Findlay, Ohio – Clifford C. Cook, a member of The University of Findlay’s Board of Trustees, and his wife, Maureen, recently announced a $1.1 million gift to the Findlay Fund at the University. Through a charitable lead trust, the Cooks’ donation will provide $50,000 each year for 22 years.

Gifts to the Findlay Fund are unrestricted and allow The University of Findlay to provide extraordinary opportunities for learning and discovery; to extend the financial aid program; and to help meet emerging challenges and capitalize on unidentified opportunities.

“We trust the University,” Cook said. “They need to be able to direct funds to where there is the most need. In my opinion, after 10 years on the board, it’s a very fiscally responsible institution.”

The former senior vice president of supply, distribution and planning at Marathon Ashland Petroleum LLC holds degrees from The University of Detroit Mercy and Boston University. He joined the UF board in 2002 because he wanted to become more involved in the Findlay community.

“We’re also big believers in education,” Cook added. “My parents were both teachers and my uncle was a college professor. I like to think of this gift as a way to honor my parents and their teaching careers.”

Findlay residents for many years, Cliff, Maureen and their four children lived in several cities during his long career with Marathon. The couple now lives in Ann Arbor, Mich. Cook is president of Maize and Blue Consulting out of Bradenton, Fla., where he advises companies on merger and acquisition activity in the areas of petroleum and biofuels logistics, product procurement and trading.