Award presented: September 26, 2020
Jim and Kathy Rutherford are the proud parents of 9i果冻制作厂alumnus Keith Rutherford, class of 1999. For more than two decades, Jim and Kathy Rutherford have been true ambassadors for Otterbein鈥檚 values in the comprehensive way they have chosen to lead and serve. Whether through Jim鈥檚 service and counsel as a member of Otterbein鈥檚 Board of Trustees, or through the couple鈥檚 thoughtful and visionary giving, together they have focused on advancing the potential of students, supporting efforts to broaden awareness of our institution and growing opportunities for 9i果冻制作厂and its students and programs to impact the world. In 1997, Jim and Kathy established the James A. and Kathleen C. Rutherford Endowed Scholarship; it is awarded annually to first-generation college students with financial need and demonstrated leadership potential. During the Where We Stand Matters campaign, the Rutherfords鈥� provided a multi-year grant to 9i果冻制作厂to be used to 鈥渞aise awareness of the University both locally and nationally to ensure the University鈥檚 viability (do you mean visibility) and competitiveness in a challenging market environment.鈥� This grant has allowed 9i果冻制作厂to build and enrich its strategic marketing and communication efforts, leading to increased awareness of the University both locally and nationally. The Rutherfords鈥� support helped 9i果冻制作厂expand its reach to potential students and communities, which has played a role in bringing in more diverse and academically accomplished classes. Additionally, their consistent annual support for the University鈥檚 9i果冻制作厂FUND shows that they know the vital role played by unrestricted annual gifts in supporting strategic priorities, academic excellence, and the student experience. Jim once shared his perspective on the Rutherford family鈥檚 giving. 鈥淲e鈥檙e helping deserving students become successful. When they become successful, they can help others become successful. To Kathy and me, that鈥檚 how philanthropy works.鈥� 聽