Ohio Northern University establishes Peter Bigelow and Margaret Bigelow Endowed Fund for Academic Support

Ohio Northern University has recently received a gift from alumnus Peter Bigelow and his wife Margaret to establish the Peter Bigelow and Margaret Bigelow Endowed Fund for Academic Support. The fund will support the services provided through the university’s Mifsud Center for Student Success, which includes tutoring, accessibility resources, and testing accommodations.

According to an article on Ohio Northern University’s website, Max Lambdin, who serves as the university’s executive director of development, was quoted as saying of the gift from the Bigelows, “Peter and Margaret are passionate about student success. They understand a college degree opens doors. Thanks to their vision and support, every ONU student will have the resources they need to excel in the classroom and beyond.”

Peter Bigelow attended Ohio Northern University somewhat by accident, having heard of the school while in a boat shop in his hometown in Connecticut. The school was recommended to him by the shop owner’s son, who had attended ONU, and Peter applied to it, along with two other schools. He was accepted and decided to attend. He had a rough start to his college career and noted that he almost failed out during his first year. In the 1970s, the university did not have much in the way of academic support services, but Peter has stated he would have taken advantage of them if they had been available.

He has since realized that academic support services are crucial for colleges and universities, and while on college tours with his children, he was able to reflect on his time at Ohio Northern University and decided to give back to the school by helping make more student support services available for students who, like him back in the 1970s, could really use the support.

He and his wife decided to establish The Peter Bigelow and Margaret Bigelow Endowed Fund for Academic Support to help enhance the services provided by the Mifsud Center for Student Success. The university named its Peter and Margaret Bigelow Testing Center after the couple in thanks for their support. The Testing Center helps students who need certain accommodations to complete their exams.

Peter said, “There are many people who struggle academically but shine once they are in the workplace. My hope is that this fund helps bright, capable kids who may need extra academic assistance or a structured environment to earn a college degree.”

Following his graduation from Ohio Northern University, Peter went on to have a successful career in the electronics manufacturing industry. He served as the president and CEO of IMI Printed Circuit Boards and retired in February 2025. Also in 2025, he was he was inducted into the IPC Raymond E. Pritchard Hall of Fame in recognition of his contributions to the industry.

“I wouldn’t be who I am today if I hadn’t gone to ONU. I ended up at Ohio Northern almost by accident, but the school had a big impact on my life, much more than I realized at the time,” Peter said.

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