Building a Stronger Ohio

OFIC & The Nord Family Foundation Featured in Ohio Business Magazine’s Ohio’s Guide to Colleges and Universities 2023 

Read Full Article

In Ohio, only 38% of the workforce possesses a two or four-year degree or a certified marketable skill, falling short of the projected 65% demand. OFIC is committed to ensuring that every student enrolled in one of its 33 member campuses has the opportunity to complete their college education. Collaborating with corporations and foundations, OFIC works to make this vision a reality by promoting affordable education made possible through scholarships and funding, dedicated to fostering a comprehensive independent collegiate experience.

OFIC's statistics reveal that 52% of students at member campuses graduate with a bachelor’s degree in four years, surpassing the 36% rate at public institutions. Moreover, OFIC campuses graduate 38% of students of color, compared to 29% at public colleges. The mission of OFIC is to advance equity, expand access to opportunities, and foster thriving and inclusive communities, a mission supported by numerous donors, including The Nord Family Foundation.

Since 1988, The Nord Family Foundation has contributed over $145 million to various charitable endeavors, with a focus on giving back to the local community, particularly Lorain students. The foundation emphasizes the personal touch in their work, hosting annual dinners to meet recipients and witness the impact of their contributions firsthand.

In addition to scholarships, OFIC plays a vital role in establishing internship programs, exemplified by The Nord Family Foundation's pilot initiative in Lorain County. This initiative aims to cultivate a talent pipeline by providing students with invaluable work experience while supporting nonprofit organizations. Collaborations like OFIC and The Nord Family Foundation contribute to addressing Ohio’s workforce needs, fortifying a more robust and skilled talent pipeline in the process.

For more information about The Nord Family Foundation and OFIC, read the full article here.

Introducing TalentedU: Empowering Students for Career Success

In today's rapidly changing and fiercely competitive job market, the focus on nurturing talent for Ohio's workforce and its future prosperity has never been more crucial. The Ohio Foundation of Independent Colleges (OFIC) today announces a significant step in supporting this direction by introducing an exciting new program, TalentedU, designed to provide member campuses with valuable resources to enhance the career readiness of their students. 

What is TalentedU?

TalentedU is a student career-readiness experience that aims to equip member campus students with the skills and competencies they need to boost their career readiness and become even more competitive in seeking internships and full-time jobs. The program consists of eight online modules that students can complete at their own pace or together with a faculty or staff member. These modules are carefully crafted to align with the National Association of Colleges and Employers (NACE) competencies, making them highly relevant and practical for students.

The eight career-readiness modules covered by TalentedU are as follows: 

  • Career & Self-Development 

  • Communication 

  • Critical Thinking 

  • Equity & Inclusion 

  • Leadership 

  • Professionalism 

  • Teamwork 

  • Technology 

OFIC partnered with Intern Bridge, a national leader in experiential education research & consulting to carefully develop the student experience with the 8 NACE Career Readiness pillars as a model. Each module offers a unique learning experience, combining videos and typed responses to ensure that students gain a comprehensive understanding of these essential competencies. 

How to Receive an OFIC Career Readiness Badge Through Credly

By completing all eight modules, students will earn a digital career readiness badge through Credly, the largest and most-connected digital credential network which is widely recognized in the eyes of employers. The digital career readiness badge through Credly adds a practical dimension to the program. It serves as a tangible recognition of a student's dedication and achievement in acquiring these crucial skills. This badge can be proudly displayed on resumes and LinkedIn profiles, catching the eye of potential employers and setting candidates apart from the competition. 

“One of the standout features of the TalentedU program is its flexibility,” stated Dr. Robert Shindell, Intern Bridge Founder and CEO. “The online, self-paced format allows students to engage with the material at their own convenience, making it accessible to a wide range of individuals with different schedules and commitments. It's a perfect fit for both traditional and non-traditional students.”

The significance of these competencies cannot be overstated in today's job market. Employers are not only seeking candidates with academic knowledge but also those who possess the skills required to thrive in a professional setting. TalentedU acknowledges this need and will set OFIC students apart from others seeking internships and full-time jobs upon graduation.

“For our 33 member campuses and their students, the TalentedU program is a game-changer,” said Bill Spiker, OFIC President. “It provides an invaluable resource to help students become job-ready individuals with a competitive edge over other college students. The partnership between OFIC and member-campus Career Centers highlights a commitment to preparing students for the challenges and opportunities that lie ahead in their careers and lives.”

“TalentedU is a transformative program that empowers students to become confident and capable professionals,” said Melanie Garrabrant, OFIC’s Manager of Business Partnerships. “By aligning with NACE competencies and offering a digital badge through Credly, this program is a testament to OFIC's dedication to enhancing the educational experience and preparing students for a successful future. The launch of TalentedU is a momentous step in helping OFIC students successfully cross the bridge from campus to career,” added Garrabrant. 

“Talent for Ohio” is a theme of the OFIC Strategic Plan and the launch of TalentedU is an objective as we look to both fulfill that plan and connect students with Ohio employers. The power of partnership and innovation in Ohio’s independent higher education sector will strengthen and support Ohio’s economy. 

 Learn more at ofic.org/talentedu or contact talentedu@ofic.org.  

OFIC Welcomes Melanie Garrabrant as Manager of Business Partnerships

Garrabrant joins the team to foster connection and collaboration among students, campus career center staff, and corporations to ensure a strong talent pipeline in Ohio.

Melanie Garrabrant, Manager of Business Partnerships

The Ohio Foundation of Independent Colleges (OFIC) announces the appointment of Melanie Garrabrant as Manager of Business Partnerships, a new role for OFIC under the strategic theme of Talent for Ohio.

Garrabrant will work closely with OFIC President Bill Spiker and members of the OFIC team to cultivate engagement and relationships with students, OFIC campus career center staff, and business and industry partners. Engaging resources and interactive career events will encourage connectivity and partnerships to foster growth of the next generation of talent for Ohio’s growing economy.

Talent for Ohio

With a strategic focus on forging partnerships between member campuses and corporate Ohio, The Ohio Foundation of Independent College’s (OFIC) Talent for Ohio initiative is set to boost the trajectory of student success while addressing critical workforce needs. Rooted in a deep understanding of the potential that graduates bring to the table, Talent for Ohio emerges as a compelling pillar of OFIC's ambitious three-year strategic plan.

Bill Spiker, President

At the heart of this initiative lies a profound recognition of the power of partnerships. Bill Spiker, President of OFIC, emphasized that while OFIC has been focused on its fundraising efforts over its 73-year history, the organization is now set to expand its mission by partnering with member campuses to forge lasting career and philanthropic connections with the corporate landscape of Ohio.

“The initiative is grounded in the belief that graduates from member campuses represent a wealth of potential, which can be harnessed to benefit students, businesses, and the state,” Spiker said.

The updated vision and mission statements of OFIC reflect this intentional expansion with the Talent for Ohio initiative serving as a new opportunity for corporate Ohio and OFIC students. Spiker noted, “While our traditional focus on scholarship fundraising remains unwavering, the strategic plan introduces pathways to internships, part-time jobs and full-time career opportunities to support OFIC students and Ohio's economy.”

Introducing Our New Manager of Business Partnerships, Melanie Garrabrant

In the newly created position, Melanie Garrabrant will be responsible for orchestrating these connections, helping to align students with corporations seeking talented individuals. This role will create a powerful synergy that not only addresses immediate workforce needs but also lays the foundation for a sustainable and thriving economy in Ohio.

With Ohio's unemployment rate at an all-time low, Spiker noted that the demand for bachelor-degreed talent has never been greater. “This presents a unique opportunity for OFIC and its member campuses to provide students with targeted career-readiness modules, named TalentedU; giving them a competitive edge in a highly dynamic job market,” he said. “Melanie’s contributions will help shape the future of our students and ultimately strengthen Ohio's workforce. Her depth of student engagement experience will make a real difference in the lives of these young professionals, guiding them towards a prosperous and fulfilling future.”

About Melanie

Welcome, Melanie!

With over a decade of leadership experience in higher education in the areas of enrollment and academics, Melanie Garrabrant brings a wide breadth of experience connecting college students to careers. In her most recent role as a Dean of Arts and Sciences at Central Ohio Technical College (COTC), Garrabrant collaborated with business and industry professionals and faculty to assess and align academic curriculum to ensure students were acquiring the knowledge and skills needed for their career pursuits. Additionally, as a former Director of Admissions, Garrabrant developed and implemented events to promote academic majors and inform students about career opportunities, often including business and industry professionals in those events to directly connect students and employers.

Garrabrant also has years of experience as an adjunct instructor. She holds a Master of Arts in Rhetoric and Writing from The University of Findlay, as well as a Bachelor of Arts in Interdisciplinary Studies from Capital University, both OFIC member campuses. She has taught courses in composition, literature, and research methods both in person and online. Teaching affords Garrabrant opportunities to gain first-hand insight from students about their college experience and aspirations. 

Excited and honored to fill a new role, Garrabrant looks forward to working with the OFIC team, its 33 member campuses, and business partners. Welcome, Melanie!

OFIC connects students across 33 member campuses with Ohio’s top corporations and foundations to make the dream of completing their bachelor’s degree a reality through scholarships, internships, and career opportunities. Learn more at ofic.org.

OFIC Inspiration Awards recognize excellence in diversity and inclusion

The Ohio Foundation of Independent Colleges (OFIC) celebrated the outstanding achievements of individuals and programs in promoting diversity, equity and inclusion at the 2023 Diversity Forum held on Tuesday, October 17, 2023.

The first OFIC Inspiration Awards were announced during the event, a new tradition OFIC has implemented to recognize people and programs that celebrate diversity and embrace all the ways our member campuses and communities can encourage our unique abilities and experiences for the greater good. We’re honored to highlight the inaugural award winners.


The Wayfinders Program at John Carroll University

The Wayfinders Program at John Carroll University has made remarkable strides in improving the professional readiness of students seeking internships, employment and graduate education opportunities. The organization has created a bridge between students, faculty members and local businesses, providing essential real-world experience to complement their classroom learning.

Zarrelli and President Bill Spiker.

Ayse Selen Zarrelli, accepting the award on behalf of John Carroll University, noted that the program primarily serves historically underserved and marginalized communities, including first-generation students, those from low-socioeconomic backgrounds, students with disabilities, students of color, LGBTQ+ students and students with interreligious diversity.

With partnerships formed with 52 nonprofit organizations and 42 for-profit organizations, the Wayfinders Program's accomplishments include offering 73 paid micro-internships totaling 2,920 hours of paid hourly work. Additionally, 26 students received long-term project opportunities, full-time internships and other valuable experiences. Click here to learn more about JCU’s Wayfinders Program.


Ralph Smithers, Jr. of Encova Insurance

Ralph Smithers, Jr., a dedicated advocate for independent higher education, has made significant contributions to promoting diversity and inclusion among students, faculty, corporations and community members.

Smithers and President Spiker.

Over the past four years, Smithers has been a driving force behind supporting OFIC's Diversity Forum. He has connected the organization with corporate and community partners and offered valuable insights to enhance the program, serving as a planning committee member and a presenter. Additionally, Smithers serves on OFIC's Board of Trustees.

OFIC recognized Smithers as a vital partner who cares deeply about the student experience and the importance of diversity, equity and inclusion.


The OFIC Inspiration Awards proudly recognizes the Wayfinders Program and Ralph Smithers Jr., for their commitment to providing students with transformative experiences. The awards encourage and inspire others to continue making a positive impact on the education landscape in Ohio.

To learn more about the OFIC Inspiration awards, click here.

Member Campuses highlighted in U.S. News Best College rankings

The Ohio Foundation of Independent Colleges (OFIC) represents a diverse group of institutions, each with its unique strengths and features. Recently, several member campuses have received recognition by the U.S. News Best College rankings, for their academic excellence, value and commitment in many areas.

John Carroll University is positioned as the 3rd best regional university in the Midwest, recognized for its outstanding teaching practices and innovative approach. Hiram College also shines as it secures the 10th position among the best regional colleges, emphasizing its commitment to providing excellent value.

Several colleges including Ashland University, Baldwin Wallace University and Capital University, have achieved commendable rankings in categories such as best value schools and colleges for veterans.

Many of our member campuses placed in the social mobility category.

Denison University, a national liberal arts college, stands out for its innovation and ranks 39th.

Kenyon College, Oberlin College and The College of Wooster among others have received recognition for their contributions to liberal arts education and various programs.

OFIC fosters collaboration and support among our member campuses, collectively enhancing higher education in Ohio. Continue scrolling to read the full awards list for our member campuses.

Awards List:

Ashland University: #27 in best value schools, #36 in best colleges for veterans, #40 in top performers on social mobility

Baldwin Wallace University: #6 in best regional universities in the midwest

Bluffton University: #22 in best regional universities in the midwest

Capital University: #47 in Regional Universities Midwest (tie), #45 in Best Value Schools, #535 in Nursing (tie), #38 in Best Colleges for Veterans, #128 in Top Performers on Social Mobility (tie)

Cedarville University: #21 in Regional Universities Midwest (tie), #61 in Best Value Schools, #40 in Best Undergraduate Engineering Programs (tie), #263 in Nursing (tie), #7 in Best Colleges for Veterans (tie), #82 in Top Performers on Social Mobility

Defiance College: #50 in Regional Colleges Midwest (tie), #52 in Top Performers on Social Mobility (tie)

Denison University: #39 in National Liberal Arts Colleges (tie), #65 in Best Value Schools, #181 in Economics (tie), #6 in Most Innovative Schools, #71 in Top Performers on Social Mobility (tie)

The University of Findlay: #332 in National Universities (tie), #198 in Top Performers on Social Mobility (tie)

Franciscan University of Steubenville: #26 in Regional Universities Midwest (tie), #21 in Best Value Schools, #576 in Nursing (tie), #11 in Best Colleges for Veterans (tie), #37 in Top Performers on Social Mobility (tie)

Franklin University: #149-164 in Regional Universities Midwest, #576 in Nursing (tie), #145 in Top Performers on Social Mobility (tie)

Heidelberg University: #53 in Regional Universities Midwest (tie), #28 in Best Value Schools, #26 in Top Performers on Social Mobility (tie)

Hiram College: #10 in Regional Colleges Midwest (tie), #4 in Best Value Schools, #5 in Top Performers on Social Mobility (tie)

John Carroll University: #3 in Regional Universities Midwest, #31 in Best Value Schools, #7 in Best Undergraduate Teaching (tie), #6 in Most Innovative Schools (tie), #74 in Top Performers on Social Mobility

Kenyon College: #39 in National Liberal Arts Colleges (tie), #66 in Best Value Schools, #145 in Economics (tie), #15 in Best Undergraduate Teaching, #176 in Top Performers on Social Mobility (tie)

Lake Erie College: #142 in Regional Universities Midwest (tie), #128 in Top Performers on Social Mobility (tie)

Lourdes University: #120 in Regional Universities Midwest, #472 in Nursing (tie), #45 in Top Performers on Social Mobility (tie)

Malone University: #101 in Regional Universities Midwest (tie), #472 in Nursing (tie), #53 in Top Performers on Social Mobility (tie)

Marietta College: #18 in Regional Colleges Midwest, #13 in Best Value Schools, #234-273 in Best Undergraduate Engineering Programs, #48 in Top Performers on Social Mobility (tie)

University of Mount Union: #32 in Regional Universities Midwest (tie), #18 in Best Value Schools, #203 in Best Undergraduate Engineering Programs (tie), #55 in Top Performers on Social Mobility (tie)

Mount Vernon Nazarene University: #67 in Regional Universities Midwest (tie). #234-273 in Best Undergraduate Engineering Programs, #472 in Nursing (tie), #15 in Top Performers on Social Mobility (tie)

Muskingum University: #46 in Regional Universities Midwest, #8 in Best Value Schools, #234-273 in Best Undergraduate Engineering Programs, #45 in Best Colleges for Veterans, #10 in Top Performers on Social Mobility

Notre Dame College: #53 in Regional Colleges Midwest, #52 in Top Performers on Social Mobility (tie)

Oberlin College: #51 in National Liberal Arts Colleges (tie), #86 in Best Value Schools, #16 in Writing in the Disciplines, #51 in First-Year Experiences (tie), #30 in Senior Capstone, #32 in Best Undergraduate Teaching (tie), #145 in Top Performers on Social Mobility (tie)

Ohio Dominican University: #95 in Regional Universities Midwest (tie), #61 in Top Performers on Social Mobility (tie)

Ohio Northern University: #2 in Regional Colleges Midwest, #3 in Best Value Schools Business Programs, #23 in Best Undergraduate Engineering Programs (tie), #12 in Electrical / Electronic / Communications (tie)

Ohio Wesleyan University: #116 in National Liberal Arts Colleges (tie), #137 in Top Performers on Social Mobility (tie)

Otterbein University: #20 in Regional Universities Midwest, #26 in Best Value Schools, #234-273 in Best Undergraduate Engineering Programs, #319 in Nursing (tie), #6 in Best Colleges for Veterans, #12 in Best Undergraduate Teaching (tie), #89 in Top Performers on Social Mobility (tie)

Tiffin University: #145 in Regional Universities Midwest (tie), #135 in Top Performers on Social Mobility (tie)

Ursuline College: #88 in Regional Universities Midwest (tie), #183 in Nursing (tie), #37 in Top Performers on Social Mobility (tie)

Walsh University: #352 in National Universities (tie), #472 in Nursing (tie), #164 in Top Performers on Social Mobility (tie)

Wilmington College: #29 in Regional Colleges Midwest (tie), #7 in Top Performers on Social Mobility (tie)

Wittenberg University: #152 in National Liberal Arts Colleges (tie), #174 in Top Performers on Social Mobility (tie)

The College of Wooster: #75 in National Liberal Arts Colleges (tie), #57 in Best Value Schools, #14 in Undergraduate Research/Creative Projects, #27 in First-Year Experiences (tie), #3 in Senior Capstone, #20 in Best Undergraduate Teaching (tie), #132 in Top Performers on Social Mobility (tie)

OFIC Makes a Move to The Point at Otterbein University 

The Ohio Foundation of Independent Colleges (OFIC), a nonprofit organization dedicated to supporting students attending independent colleges and universities in Ohio, has moved from their former location in downtown Columbus to a new space at The Point at Otterbein University. 

Pictured at The Point during a summer planning meeting are Bill Spiker, Tacarra Davis, Brett Fields, Judy Moehl, Loren Hughes, Darby Mulligan, Lori Burrows, and Amy Bartter. 

The Point, a community-accessible space, boasts over 61,000 square feet of learning labs, maker space, networking facilities, event space and designated co-working areas and offices. OFIC will be joining 10 other businesses within The Point, including both startups and established companies.

The move is a significant change for OFIC, which has been in or near downtown Columbus since its founding in 1950. Now, they will be situated within a student-centric space on one of their 33-member campuses. 

OFIC President Bill Spiker expressed his excitement about the move, citing the numerous benefits that The Point will provide to the organization. "We are thrilled to be moving to this contemporary learning and business partner facility," he said. "The Point offers a unique opportunity for us to engage with students who are talented, innovative thinkers and makers. We'll be able to leverage being on campus and avail ourselves of resources available here to help further our mission of connecting donors and partners with students in need, impacting Ohio’s economic engine." 

The move will also bring OFIC greater visibility within the campus and Westerville community and easy access to the resources and collaboration opportunities available at The Point. 

Otterbein University President John Comerford expressed his excitement about OFIC's presence on university grounds. "OFIC is a great addition to The Point and we welcome them as our 11th business partner. Their organizational commitment to leveraging philanthropic and career partnerships aligns with Otterbein's mission to prepare students for successful careers and fulfilled lives. We look forward to seeing the positive impact that they'll have on our community." 

The move to The Point at Otterbein University represents an exciting new chapter for OFIC and a significant step forward in their work to support students through scholarship fundraising and career connections with corporate Ohio. OFIC is poised to continue making a positive impact on Ohio's higher education landscape for years to come. 

OFIC’s new addresses: 

Office Address: The Ohio Foundation of Independent Colleges, 60 Collegeview Rd. Suite 107 Westerville, OH 43081 

Gift and Payment Address: The Ohio Foundation of Independent Colleges, PO Box 631454, Cincinnati, OH  45263-1454 

Learn more at www.ofic.org or contact us info@ofic.org.

Join the OFIC Team as the Manager of Business Partnerships! - Applications Are Closed

Are you passionate about connecting talented students with career opportunities in corporate Ohio that will shape the future of Ohio? Do you thrive on building meaningful partnerships between educational institutions and businesses? If so, the Ohio Foundation of Independent Colleges (OFIC) has an exciting opportunity for you to make a significant impact in the newly created position of Manager of Business Partnerships! 

Position Summary: 

As the Manager of Business Partnerships, you will play a pivotal role in promoting and coordinating OFIC's efforts and programming under our strategic theme of Talent for Ohio benefiting students on our 33-member campuses. Your focus will be on two key audiences: OFIC students and campus career center staff, as well as human resources and talent acquisition professionals in Ohio corporations and businesses. Your mission is to foster connections and collaborations which will ensure a strong talent pipeline for the state. 

5 Key Reasons to Join Us: 

  1. Be a Catalyst for Change: You will be at the forefront of developing Ohio's talent landscape by nurturing valuable connections and partnerships between students and employers. 

  2. Impactful Position: Your efforts will directly contribute to the success and growth of OFIC's mission to empower students and shape their future. 

  3. Work-Life Flexibility: After an initial onboarding period, remote work options are available, allowing you to balance work and personal commitments. 

  4. Supportive Team: You will be part of a dynamic team, working closely with the OFIC President and staff, as well as collaborating with diverse stakeholders. 

  5. Ohio Focus: Stay connected to the local community by residing in Ohio and actively participating in OFIC events. 

Candidates and Compensation: 

OFIC is an equal opportunity employer, and we value diversity, inclusion, and equity as we seek applicants from all backgrounds to ensure we have the strongest team possible. We provide a generous comprehensive group benefits program including health insurance, dental, and vision coverage at no cost to our employees and at 50% cost for added dependents. We also make a contribution to your retirement account, offer several paid holidays and PTO days. Learn more about our HR benefits here. The salary range for this position is $45,000 to $55,000, based on your level of applicable experience. A full job description is available for your review here.  

Application Process: 

Application review will begin immediately, candidates are encouraged to apply by September 22, 2023. To apply, please email a cover letter and resume to OFIC at application@ofic.org.  Applications will continue to be accepted until the position has been filled. 

If you are ready to make a positive impact on the future of Ohio's talent landscape, we encourage you to apply for the Manager of Business Partnerships position today! Come join our passionate team and be part of a purpose-driven journey to transform lives and foster a thriving workforce in the great state of Ohio. 

Nord Family Foundation Contributes $150,000 to OFIC Students

It is with great thanks that we acknowledge 70 years of partnership with The Nord Family Foundation. The foundation has graciously supported numerous OFIC member campus students through scholarships over the past seven decades. Their recent gift increase and agreement to hire Lorain County students as interns for a local non-profit aligns with OFIC’s Campus to Career initiatives aimed at driving talent for Ohio and the Nord Family Foundation’s commitment to student success. The new program highlights the importance of partnerships and collaboration in driving talent development and creating opportunities for students to succeed in their chosen career paths. It also showcases the positive impact that foundations like The Nord Family Foundation can have on the community by investing in education and supporting non-profit organizations.

About the Nord Family Foundation

Since 1988, The Nord Family Foundation has contributed more than $145 million to philanthropic and charitable endeavors, throughout Lorain County and beyond. The Nord Family Foundation is a successor to a charitable trust established in 1952 by the entrepreneur and industrialist W.G. Nord.

Mr. Nord and his family believed that it was both responsible and prudent for a business to invest in the community it served, and formed a private foundation to be consistent in that investment even as the business reflected the cyclical nature of its earnings.

The U.S. Automatic (and later Nordson) Foundation contributed more than $101 million to a wide variety of charitable causes between 1953 and 1988, primarily in Lorain County, Ohio. Walter Nord’s widow left the bulk of her estate to the Foundation, which consisted largely of stock in Nordson Corporation. In 1988, Nordson Foundation was dissolved, and The Nord Family Foundation was one of two entities created to follow it.

OFIC Welcomes Lisa Stavsky to Board of Trustees

In her position with WesBanco, Lisa Stavsky plans and directs WesBanco Securities and WesBanco Insurance Services policies, objectives, and initiatives, including annual business and strategic plans, performance/production goals, selection of investment and insurance products and personnel. Lisa is responsible for the short and long-term profitability/growth and day-to-day operations of both lines of business. Most recently, Lisa added volunteering as a corporate trustee on the Ohio Foundation of Independent Colleges (OFIC) Board of Trustees to her responsibilities.

Lisa Stavsky, President & CEO, WesBanco Securities; CEO, WesBanco Insurance Services

Lisa has been with WesBanco since 2019. Prior to WesBanco, she held the role of Wealth Management Director for the state of Ohio with TIAA working out of the Dublin, Ohio regional office. The majority of Lisa’s career included 23 years at PNC (National City) in a variety of roles including Financial Advisor, Regional Investment Sales Manager, and Senior Vice President, Territory Director at PNC Investments.

Lisa holds several FINRA licenses (Series 7, 24, 53, 63 and 65) along with Property & Casualty insurance, and Life & Health insurance licenses from the State of Ohio. She holds her BA from Brooklyn College (Brooklyn, NY, part of the City University of NY), an MBA from Capital University and is a doctoral candidate in Business Administration from Franklin University. Lisa earned a graduate degree from The CBA Executive Banking School in 2005 and holds the Chartered Retirement Planning Counselor™ designation from the College of Financial Planning.

Relocating with her husband Seth from New York City to Columbus in 1993, Lisa loves the Buckeye state, and Columbus truly feels like home. Lisa & Seth have 3 married children who live in Columbus, Cleveland, and New York City, with two grandchildren and another on the way!

OFIC connects students across 33 member campuses with Ohio’s top corporations and foundations to make the dream of completing a college education a reality through scholarships, internships, and career opportunities. Learn more at ofic.org.



OFIC Welcomes Pam Lebold, CPA, to Board of Trustees

Pam’s career began with a Big 4 firm in Cleveland when she joined Maloney + Novotny in 1998. In 2006, she accepted a position as Director of Internal Audit at Case Western Reserve University (CWRU) and rejoined Maloney + Novotny in 2008 as a director of their not-for-profit Group. She was promoted to Shareholder in 2013 and is one of the newest members of the Ohio Foundation of Independent Colleges (OFIC) Board of Trustees.

Pam Lebold, Shareholder at Maloney + Novotny

Pam has concentrated her efforts working with not-for-profit clients. Her wide variety of professional experience in audit and public accounting coupled with her team-oriented values complements Maloney + Novotny’s diversified not-for-profit services team.

Pam graduated from Bowling Green State University in 1989 with a Bachelor of Science in Business Administration degree and became a certified public accountant in 1991. She is a member of the American Institute of CPAs and the Ohio Society of Certified Public Accountants. Pam serves on the Finance Committee for the Cleveland Animal Protective League.

OFIC connects students across 33 member campuses with Ohio’s top corporations and foundations to make the dream of completing a college education a reality through scholarships, internships, and career opportunities. Learn more at ofic.org.


OFIC Welcomes Troy Singer to Board of Trustees

Marketer. Leader. Connector. Golfer. CrossFit enthusiast and Lifelong learner - a few phrases that best describe Troy Singer, Digital Marketing Specialist at Ring Digital and one of the newest members of the Ohio Foundation of Independent Colleges (OFIC) Board of Trustees.

Troy Singer, Digital Marketing Specialist at Ring Digital

An urban dweller raised on a cattle farm, Singer has 29 years' experience managing executive accounts. Having increased an account's revenue from $600K to $10M, and maintaining it for six years, his success is evident in the numbers. Singer was awarded Supplier of the Year from P&G – one of 8 out of 70K suppliers, and co-created and currently produces a podcast ranked as one of the best in Higher Ed, The Higher Ed Marketer Podcast.

Troy has been active on community boards including as Board President/Board Member of the Dayton Area Habitat for Humanity, the Dayton-Montgomery Port Authority, and the Community Improvement Corp of Dayton.

Singer joins recent new OFIC Trustees, Pam Lebold and Lisa Stavsky. Welcome and thank you for your dedication to the success of the Ohio Foundation of Independent Colleges!

OFIC connects students across 33 member campuses with Ohio’s top corporations and foundations to make the dream of completing a college education a reality through scholarships, internships, and career opportunities. Learn more at ofic.org.

OFIC Welcomes Darby Mulligan as Development Associate

Mulligan to specialize in optimizing grant processes, seeking funding for OFIC member campuses and students

The Ohio Foundation of Independent Colleges (OFIC) today announces the appointment of Darby Mulligan as the new Development Associate.

Working closely with our Regional Vice Presidents for Development and members of the OFIC scholarship team, Mulligan’s role will focus on grant solicitations, letters of intent (LOI), proposals, applications, and grant reports to corporations and foundations in support of our 33 member campuses and their students.

Darby Mulligan, OFIC Development Associate

“We are thrilled to be adding Darby Mulligan to our OFIC staff. With her skills and expertise in customer service, advancement services data entry, data analysis, and critical thinking, she will help OFIC with fundraising for scholarships and general support to benefit our members campuses and their students,” President of OFIC, Bill Spiker said.

Mulligan started her career in higher education and advancement at The Ohio State University working as a Development Coordinator. During her graduate work at OSU, she researched Ohio State’s new debt free education initiative. She holds two undergraduate degrees, a Bachelor of Science in Criminal Justice and a Bachelor of Arts in Political Science from Xavier University, a Master of Science in Criminal Justice from the University of Cincinnati, and a second graduate degree of a Master of Public Administration and Leadership from The Ohio State University.

Mulligan is excited to start this new journey and be a part of the OFIC staff and community. Welcome, Darby!

OFIC connects students across 33 member campuses with Ohio’s top corporations and foundations to make the dream of completing their bachelor’s degree a reality through scholarships, internships, and career opportunities. Learn more at ofic.org.

2023 Spring Awards Luncheon Recap

“The shortest distance to leadership is service.” Myles Munroe

The Ohio Foundation of Independent Colleges (OFIC) recognized two individuals who embody the ‘leadership is service’ principle on a daily basis. George Fenton, 2023 Earl F. Morris Trustee Award recipient and Eddie Harrell, 2023 Hall of Excellence inductee were honored on April 19 at the 2023 Awards Luncheon hosted at The Grand Event Center in Columbus, Ohio.

OFIC held its Board of Trustees spring meeting. Highlights include:

  • Credo, a leading higher education consulting firm, presentation on the results of a recent OFIC board survey aimed at board engagement

  • Acceptance of three new board members:

  • Passing of the Board Chair Gavel

    • From existing OFIC Board Chair, Randy Marker, to Board Chair Elect, Barbara Britenriker, effective July 1, 2023


Awards Luncheon

Earl F. Morris Trustee Award

The Earl F. Morris Trustee Award was presented by Marietta College President, Bill Ruud, to George Fenton, a Marietta College Trustee. The award’s namesake, Mr. Earl F. Morris, was a faithful and dedicated OFIC Trustee, volunteer, supporter, and an early inductee himself in the OFIC Hall of Excellence. Established in 2010, the award recognizes long and extraordinary trustee service to an OFIC member campus.

Bill Ruud, George Fenton, Randy Marker, Bill Spiker

As president of Fenton Art Glass and grandson of company founder Frank L. Fenton, George worked closely with other Fenton family members involved in all aspects of the company. With the organization since 1972, George served as foreman of the Decorating Department and manager of manufacturing before becoming president in 1986. He states, "I am most satisfied when I can contribute to solving a difficult production problem."

George graduated with honors from Wesleyan College in 1971 with a B.A. degree in physics and astronomy, and completed the Owner/President Management Program at Harvard Business School in 1989. Born and raised in Williamstown, West Virginia, to Frank and Elizabeth Fenton, both Marietta College graduates, George graduated from Williamstown High School as valedictorian of the class.

Fenton has graciously served on the Marietta College Board of Trustees from 1993 to present, including as its Chair of the Board from 2015-2020. He has been active on many Marietta Advisory Boards and Board Committees including:

  • McDonough Center for Leadership and Business Entrepreneurship Advisory Board 2018-2020

  • Chair of the Presidential Search Committee 2000

  • Member of the Presidential Search Committee 2011

In recognition of his continuous generosity and engagement, he has been honored with the Marietta College Alumni Council Honorary Alumnus Award in 2020. He is often found at campus events such as basketball games and the monthly Physics Colloquium, as well as taking science courses at Marietta College for fun. George continues the family legacy of being passionately involved with Marietta College.

Hall of Excellence Inductee

Eddie Harrell, an outstanding Otterbein University alumnus was inducted into the OFIC Hall of Excellence by Otterbein University President, John Comerford. Harrell joins 138 previously inducted awardees who comprise the membership of the OFIC Hall of Excellence. All of these distinguished OFIC alumni have attained positions of leadership in their professional careers, demonstrated exemplary civic engagement, taken paths of lifelong learning, and been champions of independent higher education in Ohio. In 1987, OFIC initiated the Hall of Excellence to honor outstanding alumni of its member campuses. Each year, OFIC member colleges and universities are invited to nominate an alumna or alumnus to be considered for induction into The Hall of Excellence. Inductees are chosen by a committee of OFIC Trustees based on the criteria of professional achievement; impact on society through service, leadership, scholarship, diversity, inclusion, and equity efforts; sciences, research, arts or elected office; and, service to alma mater. Each of these achievements underscores the value, success, and impact of an independent college education.

Randy Marker, Eddie Harrell, John Comerford, Bill Spiker

William E. (Eddie) Harrell Jr. has been preparing for a life of service to his community since he graduated near the top of his class at Marion-Franklin High School in Columbus as an I KNOW I CAN student. He went on to contribute not only to the program that helped him through school, but also a variety of other civic programs for under-served people. He is currently a champion of diversity and inclusion as the regional vice president overseeing all of Urban One's Ohio markets, including Cleveland, Columbus and Cincinnati.

Mr. Harrell earned his bachelor's degree in business administration from Otterbein University in 1994, and his master's degree in business administration from Ashland University. He began his career with The Kroger Company, holding various management positions while serving on the I KNOW I CAN Board of Directors, first as a student member, then as a full member, and finally on the executive committee.

He eventually took the helm at I KNOW I CAN, becoming executive director and Project GRAD Columbus. I KNOW I CAN is a non-profit organization founded in 1988 on the belief that every child who wishes to pursue higher education should have the opportunity to do so and should not be denied that right because of his or her economic status. Project GRAD's mission is to ensure a quality public school education for at-risk children in economically disadvantaged communities to increase high school graduation rates and prepare graduates for college.

Under Mr. Harrell's leadership, I KNOW I CAN grew from awarding $1 million in Last Dollar Grants to awarding $1.7 million and growth in Last Dollar Grant funding was spurred by an endowment in excess of $22 million. During his tenure, Project GRAD expanded and doubled the number of students served. In 2006, Mr. Harrell became president and CEO of the Columbus Urban League. Founded in 1918, the Columbus Urban League is an affiliate of the National Urban League. During Mr. Harrell's tenure, the organization grew from a budget of $2.7 million to $11.5 million, and the staff increased from 40 to over 100.

In 2011, Harrell joined Radio One, now called Urban One, as vice president and general manager of its three Columbus radio stations. Urban One is a diversified media company that primarily targets African-American and urban consumers. It is the largest African-American owned broadcasting media company and the largest radio broadcaster targeting African-American and urban listeners. Currently, it owns and operates 57 broadcast stations located in 15 urban markets in the U.S. In 2014, he was promoted to vice president and general manager of its Cleveland market, before being named regional vice president of all of Urban One's Ohio markets in 2015.

Mr. Harrell was appointed to the Ohio Civil Rights Commission by Governor Ted Strickland in 2008 and named chairperson of the Commission in 2009. He received the Distinguished Alumni Award from the Otterbein University Alumni Association in 2002 and was inducted into the Otterbein University African American Alumni Hall of Fame in 2008. He serves on the Otterbein Board of Trustees, The Ohio State University Nonprofit Advisory Committee, and has served on the Board of Trustees for COSI, Columbus City Schools Education Foundation, and KIPP (Knowledge is Power Program). Additionally, he has served as a member and in leadership positions for many Columbus area nonprofit boards. He is a member of the Capital Square Rotary Club and currently serves as an Adjunct Faculty member at Franklin University.

Thank You!

OFIC expresses our sincere gratitude to all who joined to celebrate our two honorees and to support private, independent higher education. To our honorees, thank you for your leadership and service to your communities. We look forward to working together to make a positive impact on the 65,000 students at our 33-member campuses and on the economy of the Great State of Ohio.

Core Values of the Ohio Foundation of Independent Colleges

There are three values that guide everything we do at OFIC and define our organization as a whole. At our core, the OFIC Staff and Trustees believe in these values:

  • meaningful connections

  • purposeful stewardship

  • collaborative action

Meaningful connections are all about building relationships that matter. By connecting students on our campuses with scholarship donors, we can help them achieve their dreams of obtaining a bachelor's degree. For over 7 decades, OFIC has been doing this important fundraising work, and many of you have generously helped us along the way. Thank you! 

While keeping our eyes on philanthropy, we are expanding that work by focusing on the strategic theme of "Talent for Ohio." Through our current business partnerships and new ones, we aim to benefit OFIC students who are seeking internships and jobs in Ohio and beyond. These career connections will help us create a supportive network across Ohio and they will also contribute to building a strong economy.

Purposeful stewardship is all about responsible management of the resources we have been entrusted with. We take our responsibility seriously to be wise stewards of the funds that have been generously given to us. Every gift dollar we receive is important, and we are committed to using those resources in the most effective and efficient way possible. We believe in transparency and accountability and take great care to ensure that every donation is used as it’s intended and to its fullest potential.

Collaborative action is all about working together to create positive change. We believe that by collaborating with our business partners, community and government leaders, and campus presidents, we can achieve great things. No one organization can solve the problems alone, but through working together, we can create real and lasting change. We are committed to fostering a spirit of collaboration and partnership that can bring about meaningful progress.

Our commitment to these values allows OFIC to make an even greater impact on the students, our campuses, and the state of Ohio.

How to successfully attend OFIC’s third annual CareerFest on Feb. 15

Virtual career fairs can be overwhelming to navigate, especially if it is your first one, but they are also very beneficial to your future. From internships to jobs, the opportunities are endless when you attend a virtual fair.

On Wednesday, February 15, The Ohio Foundation of Independent Colleges (OFIC) will host their third virtual career fair featuring free student registration AND Ohio’s top companies ready to hire new employees and interns. There is still plenty of time to fully prepare for the virtual fair. Start by reading these steps and the full article to learn how to succeed at this year’s OFIC Virtual CareerFest! Click here to register.

The AT&T Foundation Donates $20,000 to Benefit Students from OFIC’s 33 Member Campuses

At The Ohio Foundation of Independent College’s (OFIC) recent board of trustees meeting, the AT&T Foundation was recognized for their generous $20,000 donation aimed at helping to close the digital divide across OFIC’s member campuses. The digital divide is being combated by the AT&T Foundation in five different categories:

  1. access to the internet

  2. adopting to the internet

  3. affordability

  4. digital literacy

  5. devices

To learn more about the digital divide and the 68 yearlong partnership between OFIC and the AT&T Foundation, click the link below to read the full article.

Get to Know: The Ohio Foundation of Independent Colleges

Since 1950, The Ohio Foundation of Independent Colleges has represented private, higher education in Ohio. With over 75,000 students and 33 member colleges and universities, our non-profit organization not only raises scholarship dollars, but also provides outreach, services, and holds events for supporters to meet potential future employees and lifts up students attending our member campuses.

“We connect corporate Ohio with students from campuses all across Ohio. Thirty-three of the finest independent campuses in Ohio are members,” President of OFIC, Bill Spiker said. “Having the privilege to lead the OFIC team for the past seven years has awarded me the opportunity to facilitate meaningful scholarship, internship, and full-time career connections between our campus presidents, their talented students and Ohio’s top corporations and foundations.”

Our Purpose

33 Independent Campuses

75,000+ Students

OFIC was founded over 70 years ago to conduct annual solicitations from companies and foundations to benefit independent colleges and universities in Ohio. Solicitation is conducted annually with the help of corporate board members who assist our staff in calling on companies and foundations headquartered or doing business in Ohio. In addition, individual donors are sought out who want to further their philanthropic giving to students in need who are pursuing a bachelor’s degree from a member-campus. OFIC raises both unrestricted and restricted gifts including support for scholarships, endowments, and program support for annual Diversity Grants and our long-running Diversity Forum. Unrestricted gifts support needs in areas of the colleges’ choosing, most of them use the funds for student financial aid. Contributing a gift can help multiple students across the state of Ohio.


Our Mission, Values, and Vision

OFIC’s mission is to connect donors and partners with students in need, positively impacting Ohio’s economic engine. Our non-profit organization values meaningful connections, purposeful stewardship, and collaborative action. Our vision is to boldly leverage philanthropic and career partnerships to benefit OFIC students and bolster Ohio’s talent pipeline.

What We Do

Aside from raising scholarship funds to give students the opportunity to reach their goal of attaining a bachelor’s degree, OFIC hosts events including CareerFest where students and donors are able to connect for future employment opportunities and the OFIC Diversity Forum that provides reflection, discussion and actionable outcomes regarding diversity, equity, and inclusion. 

An annual Awards Luncheon is also held to acknowledge graduates of member campuses who have achieved outstanding levels of accomplishment in their career and community service. In addition, an annual award is presented to an outstanding campus trustee who has provided service above and beyond to their college or university’s board of trustees.

Meet the OFIC Team

The people that are a part of the OFIC team who work every day to help independent college students with scholarships and career connections.

Bill Spiker: President. Meet with Bill

Brett Fields: Vice President of Operations

Amy Bartter: Regional Vice President for Development (Northeast and Southeast Ohio). Meet with Amy

Lori Burrows:  Regional Vice President for Development (Central and Western Ohio). Meet with Lori

Loren Hughes: Manager of Scholarship Services 

Tacarra Davis: Information Manager, Scholarship Administration and Assistant to the President

Judy Moehl: Scholarship, Events and Administration Coordinator

From scholarships to diversity grants to unrestricted giving, OFIC is helping to make a difference in the lives of students. Learn more about ways to partner with OFIC.

Accessible, Affordable, and Flexible Higher Education for Transfer Students in Ohio

Accessible, affordable, and flexible higher education for Ohio students is the simple yet powerful mission of The Ohio Consortium for Transfer Pathways to the Liberal Arts. The Consortium has united 14 independent colleges and universities and 11 community colleges in Ohio to remove obstacles and establish transfer pathways to a bachelor’s degree for students at community colleges now and in the future.

A signing ceremony, held on December 7, 2022, at the Ohio Statehouse in Columbus, Ohio, served as an opportunity to highlight the individuals and colleges who made this program possible as well as pledge that all partner institutions will continue to come together to work toward transfer student success.

Watch the full ceremony.

Presidents or provosts from each institution signed a pledge to support access and opportunity for transfer students. Randy Gardner, chancellor for the Ohio Department of Higher Education, provided opening remarks; Jonnie Guerra, senior advisor, Ohio Consortium for Transfer Pathways, Council of Independent Colleges (CIC), spoke on behalf of CIC president Marjorie Hass; and Annie Bezbatchenko, senior program officer for the Teagle Foundation, shared from the perspective of a grantor's support of this and other transfer pathway projects. 

“I am so proud of the work that faculty members and administrators at the 25 institutions have done together to smooth the way for future students to follow these pathways into majors in English, biology, and psychology, as well as building a more welcoming transfer culture to help these students achieve their dreams,” said CIC president Marjorie Hass.

“To sign these pathways after one year of collaboration is a major achievement, and I’d like to thank the faculty work groups for their hard work and collaboration to build these pathways, and the chief academic officers at the 25 participating institutions for leading this work on their campuses,” continued Hass.

In signing the transfer pledge, participants committed to understand and honor their connected roles in enhancing and providing access for students across Ohio. The program accounts for the fact that students’ dreams, goals and educations often evolve course by course, semester to semester, and that courses can be combined to build degree programs. The value of transfer pathways is that they offer an assurance to students that each consortium member believes in and follows a common and proven path to increase student success.

““In this work, we are removing barriers and misconceptions around transfer, clarifying curriculum choices that work for all of us – for the benefit of students, faculty, advisors, and all of our colleges.””
— Consortium Project Director, Winnie Gerhardt

The consortium was launched in the fall of 2021, and made possible through a grant from the Teagle Foundation and Arthur Vining Davis Foundations. 

“OFIC and CIC share a strong and successful partnership. We hold a State Council membership in CIC and all 33 of our members hold institutional memberships,” said OFIC president, Bill Spiker.

“The four-year, $400,000 grant funding for the project was secured by CIC and we were pleased to see Ohio independent campuses develop stronger pathways leading to more liberal arts graduates who will ultimately help boost Ohio’s economy,” continued Spiker.

The Consortium recently announced the approval of three pathways in biology, English and psychology.

View each approved transfer pathway: 

OFIC Welcomes Haris Pratsinakis to Board of Trustees

Haris Pratsinakis

Vice President- Retirement Plan Consultant, Retirement Plan Services

Huntington Bank

A native of Queens, NY, Haris Pratsinakis has been with Huntington for nearly two decades, currently serving as Retirement Plan Consultant, in the Retirement Plan Services Group. He began his Huntington career as a personal banker in a branch location. Currently, Haris holds a series 7, 63, insurance license, and he’s an Accredited Investment Fiduciary (AIF) and Professional Plan Consultant
(PPC).

The Ohio Foundation of Independent Colleges connects students from our 33 member campuses with Ohio’s top corporations and foundations to make the dream of completing a college education a reality through scholarships, internships, and full-time career opportunities. We’re honored to welcome Haris to our Board of Trustees. Learn more at ofic.org.


Finding Tomorrow’s Top Talent - Ohio Business Magazine Feature

Ohio Foundation of Independent Colleges is helping businesses connect to the state’s future workforce

By Corinne Minard, Originally Posted on Ohio Business Magazine

While the current labor market dominates much of the news lately, most business owners know they still need to keep an eye on the future workforce. One way to support and nurture Ohio’s future workforce is to support the Ohio Foundation of Independent Colleges (OFIC).

Randy Marker, chair, Marker Inc., and OFIC Board of Trustees Chair

OFIC is a nonprofit that collects corporate donations and distributes funds to its 33 member colleges and universities. These funds assist the 76,600 students who attend OFIC institutions while also impacting local economies and providing opportunities for corporations to strengthen and multiply their pool of future college-educated workers.

Business leaders across the state have found value in supporting OFIC, including Randy Marker, chair of Marker, Inc., a commercial construction and development company with offices in Columbus and Bellefontaine, Ohio. As a longtime supporter of the organization, he’s had the opportunity to see the value of this support firsthand.