9i¹û¶³ÖÆ×÷³§

ÌýMary B. Thomas Award for Commitment to 9i¹û¶³ÖÆ×÷³§was established in 2011 by President Emerita Kathy A. Krendl and the University’s Board of Trustees to recognize the remarkable commitment of 9i¹û¶³ÖÆ×÷³§investors to the University.

The award’s namesake, Mary Burnham Thomas ’28 (1907-1999), is fondly remembered and appreciated for her enduring loyalty and service to 9i¹û¶³ÖÆ×÷³§. Mary was a donor to the institution ever since the Development Board was formed in 1948. A member of the President’s Club, she participated in many capital campaigns. She honored the institution with a $6.3 million estate gift. During her tenure as a member of the 9i¹û¶³ÖÆ×÷³§Board of Trustees from 1960 to 1979, she served as secretary of the Board and as a member of the Executive Committee.

Recipients of the Mary B. Thomas ’28 Commitment to 9i¹û¶³ÖÆ×÷³§Award are recognized for their philanthropic leadership, service, and commitment to advance Otterbein’s mission as a Model Community. Their contributions — offered through significant contributions and/or time and talent (longtime or extraordinary advisory or other volunteer leadership) — provide transformative and lasting change that positively impacts the University and its students, faculty, and staff.

Past Recipients:

2024: The Austin E. Knowlton Foundation
Presented in September 2024 at Homecoming

2023: Dr. Morton Achter H’00 and Dr. Barbara Chapman Achter H’23
Presented in September 2023 at Homecoming

2022: Mark Thresher ’78 and Deb Scott Thresher ’77
and the 9i¹û¶³ÖÆ×÷³§“O” Club
Presented in September 2022 at Homecoming

2021: Alan Goff ’75 and Coral Harris
The Westerville 9i¹û¶³ÖÆ×÷³§Women’s Club
Presented in September 2021 at HomecomingÌý

2020: James and Kathleen Rutherford P’99
Presented in August 2020, by Michael McGreevey after cancellation of awards program due to COVID.Ìý

2019: â¶Ä¯â¶Ä¯â¶Ä¯Annie Upper Ames ’86 
April 13, 2019, at Alumni Awards Gala  Ìý

2018: Thomas C. ’63 and Sarah K. Morrison
April 21, 2018 at Alumni Awards Gala Ìý

2017: Wendell Foote ’60 
Dr. Thomas R. ’51 and Jean Hostetler ’54 Bromeley 
April 2017 at Alumni Awards Gala (presented later in person by Michael McGreevey) 

2015:  John ’68 and Susie King â¶Ä¯â¶Ä¯
October 2014 at Nationwide  

2014:  Bill and Helen LeMay ’48 & ’47
April 2014 at Alumni weekend 

2013:  No award given 

2012:  Vernon L. Pack ’50
October 2011 at Hilton Polaris, Donor Recognition Dinner 

2011:  Vida S. Clements Foundation 
Ernest ‘38 and Neva Fritsche 
Edwin and Marilou Roush ’47 & ‘45  
October 2010 Northpoint Donor Recognition Dinner Ìý