Findlay, Ohio, Dec. 8, 2004 – Three Findlay couples, John M. and Patricia M. Luther, C. Darrell and Alberta V. Prichard and R. Eugene and Margaret Slough, were honored as Distinguished Associates of The University of Findlay during its donor recognition reception Tuesday, Dec. 7.

Since 1975, the Distinguished Associates Award has been presented to members of the UF Associates who by their personal endeavors, financial support and leadership have brought distinction to The University of Findlay.

“All three couples have long and vibrant connections to Findlay College and The University of Findlay,” Assistant Vice President for Academic Enhancement Dr. Marie Louden-Hanes said. “The enduring themes shared by all recipients encompass the spirit of volunteerism through service to the community and to the University.”

John M. and Patricia M. Luther were honored for their longtime and faithful commitment to The University of Findlay.

John arrived in Findlay as a recent college graduate in May 1954, and he cemented his ties to the community by marrying Findlay native Patricia Ogg on Sept. 3, 1955.

John enjoyed a long career at Marathon Oil Co., in accounting and computer services, and he has served in leadership positions for numerous Findlay-area organizations.

A homemaker, Patricia has volunteered in the community and is an honorary member of UF’s Intergenerational Studies Board.

Although neither of the Luthers attended UF, the couple sponsors the Mazza Museum’s Visiting Artist Series, which brings at least four artists to Findlay each year. They have also established an endowment fund that guarantees that the program will continue for years to come.

C. Darrell ’55 and Alberta V. Prichard were honored for their outstanding commitment to The University of Findlay.

Darrell enrolled at UF in the fall of 1951 to train for the ministry, and he married Alberta Bowen during his junior year. The couple celebrated their 51st wedding anniversary on Sept. 5.

Darrell served as senior pastor of the College First Church of God from 1980-1992, and he was administrator of the Ohio Conference of the Churches of God, General Conference from 1992-1998. He has been a member of UF’s Board of Trustees since 1993.

Alberta retired from working as a real estate loan officer for Fifth Third Bank and Sky Bank. She has volunteered for organizations including Open Arms and Hancock Leadership.

R. Eugene and Margaret Slough were honored for their exceptional support of the University of Findlay.

Both lifelong Findlay residents, Gene and the former Peggy Blackford celebrated their 40th wedding anniversary on Nov. 14.

Gene retired from Marathon after working in the company’s administrative services. His wife is a homemaker. The couple is frequently seen on campus attending University cultural and athletic events.

Gene and Peggy named the Slough Conference Room in the Alumni Memorial Union in honor of Gene’s parents, Ralph M. and Ruth Shockey Slough.