The gift comes from alumnus Dwight Schar and his wife Martha Schar, who also recently donated $10 million to the university for campus beautification.
Ashland University has received $15 million from alumnus Dwight Schar and his wife Martha to renovate student housing. The gift is the largest single gift the university has ever received, and comes on the heels of another recent $10 million donation from the Schars to enhance the university campus through beautification efforts. The dorm renovations will include three residence halls, which will be ready for students in time for the Fall 2026 semester.
According to an article on Ashland University’s website, Dwight Schar is quoted as saying of his and his wife’s gifts to the university, “Ashland provided me with an outstanding education and experience that shaped me as an adult. I want the current and future students to have the same opportunity and the living environment that reflects the exceptional quality of the Ashland faculty, staff, coaches and academic facilities. At a time when other universities are trimming budgets, Ashland is investing in its future. Martha and I have donated $55 million to AU so far because we believe strongly in this university.”
The Schars are the university’s biggest donors. Their philanthropy outside of the university, which is Dwight’s alma mater, is centered around healthcare and education in Florida, North Carolina, Ohio, and Virginia.
University President Jon Parrish Peede said, “Dwight and Martha Schar have beautified our campus and transformed student life through their commitment to excellence. Their generosity will allow us to offer a refined residential experience at an affordable price. These renovated dorms will enrich our campus community for generations.”
Thanks to the Schars, the three dormitories receiving renovations are Amstutz Hall, Jacobs Hall, and the first floor of Andrews Hall.
Amstutz Hall was damaged in an electrical fire in November 2025. The renovations will fix damage, as well as enhance and modernize its facade and amenities. The nine-story building features single rooms for senior students and others who prefer to live by themselves. The renovations will include the addition of air conditioning, six new single-occupant bathrooms to each floor, glass-walled common spaces on each floor, and study spaces on each level.
Jacobs Hall, which is one of the most popular residence halls, will add air conditioning and pod-style bathrooms, and will receive upgrades to both the lobby and dorm rooms.
Andrews Hall is the home to the university’s Ashbrook Scholars, who are members of an honors program for history and political science. These students reside on the second and third floors of the building, leaving the first floor unoccupied. The unoccupied first floor is being renovated to include 12 dorm rooms with air conditioning, pod-style bathrooms, a lounge, a kitchenette, and study spaces.
In addition to these renovations, the university is also looking ahead to Phase II dorm renovations, which will focus on Clark Hall, Myers Hall, and Kem Hall.
Peede said, “Our university is blessed with donors at all giving levels. Student housing and scholarships offer our alumni and other donors a great opportunity to make a lasting impact on their beloved university. We believe that the current renovations will inspire others to rally around our Phase II plans.”
For more information about Ashland University, visit the school’s website.