustain the heart of our mission. Your annual support is the lifeblood of our organization, ensuring that the spirit of collaboration, vision for progress and commitment to meaningful change remain vibrant within our community.
Each gift, act of involvement and shared passion for philanthropy strengthens our collective impact — empowering scholars, advancing research and uplifting countless lives. Thank you for carrying forward the legacy and for keeping the flame of Women & Philanthropy burning bright for future generations.
Women & Philanthropy is more than altruism — it is a catalyst for innovation. Since its inception, our program has invested over $1.9 million in grant funding, fueling more than 50 groundbreaking research projects and interdisciplinary collaborations. Each year, over $75,000 is deployed to support bold ideas that tackle urgent challenges and push boundaries. These grants have made possible medical breakthroughs, advanced social impact programs and inspired educational innovation. From the arts to engineering, from environmental sustainability to social justice, Women & Philanthropy’s support has empowered a diverse spectrum of colleges and units to turn vision into action:
- College of Arts & Sciences: $443,968
- College of Medicine & Wexner Medical Center: $396,929
- College of Education & Human Ecology: $177,120
- College of Engineering: $177,120
- Interdisciplinary Projects: $118,320
- OSU Libraries: $101,484
- College of Food, Agricultural, and Environmental Sciences: $97,700
- College of Public Health: $88,265
- College of Nursing: $82,450
- Moritz College of Law: $76,700
- College of Veterinary Medicine: $70,361
- College of Pharmacy: $47,500
- Office of Research: $42,500
- Wexner Center for the Arts: $37,500
- WOSU Public Media: $35,853
- Office of Academic Affairs: $33,270
- Office of the President: $25,610
- John Glenn College of Public Affairs: $19,210
Women & Philanthropy’s commitment to excellence is vividly embodied in its scholarship portfolio, which turns dreams into reality for students seeking an Ohio State education. With more than $600,000 in endowed funds and nearly $40,000 awarded to six students annually, Women & Philanthropy scholarships do more than ease financial burdens — they celebrate the legacy of trailblazing women and ignite the ambitions of future leaders. Each scholarship is tailored to uplift different communities and areas of study, reflecting our membership’s shared dedication to diversity and impact:
- Women & Philanthropy Scholarship: $7,000/year — removes financial barriers and enables recipients to thrive academically and personally
- Styrcula-Zavatsky Scholarship: $3,000/year — empowers high-achieving undergraduates from Belmont, Harrison or Jefferson Counties, expanding opportunity where it matters most.
- Ida Copenhaver Scholarship: $7,000/year —champions incoming Ohio students pursuing natural or mathematical sciences, advancing women in STEM and honoring a legacy of service.
- Women & Philanthropy Endowed Scholarship: $7,000/year — steadily growing toward a $330,000 endowment, soon increasing annual support to $13,200 and expanding its reach.
- Hermann Family Scholarship: $7,000/year —supports students at all academic levels with financial need, ensuring access and opportunity for every Buckeye.
Each of these awards provides recipients with more than financial assistance — they are a vote of confidence, a spark of hope and a lasting investment in individuals who will shape their fields and their communities. Through our scholarship program, Women & Philanthropy cultivates excellence, leadership and a legacy of generosity.
Women & Philanthropy at The Ohio State University is proud to support two remarkable scholarship recipients, Ryleigh Brenamen-Trumbull and Abigail Ann Shibu, whose dedication to service and leadership exemplifies the university’s motto, “Education for Citizenship.” Each student has been awarded $7,000 per year—totaling $28,000 over the course of their college careers—in scholarship funding to empower their journey toward attaining an Ohio State education.
Ryleigh, a first-generation marketing major, enters the university this fall having already raised over $29,000 to support amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS) patients and research, a mission sparked by her grandmother’s diagnosis with the disease.
“I stepped up as the event director for a series of fundraisers… helping them access clinical trials they otherwise couldn’t afford,” she shared.
Her efforts not only brought financial resources to families in need; they also sparked national awareness through an internationally recognized DECA project and youth webinar partnerships with I Am ALS. As she begins her undergraduate studies, Ryleigh’s leadership, forged through empathy and action, is poised to continue blossoming at Ohio State.
Abigail, arriving this fall to pursue medicine, brings a global perspective shaped by multiple international relocations and a deep commitment to community building. As vice president of her high school’s National Honor Society, she helped organize food drives, lead service events and foster unity among her peers.
“Through my role in NHS, I saw firsthand the power of leadership in building a stronger, more connected community,” she wrote. Abigail’s journey through cultural transitions—from India, Canada and now the United States—has equipped her with resilience, compassion and a clear desire to serve others through healthcare and civic engagement.
Women & Philanthropy is honored to invest in these students and thrilled to witness the extraordinary ways they will enrich the Buckeye community. By supporting student leaders today, we are shaping a future driven by compassion, innovation and civic responsibility, ensuring our impact extends far beyond the classroom.
Lauren Erickson ’25 came to Ohio State with a passion for making a difference. Inspired by her early experiences working with ESL students, she pursued a degree in public policy at the John Glenn College of Public Affairs, eager to learn how systemic change can improve lives. Her academic journey led to an unexpected but exciting career path—an internship at the Ohio Office of Budget and Management that turned into a full-time position after graduation.
The Hermann Family Women & Philanthropy Scholarship was a gamechanger for Lauren. As a four-year award, it allowed her to graduate with both a bachelor’s in public policy analysis and a master’s in public administration completely debt-free. Without the burden of loans or the need to work full-time during school, Lauren was able to immerse herself in leadership and service. She volunteered through the Mount Leadership Society and spent four years with BuckeyeThon, eventually joining its leadership team. In her time as Director of Membership Development, she led an internal fundraising push where her team raised over $30,000 in one day for Child Health Day.
Lauren’s time at Ohio State reinforced her belief that “you can always be doing something to help others, no matter how small it is.” Today, she carries that mindset into her professional life, and as a young professional member of Women & Philanthropy, she continues to give back to the community that invested in her future.
Impact in voices
Investing in leadership, resilience and community impact
