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Ohio State University dentristry students receive $3 million gift for scholarships

The Ohio State University College of Dentistry has received its largest-ever gift -- about $3 million to support scholarships for dentistry students. The donation from the estate of the late Dr. Richard C. Veler and his wife, Betty G. Veler comes at a time when some Ohio universities are raising their tuition because of cutbacks in state funding and removal of a tuition cap.

By Mary Vanac on August 07, 2009 3:03 pm
COLUMBUS, Ohio — The Ohio State University College of Dentistry has received its largest-ever gift — about $3 million to support scholarships for dentistry students.
The donation came from the estate of the late Dr. Richard C. Veler and his wife, Betty G. Veler, both of whom were lifelong supporters of the university. Dr. Veler graduated from the College of Dentistry in 1946. He set up practice in Toledo, Ohio, and began his philanthropy early — a $10 gift to Ohio State in 1948.
He and his wife later donated the money to create the Richard C. Veler D.D.S. and Betty G. Veler Scholarship endowment that supports dentistry students who demonstrate “merit, need, and outstanding moral and ethical character.” The Velers’ estate gift will be added to their existing scholarship endowment.

“Throughout their lives, the Velers were remarkably generous with the University,” said Ohio State President E. Gordon Gee in a written statement. “This latest gift from their estate provides additional resources that will enable future generations of talented young people to pursue their dreams and to earn their degrees at Ohio State. I can think of no more selfless action, and I am deeply grateful.”

The gift for student scholarships comes at a time when some Ohio universities are raising their tuition because of cutbacks in state funding and removal of a tuition cap. Last month, Ohio State said it would freeze tuition for resident undergraduate students for the third academic year in 2009-2010.

“This donation is extraordinary not only because it’s the largest single gift in the history of the college, but also because it’s a gift that’s designated for something we’re in dire need of,” College of Dentistry Dean Carole Anderson said in the statement.

“Our dentistry students pay some of the highest tuition fees in the medical profession and this gift will help us recruit outstanding new students, while also supporting the excellent students we have now who need financial help to complete their education and begin their careers as dental professionals.”

Giving back to university was the goal. “I knew Betty and Richard Veler for more than 40 years, and it was always their intent to leave their estate to the university,” said estate trustee and longtime family friend Frederick Lamb in the statement. “They both felt they’d had a wonderful life because of the education Richard received from the College of Dentistry, and they really wanted to give something back.”