2023 E. Gordon Gee Spirit Of Ohio State Award
Marlene ’86, ’87 and Ted Temple
On any given week, you’ll find Ted and Marlene Temple ’86 of Marion, Ohio, serving the university they love. As leaders of the Ohio State Marion Alumni Club for 30 years, they’ve organized hundreds of events that bring alumni together for fun activities while raising money for scholarships and programs benefiting Ohio State students and the Marion community.
The Temples do it all, from pouring refreshments at campus concerts to providing canned goods for the food pantry and shepherding alumni to football games and field trips. And at every event, they show their spirit by donning scarlet and gray.
Question
Why is it important for you to generate support for Ohio State?
The university provides so many research opportunities and career paths, and we want to share that story to encourage students to enroll. We started our career path at the Marion campus in 1964, and we’ve enjoyed watching the campus grow from a high school setting to a five-building campus. We’re so confident in this university that we donated money to name the admissions office in Maynard Hall, and we’ve worked with our alumni club to provide countless scholarships to Marion County high school students.
Question
Many of your events bring Buckeyes together. Which do you enjoy most?
Our annual Big Ten Buckeye Bash is one of our favorites. It has raised more than $200,000 for scholarships over the years. Last year, our 26th Buckeye Bash drew about 200 alumni, friends and family for a live auction complete with dinner, a notable speaker and a line of The Ohio State University Marching Band. This year, we awarded 19 scholarships to local students.
Question
What’s the best reason for people to join their local alumni club?
A local alumni chapter allows members to enjoy togetherness and to provide manpower for events that benefit others. As a member, you’ll make new friends, have new experiences and help support activities on campus. We always welcome new members and ideas.
Question
What’s your favorite Ohio State memory?
Our first Ohio State memory was a Valentine's Day dance, which was our first date. After that, we went to Mirror Lake for many more dates and still love to go there. We have so many memories of Ohio State, especially of our son, Steven, swimming for the Ohio State team and his graduation. Other fond memories are bowl game trips and President's Club and Buckeye Club events.
“Ted and Marlene Temple have an unwavering dedication, boundless enthusiasm and exemplify the very essence of the E. Gordon Gee Spirit Award. They embody the true spirit of The Ohio State University and inspire others to reach for greatness.”
This award recognizes people and programs who demonstrate a devotion to Ohio State and promotes school spirit with integrity and honor in an effort to elevate the university and its history.