Michael and Robin Gardner and Mr. and Mrs. O.J. Huffman were named The University of Findlay’s 2006 Distinguished Associates at the annual donor “Applause” recognition reception Dec. 12. Jayne Dahlgren accepted the honor for her parents, Mr. and Mrs. O.J. Huffman, who are recently deceased.

“Each year, we select Distinguished Associates to be recognized for the example they set, for their extraordinary generosity, and who, by the conduct of their lives, make us particularly proud to call them our friends,” said Marie Louden-Hanes, Ph.D., dean of undergraduate education.

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.

DeBow Freed, Ph.D., president of the University, and Martin L. Terry, vice president for business affairs, presented each of the honorees with a plaque outlining their accomplishments.

Marty Terry, left, vice president for Business Affairs, and Dr. DeBow Freed,  right, University president, honor Michael and Robin Gardner as Distinguished Associates during the Applause! reception on Dec. 12.

Through their generosity and commitment to excellence, Michael and Robin Gardner have helped to ensure that the Mazza Museum of International Art from Picture Books will continue as an outstanding educational and enrichment center for children, teachers and visitors for years to come.

Their support of the Mazza Museum was a contributing factor in the success of the campaign for a new addition to the museum that will further enhance its standing in the state, the nation and the world.

In presenting the award, Terry noted, “Michael and Robin Gardner have given a gift to lovers of children’s book art, whether they are 2 or 92.”

Jayne Dahlgren accepts the Applause! award on behalf of her parents, the late Mr. and Mrs. O.J. Huffman, from University president Dr. DeBow Freed on Dec. 12.

The selection committee for the Applause awards recommended in late July that Mr. and Mrs. O.J. Huffman receive the award this year. Mr. Huffman passed away Aug. 2. Mrs. Huffman passed away Nov. 29.

Mr. and Mrs. Huffman lived the hard-work life of farmer and farm wife to get the most from their properties, to make a living and to contribute to the community. They were actively involved in many civic and charitable activities.

In their retirement years, the Huffmans continued to participate in community and local activities. In the late 1990s, they became interested in and active supporters of The University of Findlay’s scholarship program. They established a scholarship for deserving students from Hancock County and have generously endowed a scholarship fund, which bears their name.

Their generosity is reflected in the extent of their contributions to the scholarship program and the help they have provided to many students who were attempting to realize some of their dreams by obtaining a college education. Further, the scholarship program they have established will continue in perpetuity and help a great many more students in the future.