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Women and Philanthropy
 
 

Summer 2015

 
 
 

Making an impact together!

We hope you are enjoying the beautiful weather now that summer is here. Women & Philanthropy has had a wonderful year — and we've hit our $1 million goal before our 10th anniversary! Thanks to all of you for your loyal support and for your beautiful spirit of giving. Details on our fall activities will be announced soon. Until then, please be safe and, as always, feel free to let us know if you have any questions.

2015 W&P Awards presented

The 2015 Women & Philanthropy Award celebration took place June 9 at the Faculty Club. Ohio State President Michael V. Drake was a guest at the event and was joined by his wife, Brenda Drake, our newest member. Grant awards went to the folllowing: Dr. Ali Rezai – $50,400 for “Current and Emerging Aspects of Neuromodulation”; Mary Maloney – $25,200 for “The Green Roof Project”; and Dr. Kathi Kemper – $20,400 for “Total Health and Wellness of the Mind, Body and Spirit.” Our new scholarship recipient is Rita Chen (more below).

CAPTION: (above, from left) Mary Maloney, Dr. Kathi Kemper, Ohio State President Michael V. Drake and Amanda Lucas (accepting on behalf of Dr. Ali Rezai) 

View images from the evening here. 

Ida Cophenhaver (far right) has stepped down from her position as chair. During the evening, Mary Jane Overmyer presented a gift to Ida with the membership's heartfelt appreciation for her good work on behalf of Women & Philanthropy. Giff Weary will join Mary Jane as co-chair. 

Updates on W&P awards

During the evening, former award recipients Dr. Jessica Winter, Dr. Michele Basso and Lesley Ferris provided updates on how their grants were used.W&P scholars Megan Condon, Ana Sucaldito and Maria Fu also were on hand to share their Ohio State experiences.

Jessica Winter: W&P funds were used to update laboratory microscopes to permit time-lapse imaging (i.e., video) of cancer cells as they migrate through simulated brain tissue. These models allow researchers to evaluate drug effectiveness in vitro before applying to animal models and patients.

D. Michele Basso: W&P funds to the locomotor training program for spinal cord injury have been a critical contribution to the growth of our rehabilitation program. Although we have not yet spent the funds, we have leveraged the sizable investment to raise matching funds and spark other philanthropic gifts. We will have our state-of-the-art treadmill by the end of the summer! Our therapists and patients are thankful. 

Lesley Ferris: Stand Up for Shakespeare has grown from use in a few schools to 37. The program developed a number of Ohio State teaching artists from the Department of Theatre. With the W&P award, the project has expanded the work as a viable outreach and engagement project.

Meet Rita Chen: 2015 W&P Scholar Rita Chen

Cincinnati native Rita Chen aspires to be an environmental engineer or conservation scientist. When choosing a college, she looked for a major university that had high merit and a student life with a wide array of options.

"On top of that, environmental engineering isn't widely offered as a field of study," Rita said, noting her career goals include preserving wildlife and forestry. "Human activity can cause serious damage and pollution to the biosphere."

Rita said her parents were "ecstatic" to learn of the 2015 W&P scholarship award. "I know Ohio State will fulfill my pursuit of a well-rounded education and help me to become a global citizen."


 A Buckeye Masters invitation for W&P members       

Women & Philanthropy members are invited by Buckeye Masters to An Evening at Urban Arts Space on Wednesday, June 17, from 6-8 p.m. Tour Remnants, presented by the Creative Arts of Women collective, and explore the rooftop garden while enjoying a reception in the heart of downtown Columbus.

Cost of $20 per person covers admission, tour, hors d'oeuvres reception, one drink ticket and cash bar. Dress is casual, with space limited to four guests per person. Register online or contact customer service by calling 800-762-5646 or emailing customerservice@ohiostatealumni.org. No refunds after registration is processed.

 
 
 
 

Members Corner

Welcome to our new members:
Sarah Dennis, Brenda Drake, Alyssa Fry, Cathryn Geppert, Paula McMenamy, Peg Neri, Sandy Ross, Deb Scartz, Judy Ward and Joyce Zid

Thank you for bringing in a new member: 
Carla Fry – Alyssa Fry
Mary Jane Overmyer – Brenda Drake

A note from Membership Committee Chair Jean Rea
We are asking each member to bring a guest to our meetings to help her learn more about our program. Please watch your mail for your invitations. 

 
 
 
 
The Ohio State University

Women & Philanthropy
2200 Olentangy River Road, Columbus, OH 43210
614-247-7994 | riley.280@osu.edu | giveto.osu.edu/women

 

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