University of Findlay’s Women in Philanthropy group funds campus projects with $26,000

The University of Findlay’s Women in Philanthropy group has contributed funding to five different university projects throughout the spring of 2025. These projects include building renovations, a STEM training program for first-generation female students, cultural activities, a research project, and teacher support materials.

According to an article on the University of Findlay’s website, alumna and member of Women in Philanthropy Nicole Burgy was quoted as saying of the group’s contributions, “We are excited that our gifts can collectively support innovative projects and research at the University. We enjoy the opportunity to learn about the good work UF is doing, to meet high-achieving young women scholars, and to network with other philanthropic-minded women in the community.”

Burgy also noted that the Women in Philanthropy group seeks “to inspire, empower, and connect UF students with women in the community.”

The Women in Philanthropy group has a long history of providing financial support to various campus and community projects. This year’s funding recipients will receive a share of nearly $26,000 for their projects.

Maryam Yousif, Ph.D., an Assistant Professor of Chemistry, will receive a portion of the funding to establish a two-semester STEM training program for first-generation female students who are studying chemistry. Noting that she wants to address the gender disparity in STEM fields, she said, “As educators, we can influence their journeys by offering them opportunities.”

Another project receiving funding from the Women in Philanthropy group is a small-scale renovation of the Dudley and Mary Marks Lea Gallery in the Virginia B. Gardner Fine Arts Pavilion. The project will include updating the walls and the flooring of the building, which were last refreshed in 2008. The Lea Gallery hosts thousands of visitors for its art exhibitions and tours. Valerie Escobedo, Associate Professor of Art, said, “This would modernize the space and provide a professional exhibit space.”

Richard Dudley, Ph.D., Professor of Pharmaceutical Sciences, will be receiving a portion of the funding for his research project to examine GLP-1 drugs like Ozempic, Trulicity, and Victoza. Dudley and other researchers will conduct studies on 40 patients to look into why the drugs seem to have more side effects for some patients and aren’t as effective. 

Another project receiving funding is that of the workshop-in-a-box project led by Christine Denecker, Ph.D., Katy August, Sarah Fedirka, Ph.D., and Nicole Schilling, Ph.D. of the Center for Teaching Excellence. The team attended a conference about teaching development and was inspired to create boxed teaching materials to help teachers implement new ideas into their classrooms. “We want to invite, engage, and inspire students through this teamwork and continue to build a sense of community,” said Denecker.

Finally, a project by Hiro Kawamura, Ph.D., Associate Professor of Japanese and Director of Modern Languages, will receive funding to enhance cultural activities on campus. Kawamura has spearheaded the Cultural Connections of Hancock County program and has helped with the International Mother Language Day event that happens on campus every year. Each provides students with the opportunity to interact with area residents from different cultures, talk, play games, view performances, and sample international snacks. Kawamura said, “We want to strengthen the community by promoting appreciation for other cultures.”

The Women in Philanthropy group asks that each member makes a yearly donation of at least $1,000 to continue supporting the group’s ability to provide grant funding for the University of Findlay’s projects.

University President Katherine Fell, Ph.D. said of the group’s work, “Women play a key role in philanthropy at UF, ranging from volunteering to financial giving, and serving as role models for the next generation of Oilers. We are grateful for members’ past support, and we invite new members to join our efforts.”

For more information about the University of Findlay, visit the school’s website.