John D. Tortorella Legacy Continued With Student Ambassador Endowed Fund

Written by Bailey Smith, Communications Intern

John D. Tortorella earned his Bachelor of Science in Business Administration with a specialization in finance from Bowling Green State University in 1982. John unexpectedly passed away in the spring. In honor of his close friend and fraternity brother, Drew Forhan ’81 established the John D. Tortorella Student Ambassador Endowed Fund with a goal of raising at least $40,000.

The Schmidthorst College of Business always held a special place in John’s heart, and the success of the student ambassador program was important to John because of the impact it has on students. John and his wife, Michelle ’83, enjoyed their time interacting with student ambassadors. The John D. Tortorella Student Ambassador Endowed Fund is the first endowed scholarship to support the program. Forhan promised to match all donations to the fund, up to $10,000.

The Schmidthorst College of Business Student Ambassador Program utilizes a select group of knowledgeable, motivated and enthusiastic student leaders to assist the dean and the college with engaging business alumni, current students and prospective students.

Ambassadors have a passion for BGSU and the Schmidthorst College of Business. They also attend alumni events and plan, coordinate and staff the Business Olympics. The student ambassador program has led to increased student retention and enrollment.

“John was a man who made a difference,” Forhan said. “Having a student receive a scholarship named after John is a wonderful way to continue his legacy at BGSU.”

Support the John D. Tortorella Endowed Fund