Scharer Family Endowed Scholarship established at Ohio Northern University

Ohio Northern University has a new scholarship offering for students studying business or education who hail from Marion County, Ohio or Oregon Clay High School in Oregon, Ohio. The Scharer Family Endowed Scholarship was established by John W. Scharer, an Ohio Northern University graduate, and his wife, Dr. Patricia Scharer.

According to an article on Ohio Northern University’s website, Ellie McManus, who serves as the university’s director of planned giving, was quoted as saying of the couple’s gift, “The Scharers recognize the importance of scholarships in providing access to higher education. New generations of students will benefit from their generosity and caring.”

John and Patricia credit Ohio Northern University for bringing them together, though only John attended the university. He was in the Sigma Pi fraternity, and it was while visiting Columbus with a fraternity brother that he met Patricia.

John worked in public education as a teacher and a principal for six years, and then switched gears and went on to have a 40-year career in insurance. He remembers his time at Ohio Northern University fondly: “ONU was a nice, quiet place and people were kind, thoughtful, and cared about you,” he said.

Patricia was a first-grade teacher for several years, and then took time off to raise her and John’s children. She eventually earned her master’s degree and Ph.D., and from there, she taught literacy and early childhood education at The Ohio State University.

Speaking of the couple’s decision to create a scholarship for Ohio Northern University students, John said, “It’s ingrained in me to give back, and giving to ONU means my donation will be managed properly and used to help future ONU students get an exceptional education.” He added, “Higher education is not just academics. It’s about learning how to get along, how to be in relationships with other people, how to improve yourself, and how to build a better society.”

For more information about Ohio Northern University, visit the school’s website.