When you invest in the University of Findlay, you provide more than a gift. You provide opportunities - opportunities for students who might not be here without you.
A typical day for Eston Macharia '19 as an undergrad at UF began at midnight when he walked into his third shift full-time manufacturing job. He knew “it wasn't forever, but it helped pay the bills.” After his shift ended, he took a power nap before traveling to the University of Findlay for class. As the day ended, he was hopeful to see his 9-year-old son during the upcoming weekend, if he didn’t have to work overtime.
“When I decided to go back to school I had to prepare myself mentally and physically for not getting as much sleep as I used to. There were definitely days when it was rough, but I am motivated,” said Eston.
His motivation came in the form of three endowed scholarships. “I hope to have a career researching renewable sources of energy. Findlay’s small class sizes and one-on-one opportunities with professors created a better learning atmosphere to best prepare me for graduate school and reach that goal.”
Eston currently works as a fermentation technician at Envirozyme in Bowling Green, Ohio and is applying for graduate school at the University of Toledo for chemistry.
While a student at UF, Eston worked on researching the chemistry behind next generation electronic materials, like roll-up mobile devices. One day soon, this same type of electronic material could be incorporated into paints and even clothing, possibly allowing your suit to become a solar charging station for your roll-up mobile device. Eston hopes to make future sustainable discoveries like this someday.
"Through coming to Findlay, I have been able to join a family and create a second home where I can grow both academically and personally. Scholarships and donors have allowed me to pursue my dream of playing collegiate golf and winning a national championship, while also being fully prepared to achieve my career goals. I couldn't be more thankful for everyone at the University of Findlay."
Jill Schmitmeyer
MBA Student - The University of Findlay
Maybe Someone Did It For You
Nicole Gerten '15 has a young family that makes things “extremely busy,” but also regularly reminds her of how fortunate she is to be at this stage of her life. It’s a reminder that serves a greater purpose, however, as Gerten has made it a point to regularly give back to the University that helped to afford her the life she currently enjoys.
Gerten was named the recipient of the Generation Orange Loyalty Trendsetter Award for five years of consecutive giving as a member of Generation Orange (graduates of UF up to 35 years of age). She said that harkening back to her struggles as a non-traditional student always serves to put things into perspective.
In her sophomore year of classes Gerten became pregnant and dropped out of classes. She wasn't sure what to do. After her son turned two, she realized that she couldn’t live a life without aspirations to better her future and that of her son, so she re-enrolled at UF and earned her degree.
Now, as an alumna with a career at Marathon Petroleum
in Findlay, Gerten has been married since 2016, and has added two more
little boys to her family.
“It was a little difficult returning as a single mother, but the degree completion program helped tremendously. As a parent working full-time, the flexibility of being able to do assignments online when I could fit them in was incredible. They even regularly called and checked in with me. It was phenomenal.
I may not yet be able to donate a lot, but it’s so important to give back and help others,” she explained. “I was struggling and trying to make a better life for myself and my son, and I know what it’s like to need a hand. To me, it’s a simple ‘Why not?’”
--Nicole Gerten '15
On May 5, 2020, local entrepreneur, Nick Reinhart, generously matched every gift, up to $70,000, on UF's Day of Giving with a $100 donation to the Findlay Fund!
Nick, who sees UF as a pillar of the community and who “appreciates, values, and respects an education,” feels that Findlay is lucky to have its University. His gift helps to carry on the philanthropical outlook of other friends of the University, and, he said, he knows of no better institution in which to invest for the future than University of Findlay.
"It's a place I'm proud to call my alma mater and a place that continues to surprise me with its growth and potential. Someone did it for me, and I know I should take the opportunity to [give back] to the next generation of Oilers."
--Josh Schoenberger '01, Managing Partner of Williams & Schoenberger Co., LLC
Your Gift Can:
- provide immediate tuition scholarships for students in need
- fund vital student services providing academic, emotional, physical and spiritual student support
- attract and retain the best faculty committed to student success
- help maintain and build new facilities comparable, if not superior to, facilities prospective students will see on recruiting trips to other schools
- fund programs, services or student groups close to your heart
Did you know you can support students all year long through a convenient monthly recurring gift?
Monthly gifts allow you to give in manageable increments through automatic deductions from your credit card, debit card, or checking account. These transactions are processed through our secure system and allow you to support University of Findlay students all year long.
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