Philanthropists Dick and Ted Foster recently visited The Ohio State University at Marion, seeing firsthand how their family’s extraordinary generosity is shaping the next generation of educators.
Accompanied by Andrea Bowlin, Assistant Vice President of The Ohio State University Alumni Association, the Fosters were welcomed by Dean and Director Jennifer Schlueter and Director of Development and Community Relations Cathy Gerber for a tour and conversation about the lasting impact of their gift. The visit celebrated the Foster Family Scholarship Endowment, a $1 million fund supporting undergraduate education majors across all of Ohio State’s regional campuses — including Marion.
Established through the university’s Scarlet and Gray Advantage matching program in 2022, the Fosters’ $1 million endowment provides approximately $10,000 annually per regional campus to help future educators pursue their degrees without financial hardship.
The scholarship’s purpose reflects the Foster family’s deep belief in education as the foundation of community well-being, with a focus on early childhood education and literacy initiatives.
During their campus visit, the Fosters met with education faculty Dr. Marcus Herzberg, program co-coordinator and senior lecturer, and Dr. Abigail Stebbins, assistant professor, who shared stories of student success and gratitude made possible through the Foster Family Scholarship. Faculty highlighted how scholarship recipients are excelling in the classroom and giving back to local schools through student-teaching placements and literacy outreach.
“Our students are not only becoming great teachers — they are becoming community leaders,” said Herzberg. “The Fosters’ support gives them the confidence and stability to fully engage in their academic and field experiences.”
Dean and Director Jennifer Schlueter reflected on her first seven months in leadership, emphasizing the alignment between the Fosters’ generosity and the campus’s mission.
“The Fosters’ investment is a model of what it means to build trust and build together,” Schlueter said. “Their belief in education strengthens our ability to prepare outstanding teachers who will make an immediate impact in classrooms across Ohio.”
Since its launch in autumn 2022, the Foster Family Scholarship has already begun transforming lives at Ohio State Marion and beyond. Students pursuing education degrees — particularly those dedicated to early learning and literacy — have been able to stay enrolled, complete their programs, and begin shaping young minds across the region.
As Dick and Ted Foster walked through Ohio State Marion’s academic spaces, met with faculty, and heard student stories, their visit became a powerful reminder of how philanthropy fuels possibility.
“The Foster family’s generosity extends far beyond dollars,” said Gerber. “It’s about opening doors, inspiring achievement, and ensuring every child has a teacher who believes in them.”
