Dr. Katherine Fell, left, reveals a mock-up of a plaque that will appear in Old Main, commemorating the Terharks’ gift of $1 million.

Terry Terhark, a UF alumnus, speaks to the audience about his and his wife’s decision to support the University and Liberty-Benton students.

The University of Findlay announced today that Terry and Betty Terhark have committed $1 million, in conjunction with the Give Voice to Your Values campaign, to help build the future of the University’s College of Business, and Findlay, and create additional scholarship opportunities for Liberty-Benton students.  

To see additional photos from the event, click here.

“Terry and Betty Terhark have made a tremendous difference in the future of the College of Business, as well as the lives of countless future Liberty-Benton graduates. We are most grateful for their commitment to educational excellence and their investment in the development of our students,” said University president Dr. Katherine Fell.  

Terry Terhark graduated from The University of Findlay with a bachelor of science degree in business management.

Terhark is founder and president of The Right Thing, a recruitment process outsourcing provider recently acquired by ADP®.

“The importance of higher education today is essential in preparing individuals with the skills they need to compete in this global economy,” noted Terhark. “We are excited about the vision that the University has for the College of Business and passionate about the scholarship program benefiting Liberty-Benton students. We understand that what's good for The University of Findlay is good for the local economy and feel very fortunate that we are able to be a partner in this endeavor.”

The Terharks’ gift will update Old Main, where the College of Business is housed, and provide scholarship funds for Liberty-Benton students who study at UF.  

“We are thrilled to be part of this partnership, two academic institutions working cooperatively with the support of a community member who is passionate about both institutions, as well as about helping students,” said Jim Kanable, superintendent of Liberty-Benton School District. “We greatly appreciate the benefit this gift will provide to our students who want to pursue higher education, and we thank Terry and Betty for their support of Liberty-Benton students.”  

The Terharks (fourth and third from the right, standing) pose for a photo with Liberty-Benton students and graduates, as well as Dr. Paul Sears, dean of the College of Business, Dr. C. Richard Beckett, chair of the UF Board of Trustees, Dr. Katherine Fell, UF president, and Jim Kanable, superintendent of Liberty-Benton schools.

Old Main, the first and oldest building on campus, will become a modern, energy-efficient learning space that is an attractive and comfortable environment for students. The building will receive upgraded electrical service, which will accommodate a new, high-efficiency heating and cooling system, as well as high-efficiency lighting. Information technology needs also will be addressed, in addition to aesthetics such as paint and flooring.  

When it was built in the late 1800s, Old Main was the largest single college building west of the Appalachian Mountains and the only one in the world heated with natural gas. Twin stairways are located at the north and south ends, originally intended for separate use by young ladies and gentlemen. Today, the building houses administrative offices, computer labs, College of Business faculty offices and a number of classrooms, many of which are used for business courses.  

The Terharks’ gift also will establish a $300,000 scholarship fund. Students who are graduates of Liberty Benton High School are invited to apply for scholarships from this fund. Criteria for the scholarships are being developed and will be announced at a later date.  

The University continues to raise funds for students through its Give Voice to Your Values campaign, which has a goal of $40 million and was publicly launched in September of 2010. To date, more than $28.3 million has been secured toward the goal. For more information, or to support the Give Voice to Your Values campaign, call 419-434-5334 or visit www.findlay.edu, Keyword: Voice.  

The University of Findlay is a comprehensive university with a hands-on approach to learning located in Findlay, Ohio, approximately 45 miles south of Toledo. With a total enrollment of nearly 3,700 full-time and part-time students, The University of Findlay is noted for its innovative, career-oriented programs in 60 majors and 10 graduate and professional programs.

Its College of Business, encompassing more than 500 students in both undergraduate and graduate programs, helps students to develop the management competencies of communication, critical thinking and character to lead their organizations effectively. To learn more, visit www.findlay.edu, Keyword: Business.