Wigton honors fellow Buckeye alumnus and mentor with scarlet blooms

Each May, a sea of scarlet red geraniums bursts into bloom, encircling the granite Block O statue outside Maynard Hall at The Ohio State University at Marion. The vibrant flowers and the statue they adorn are more than just decoration—they symbolize the enduring legacy of Wayne & Geraldine Kuhn, Ohio State alumnus, respected businessman, philanthropist, and dedicated community leader.

On May 16th, as in spring’s past, Dan and Valerie Wigton of Marion, generously donated 80 scarlet geraniums to the university to honor friend and mentor Wayne Kuhn. Student volunteers from Marion Harding High School joined Ohio State Marion students, faculty, and staff to carefully plant the flowers around the granite monolith, creating a striking tribute to Kuhn’s contributions to the business and finance sectors, as well as his commitment to uplifting The Ohio State University and the Marion community. The engraved words at the base of the Block O “In honor of Wayne and Geraldine Kuhn” stand as a permanent testament to his impact on the campus.

For Wigton, a senior vice president and branch manager at Stifel and fellow alumnus of The Ohio State University, the gesture of donating the flowers each year holds deep personal significance. Having known Kuhn for nearly 40 years, Wigton recalled how he shaped his career, mentoring him from the start. "Wayne brought me into the business. Without him, I’m not sure if I would be where I am today," Wigton shared. "This is my way of honoring him and saying, ‘thank you’, while also beautifying the campus."

Kuhn's professional journey exemplified hard work and dedication, Wigton shared. Before joining McDonald Investments, where he eventually became a senior vice president and partner, Kuhn spent 25 years as a professional engineer. His expertise in finance led him to advise cities and counties on large-scale public projects, ensuring responsible financial decision-making across Ohio. His reputation for integrity and knowledge was so well-regarded that colleagues likened walking into meetings with him to being in the presence of Ohio State football legend Woody Hayes.

Wigton fondly recalled his early neighborhood encounters with Kuhn, initially painting his house during college before embarking on a career in finance under Kuhn’s guidance. "He was always sharply dressed, always drove a nice car. I knew he did something important," Wigton reminisced. "I arranged a meeting with him one Sunday afternoon, thinking it was just a chat. Turns out, it was an interview. A few weeks later, he invited me to his office—and that changed everything."

Now, with 46 years in the industry, Wigton continues to honor Kuhn’s memory not only through financial expertise but through heartfelt gestures, like the annual geranium planting. "I really think it looks nice. It’s something I enjoy doing," he said.

"We are incredibly grateful to have supporters like Dan and Valerie Wigton. Their thoughtful gesture of purchasing red geraniums not only honors the memory of a beloved alumni mentor but also helps to beautify our campus for everyone to enjoy. It’s a wonderful reminder of how our community’s support continues to nurture both the legacy of mentorship and the vibrant spirit that thrives on our campus,” said Cathy Gerber, Director, Development and Community Relations for Ohio State Marion. 

The tradition stands as a testament to the lasting influence of a man who shaped businesses, communities, and lives. And with each passing spring, the scarlet blooms ensure that Wayne Kuhn’s legacy continues to flourish, just as his wisdom and generosity once did.

The Block O and the floral display welcome new Buckeyes and prospective students to campus and serve as a living testament to the impact one Ohio State alum can have on future generations of Buckeyes.