Scholarship continues Kathryn Fowler’s legacy of helping others pursue their goals

Long-time Ohio University-Chillicothe employee Dennis (Denny) Fowler has established a $50,000 endowment to honor his late wife and assist future students pursue their educational goals at OU-C. The first scholarships will be awarded to students beginning their college careers in the fall of 2009 with interest income from the Kathryn S. Fowler Scholarship fund supporting four $500 scholarships. The scholarship fund will increase accessibility by assisting students who do not qualify for financial aid. “This scholarship fund is an appropriate way to honor Kathryn, and I know it is something she would support. My wife was a big believer in education and was always interested in helping people. She realized that you need a college education to get a good job,” said Dennis Fowler, a visual coordinator who has been employed by OU-C for 26 years. Kathryn died in January. She and Dennis were married nearly 27 years. They first met while working in a local public library. Kathryn Fowler served as executive director of Goodwill Industries of Ross County for five years. She was previously a planner and grant writer for job training programs with Private Industry Council #17 for nine years. Kathryn also worked part-time as a job coach for Integrated Service Systems and taught American government and communications at Southeastern Business College. Kathryn was co-valedictorian in 1978 at Chillicothe High School. She earned her Bachelor’s Degree in Organizational Communication from Ohio University in 1982 and her Master’s Degree in Public Administration from Ohio University in 1997. Kathryn was a member of the Altrusa Club of Chillicothe and Rotary Club. She also served on the Board of Directors for the Interagency Employees Corp Child Care Center. Their son, Benjamin, is a student at OU-C and works at the Information Desk in the Stevenson Center. “With our affiliation with the university and the fact that our son is attending OU-C, this endowment seems especially appropriate,” Dennis said. “The university has been very good to me, and I appreciate the opportunities it has given me. This is a way to show that appreciation.” “Kathryn was a very caring, very giving person who was always in a good mood. I think it is wonderful that this scholarship fund will help others. That is a great way to honor her memory,” Dennis said. “The Chillicothe Campus is extremely grateful for this extraordinary gesture, which will make it possible for future students to pursue their goals and dreams on our campus. It seems fitting that Denny would remember his beloved wife by establishing a scholarship fund that will assist others. It is apparent they shared a passion for helping others,” said OU-C Dean Richard Bebee. “Throughout his career at OU-C, Denny has proven himself as an individual who will always go the extra mile to help others, and he is known for both his expertise and his upbeat manner. These same attributes are evident in his son Benjamin.” To contribute to the scholarship endowment fund, contact Joyce Atwood at (740) 774-7200 or atwoodj@ohio.edu