Findlay Receives $1 Million Gift to Build Future of College of Business

The University of Findlay announced today that Terry and Betty Terhark have committed $1 million, in conjunction with the Give Voice to Your Values campaign, to help build the future of the University’s College of Business, and Findlay, and create additional scholarship opportunities for Liberty-Benton students.

“Terry and Betty Terhark have made a tremendous difference in the future of the College of Business, as well as the lives of countless future Liberty-Benton graduates. We are most grateful for their commitment to educational excellence and their investment in the development of our students,” said University president Dr. Katherine Fell.

Terry Terhark graduated from The University of Findlay with a bachelor of science degree in business management. Terhark is founder and president of The Right Thing, a recruitment process outsourcing provider recently acquired by ADP®.

“The importance of higher education today is essential in preparing individuals with the skills they need to compete in this global economy,” noted Terhark. “We are excited about the vision that the University has for the College of Business and passionate about the scholarship program benefiting Liberty-Benton students. We understand that what’s good for The University of Findlay is good for the local economy and feel very fortunate that we are able to be a partner in this endeavor.”

The Terharks’ gift will update Old Main, where the College of Business is housed, and provide scholarship funds for Liberty-Benton students who study at UF.

“We are thrilled to be part of this partnership, two academic institutions working cooperatively with the support of a community member who is passionate about both institutions, as well as about helping students,” said Jim Kanable, superintendent of Liberty-Benton School District. “We greatly appreciate the benefit this gift will provide to our students who want to pursue higher education, and we thank Terry and Betty for their support of Liberty-Benton students.”

Old Main, the first and oldest building on campus, will become a modern, energy-efficient learning space that is an attractive and comfortable environment for students. The building will receive upgraded electrical service, which will accommodate a new, high-efficiency heating and cooling system, as well as high-efficiency lighting. Information technology needs also will be addressed, in addition to aesthetics such as paint and flooring.

When it was built in the late 1800s, Old Main was the largest single college building west of the Appalachian Mountains and the only one in the world heated with natural gas. Twin stairways are located at the north and south ends, originally intended for separate use by young ladies and gentlemen. Today, the building houses administrative offices, computer labs, College of Business faculty offices and a number of classrooms, many of which are used for business courses.

The Terharks’ gift also will establish a $300,000 scholarship fund. Students who are graduates of Liberty Benton High School are invited to apply for scholarships from this fund. Criteria for the scholarships are being developed and will be announced at a later date.

The University continues to raise funds for students through its Give Voice to Your Values campaign, which has a goal of $40 million and was publicly launched in September of 2010. To date, more than $28.3 million has been secured toward the goal. For more information, or to support the Give Voice to Your Values campaign, call 419-434-5334 or visit www.findlay.edu, Keyword: Voice.