From BGSU graduates to philanthropic paragons: McLeod's impact leads to Mathematical Sciences Building renaming

Mitchell B. McLeod '85 spent hours in the building that now bears his name as he worked toward his degree in mathematics before joining the Defense Department and later establishing a leading software company

In recognition of the transformational gift given to Bowling Green State University for capital projects by alumni Mitchell B. and Julie A. McLeod, the University renamed and dedicated the Mathematics Sciences Building as Mitchell B. McLeod Hall with a ribbon-cutting ceremony during Homecoming weekend.  

Faculty, staff, students and alumni gathered to celebrate both the renaming of the building where Mitchell McLeod spent countless hours in the pursuit of his mathematics degree at BGSU and the lasting impact that the philanthropic Falcon Flames’ gift will have in ensuring higher education remains available for future generations at BGSU.  

Mitchell B. McLeod '85 and Julie A. McLeod '85, both graduates of BGSU with degrees in mathematics and social work respectively, forged remarkable paths in their chosen fields. Their dedication to their alma mater has been shown profoundly through their extensive philanthropic endeavors and scholarship initiatives. 

“It is an honor to name this building, a pillar of the BGSU academic experience for more than 50 years, after Mitch and Julie McLeod,” said BGSU President Rodney K. Rogers. “Like thousands of students, Mitch spent countless hours in the building as a student himself, studying to earn his degree, and working in the math lab to help his peers, paving the way for future success. Both Mitch and Julie have created a tremendous amount of public good throughout their careers, and we are grateful for their longtime support of their alma mater and our students. Mitchell B. McLeod Hall will forever be a reminder of the power of hard work and public good.”

In sharing his thoughts about the building, Mitchell McLeod stated, “This building is near and dear to me since I toiled for many hundreds of hours in this building, battling with proofs and theorems and baffling over non-Euclidian geometry. I spent many hours working in the math lab, helping other students become successful. My experiences in this building helped pave the way for my future employment as a cryptanalytic mathematician at the National Security Agency. This naming opportunity is a true honor.” 

Pam Conlin, vice president for Bowling Green State University Advancement and the president and CEO of the BGSU Foundation, Inc., said the McLeods’ dedication to BGSU reflects the heart of University alumni and the power of private philanthropy to help a public university make a transformative impact on students. 

“Mitch and Julie McLeod’s extraordinary generosity will impact the University’s ability to provide an enhanced educational experience, enriching BGSU’s ability to drive public good through our graduates who will make a difference in their families, communities, and professions. Alumni and Falcon Flames, Mitch and Julie are steadfast supporters of Bowling Green State University and our students,” Conlin said.  

Mitchell McLeod embarked on his career as a cryptanalytic mathematician with the U.S. Department of Defense, amassing four Special Performance Awards for his invaluable contributions to vital projects.  

He earned a master’s degree in computer science from Johns Hopkins University in 1990. In 1993, he founded ARCOS, LLC, a software company based in Columbus, Ohio, that specializes in real-time solutions for utilities and power plants to tackle everyday situations and emergencies. Serving as the company's president and chairman until 2013, and a member of its Board of Directors until 2021, McLeod demonstrated his pioneering spirit.  

Additionally, he earned recognition by being inducted into the Paul J. Hooker Center for Entrepreneurial Leadership Hall of Fame in 2018 and served as a member of the BGSU Foundation Board.

Julie McLeod, who was a member of the Alpha Phi sorority and served as a campus tour guide while at BGSU, earned her master's degree in social work from the University of Maryland at Baltimore in 1989. She embarked on her career as a social worker, initially for the state of Maryland and subsequently as a medical social worker for Children’s Hospital and Mount Carmel Health in central Ohio. Her ongoing commitment to philanthropy is evidenced by her role as board vice president of Laces of Love, a charity providing shoes to school-age children, and her active involvement at Grace Place for Children. 

The McLeods, who live in Naples, Florida, have championed student success by establishing the Mitch McLeod Scholarship in Mathematics in 2017. Their support extended to other BGSU scholarships, including the Bridge to BG and the Thompson Working Families Scholarship.  

Furthermore, their generosity encompassed the entire university through contributions to The Excellence Fund for BGSU and the Mathematics and Statistics Department Fund, cementing their positions as members of The Presidents Club and Leadership Circle donor recognition societies.

Originally inaugurated in 1970 as the Mathematical Sciences Building, the expansive 113,000-square-foot building at the corner of Ridge and North College streets now bears the name Mitchell B. McLeod Hall, after BGSU Trustees approved the renaming in June 2023.  

Serving as the gateway to the science complex, Mitchell B. McLeod Hall houses the offices of the Department of Mathematics and Statistics, the Geoffrey H. Radbill Center for College and Life Design, 12 classrooms, a computer classroom, and two science lecture halls. 

The entrance foyer contains a glass sculpture of an icosahedron, a gift from the artist Dominic Labino. 

This renaming and dedication commemorates not only the philanthropic legacy of Mitch and Julie McLeod but also the spirit of academic excellence and generosity that embodies the BGSU community.