Enriching Lives for the Future: Marge and Gene White
For Marge White, a retired faculty member of the University of Findlay, and her husband Gene, giving back is about supporting the need for higher education. “We want to see the University grow and prosper for the next generation,” said Marge. “Any gift made to education is an investment, enriching lives for the future,” she said.
Professor White first started working at Findlay College as a piano accompanist in 1965. Later she taught piano, accordion and the organ to students of varying skill levels and served as an adjunct assistant professor of piano for more than 20 years. “Without a music major, the students were often beginners, who wanted to add the skill,” she explained. “Our students have the opportunity to perform, go to a concert, listen and learn to appreciate the fine arts and other cultural opportunities.”
Over the years, she and Gene, who retired from Marathon Oil in 1986, have given to support music programs, Curtain Raisers, and the purchase of the piano for Lape Great Hall. Gene has also logged more than 2,000 hours of volunteer service with the University including serving as a board member for the International Center for Language and Resource Development where they established the Eugene M. and Marjorie L. White Scholarship for a student in the program. They also created the Eugene M. and Marjorie L. White Mazza Endowment Fund and funded the creation of the White Discovery Loft at the Mazza Museum.
“We were able to see the structure come together and become a part of Funday Sunday that members of the community can enjoy for years to come,” said White. One of the best things people can do, they added, is support scholarships. “Without scholarships, there are students who wouldn’t be able to go to Findlay,” she said. “When those students graduate, I can see the results. I can say I contributed to their achievement and success.”