For at Tuscarawas students, the future is now! Community members can make a difference for local students by joining the Tuscarawas County University Foundation as it launches the 2024 impact campaign For the Future.
Beginning this month, the community can make the future forever brighter for our students by supporting local education. Blair Hillyer, chairman, president & CEO of FNB, Inc., and Stephenie Wilson, vice-president of human resources at First Federal Community Bank, will lead this year’s campaign.
Generous support of the community is key in providing an excellent, affordable experience for our students through the For the Future Founders Fund, which supports scholarships and student success.
For second-year early childhood education student Wayne York, scholarships have been a blessing and create unbounded opportunities. “I always wanted to teach, and I’m very grateful to have the ability to earn my degree here at the Tuscarawas Campus,” said York. “I’m very thankful for the encouragement and support!”
York is one of many deserving Tuscarawas students who earn much-needed scholarships to pursue local education for future careers. Scholarships provided by the Tuscarawas County University Foundation are vital to students like York and offer inspiration to students dreaming of a college education and a brighter future.
Co-chairing the campaign, Hillyer has been CEO of the First National Bank of Dennison since 1981 and a director since 1985. He is also chairman and a director of the Clay City Pipe Company in Uhrichsville. Hillyer is a Claymont High School graduate and earned a Bachelor of Arts from Ashland University and a J.D. from the University of Akron. He also serves as the vice-chairman of the Tuscarawas County University Branch District and is active in various other volunteer community activities.
With 23 years at First Federal Community Bank, co-chair Wilson is a graduate of Indian Valley North, and holds a Master of Business Administration from Ashland University. Wilson has a SHRM-CP designation from the Society of Human Resource Management.
Locally, she is active in the community, participating in Tuscora Chapter SHRM, Indian Valley Foundation, the Tuscarawas County Community Foundation and the
Tuscarawas County University Foundation for Tuscarawas. Wilson is also a member and pianist at Midvale Methodist Church.
According to Tuscarawas Campus Dean Bradley Bielski, “We are pleased to have students who are so dedicated to their educations and futures – they are going to impact the world! We encourage the community to be part of that journey and support the Foundation’s impact fund to assist us in providing essential scholarships and modern campus learning resources.”
In 1968, the foundation was created to sustain and advance a high standard of education and excellence at Tuscarawas. Funds raised through the campaign are used for student scholarships and student initiatives, as well as providing excellent educational facilities and equipment.
“We are asking the community to help us support our hardworking students by making gifts to our For the Future Founders Fund benefiting scholarships and student services,” said Chad Conrad, director of philanthropy. “Individuals like Wayne are examples of the types of students who receive much needed scholarships through our campus foundation.”
Gifts to the Tuscarawas County University Foundation in support of Tuscarawas can be sent to Tuscarawas County University Foundation, 330 University Dr. NE, New Philadelphia, Ohio 44663 or made online at .
For more information, contact Conrad at 330-308-7445 or by email at cconra1@kent.edu.