Falcon feat

Class of 1965 provides nearly $1.9 million in support to BGSU

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By Jordan Cravens

The Bowling Green State University Class of 1965 has continued building on its legacy by providing more than $1.9 million in support for BGSU and its students at the conclusion of its 50th reunion giving campaign.

A total of 281 class members participated in the campaign, which marked the largest reunion campaign in University history, both in terms of participation and amount raised.

Members of the class were asked to direct their support to two funds: The Class of 1965 Scholarship and the Class of 1965 Learning Commons Support Fund. The Class of 1965 Scholarship will now be awarded to two deserving students on an annual basis. The Learning Commons, known as the tutoring epicenter of campus, also received a substantial increase in financial support from the campaign. The Learning Commons is housed on the first floor of the William T. Jerome Library and is utilized by students from all academic disciplines on campus.

In addition, classmates also directly impacted athletics, Greek Life, various colleges, music, arts, scholarships, BGSU’s Excellence Fund, and more, through their philanthropy. A total of 544 gifts or pledges were made to BGSU by the class during the reunion campaign. 

John Riedl, a member of the Class of 1965 50th reunion committee, and a 40-year veteran of the broadcast industry, provided a lead gift for the campaign, making a $1 million commitment to BGSU. His generosity impacted a variety of areas on campus including student scholarships, the library, athletics and capital projects for the College of Business Administration and School of Media and Communication.

“There are many worthy charities or opportunities to give back to, and my belief in the University, and Dr. Mazey's vision for the University's future, fits perfectly for me,” Riedl said. “The University's growth over the last five years and controlling higher education expenses, under Dr. Mazey, has put the University in a good position for the future. BGSU is going to need all the help it can get to continue on this path, and I'm just happy to help either through a donation or directly participate in projects that BG thinks I can assist in.”

The campaign ran in conjunction with the Class of 1965’s 50th reunion celebration, which took place during Homecoming 2015. The reunion weekend began with representatives from the class walking/riding in the Homecoming parade. Shortly following the parade on Friday was an evening reception at BGSU’s William T. Jerome Library, highlighted by a performance from AcousChicks, an all-female student a capella group. Saturday morning featured a brunch in the Bowen-Thompson Student Union with a performance by Ten40, an all-male student a capella group, as well as an address from President Mazey.

Reunion efforts were led by the Class of 1965 50th Reunion committee: Dave Anderson, Tom Bamburowski, Ted Barron, Bob Curtis, Pam (Doerrer) Gaskill, Tom Glick, Marlene (Booth) Glick, Jim Kehr, Bob Maurer, Chuck Nelson, Marge (Holt) Nelson, Bill Protz, Edna Riecker, John Riedl, Paul Stiffler, Marty Stiffler and Tom Walton.

“My overall memory is being enveloped in a sea of orange and brown, hearing chatter and laughter among classmates who were either renewing old friendships, or were just meeting for the first time,” Gaskill said. “Since the reunion, I am more proud than ever to be a Falcon and especially to be a part of the Class of '65!”

Riedl echoed Gaskill’s sentiments.

“I decided to serve because of my belief in the University and this gave me a hands on ability to give back. The committee turned out to be a bunch of caring and dedicated people as evidenced by the class contribution,” Riedl said.

It’s not too late to join the Class of 1965 in making an impact for BGSU students. Make a gift in support of the Class of 1965’s reunion giving efforts.