Otterbein University receives multi-million estate gift from alumnus Vernon L. Pack

Otterbein University has received a legacy gift from the estate of alumnus Vernon L. Pack, who passed away at the age of 99 in 2025. His estate gift totals $5.2 million, bringing his lifetime support for Otterbein University to more than $6.8 million. The university plans to examine Pack’s history of giving to ensure they use his last gift for something that would be meaningful to him and his legacy.

According to an article on Otterbein University’s website, university President John Comerford is quoted as saying of Pack’s legacy and generosity, “Vernon Pack had already cemented his legacy as a kind, loyal, and generous friend to Otterbein. In the coming days, we will honor our Pack Fellowship students and welcome the Pack Distinguished Scholar-in-Residence to campus. So we are honored by his estate gift — a final act of kindness to Otterbein’s students that will provide even more life-changing opportunities and sustainable programs.”

Pack graduated from Otterbein University in 1950, following his military service during World War II. After he graduated, he taught social studies for 28 years and was an avid Ohio historian. He wrote several articles and books about the history of Ohio, and was involved with the Westerville Historical Society, Columbus Historical Society, and Amalthea Historical Society.

Beth Weinhardt is the executor of Pack’s estate, as well as his longtime friend and the president of the Westerville Historical Society. She said of Pack, “Vernon Pack came to Otterbein after his service in the military during World War II. The four years at Otterbein were some of the most important of his life. After graduating, he stayed near his alma mater even though his family was in New Mexico. Otterbein became his home and family. Vernon was a giver of both time and money. He lived simply, even though he had family wealth. He had a huge heart, giving to charities far and wide. He never failed to make Otterbein and its students one of his top priorities. Vernon is a role model to me and, I hope, to others.”

Pack’s philanthropic support to the university includes the Vernon L. Pack ’50 Distinguished Lecture and Scholar-in-Residence Program. The endowment was established in 2002 to bring scholars and lecturers to campus to speak about topics like ethics, spirituality, and social issues. As part of the series, the university welcomed Doris Kearns Goodwin, Fareed Zakaria, Steven Pinker, Salman Rushdie, and Heather McGhee.

Patricia Frick, a professor of English, said of Pack and the lecture series, “Vernon showed genuine interest in engaging with the diverse speakers who visited the campus as part of his series, but perhaps his greatest joy was talking over lunch with the students who had been selected to meet the speakers. Vernon appreciated their ideas, listened to them with respect and curiosity, and enthusiastically encouraged them to pursue their personal and educational dreams. He was a true mentor and role model to generations of learners.”

His other support for the university came via the Vernon L. Pack Fellowship and donations toward the Otterbein Fund, the Promise House, the Courtright Memorial Library, scholarships, awards, and various Student Affairs initiatives. 

Floyd Akins, the university’s vice president for philanthropy and alumni engagement, said of Pack’s lasting impact on the university and the community, “Vernon Pack’s life and philanthropic legacy will shape Otterbein for generations to come. Donors like Vernon reflect the very best of Otterbein: caring and humble alumni and friends who believe deeply in the transformative power of higher education and generously pay it forward to open doors for others.”

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