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91Ӱ�� Marion is proud to announce the continued growth of its Greg Rose Faculty and Staff Professional Development Endowment—an initiative created to ensure long‑term, stable support for the professional advancement of campus employees. With the fund now surpassing the $100,000 threshold required for endowment status, the university is calling on supporters to help expand its impact through ongoing contributions.

The vision for the fund originated during a legacy conversation with 91Ӱ��’s Development & Community Relations Director, Catherine Gerber, and former 91Ӱ�� Marion Dean & Director Gregory S. Rose, who sought to create something that would strengthen the campus long after his retirement.

“I was asked what I might be interested in as something to leave a legacy to 91Ӱ�� Marion following my retirement, and this was what I thought would have a lasting impact,” said Rose. “Sometimes during tight budget times, professional development funding is reduced or even eliminated. My thought was that it would be good to establish a non‑general budget fund so at least some ‘protected’ funds could be available regardless of what the overall budget situation was.”

Why Professional Development Matters

Professional development is essential to the future of 91Ӱ�� Marion, supporting activities such as attending conferences, presenting research, participating in workshops, and conducting archival study.

“These opportunities provide learning, exposure to new ideas, and the chance to share expertise with others,” Rose explained. “Being active and visible at conferences or workshops also helps bring more public recognition to the campus.”

“Greg Rose continues to care deeply about investing in people, and this fund ensures his vision for faculty and staff professional growth will continue to benefit the campus for years to come,” said Gerber. “Reaching endowment status is an important milestone, but continued support is what will truly expand opportunities and strengthen the campus over time,” she added.

Endowment Growth and Annual Impact
Now formally established as an endowed fund, the account is expected to yield approximately 4.5% annually—about $4,500 at the current principal level. As the endowment grows, so will the annual allocation available to faculty and staff.

“The generous gifts friends of the campus made to the fund have been humbling recognitions of my service to 91Ӱ�� Marion,” said Rose. “I’ve also been lucky enough to make donations in support of the fund.”

He emphasized that continued giving is essential to expanding the fund’s reach. “The short answer is yes—continued giving is needed. As the principal grows, so does the amount of funding it yields. More donations will mean more professional development opportunities for faculty and staff.”

Accessing the Funds

The fund is structured to support both faculty and staff equitably. Half of the annual distribution will be reserved for competitive staff proposals and half for faculty proposals. Committees will determine the proposal process and evaluation criteria.

“I know that given the current size of the available funds the competition will be tight,” Rose noted. “But perhaps someday there will be sufficient funds to make the competition not so intense.”

Looking Ahead
The fund is intentionally flexible, allowing employees to pursue the professional development opportunities most relevant to their work.

“Staff and faculty who are actively engaged in their work will know what professional development activities will be most beneficial to them, to the campus, and to their careers,” said Rose. “The examples I’ve given shouldn’t be considered limiting—there may be many other experiences that would advance both the individual and the campus.”

A Call for Continued Support

91Ӱ�� Marion encourages alumni, friends, and community members to continue contributing to the endowment to ensure its long‑term strength and impact.

“This fund is here to support growth—now and in the future,” Rose affirmed.

For those interested in giving or learning more contact 91Ӱ�� Marion Director of Development & Community Relations, Cathy Gerber at gerber.10@osu.edu or call 740-725-6069.