MARION, OH (MARION COUNTY NOW)—Ohio State University at Marion announced today that the Greg Rose Faculty and Staff Professional Development Endowment has officially surpassed the $100,000 threshold, achieving formal endowment status and ensuring permanent support for campus employees.
The initiative was established by former Dean and Director Gregory S. Rose in collaboration with Catherine Gerber, Director of Development and Community Relations. The fund was designed to protect professional development resources from the fluctuations of general budget cycles.
“Sometimes during tight budget times, professional development funding is reduced or even eliminated,” Rose said. “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.”
The endowment is expected to yield an initial annual distribution of approximately 4.5%, or $4,500 at current levels. These funds will be split equitably, with half reserved for competitive staff proposals and half for faculty. Supported activities include research presentation, conference attendance, workshops, and archival studies.
Gerber noted that while reaching the $100,000 mark is a significant milestone, continued growth is essential to meet campus needs.
“Greg Rose continues to care deeply about investing in people,” Gerber said. “Continued support is what will truly expand opportunities and strengthen the campus over time.”
The fund remains flexible to allow employees to pursue the opportunities most relevant to their specific careers. As the principal grows through further donations, the annual allocation for these opportunities will increase proportionally.
Supporters, alumni, and community members interested in contributing to the endowment can contact Catherine Gerber at gerber.10@osu.edu or 740-725-6069.