One Gift, Endless Impact: Honoring OFIC’s First Donor
Before there were statewide campaigns, 31 member campuses, or decades of scholarships awarded to thousands of students, there was Lucille Grumley. A devoted mother with a son enrolled at Capital University and a deep belief in education and equality, Lucille made a decision in the summer of 1951 that would change the future of higher education in Ohio.
On August 27, 1951, inspired by a newspaper article, Lucille sent in a gift of $5. This marked the very first contribution to what would become the Ohio Foundation of Independent Colleges (OFIC). That $5 gift set in motion a mission that has now spanned 75 years, touching generations of students.
Lucille Grumley
Lucille’s life reflected the values behind that donation. Alongside her husband, Fred, she believed deeply in the principles of peace and equality. Fred had served as a corporal in Europe during World War I, while Lucille poured her energy into the peace movement at home in Columbus. Together, they were advocates for justice, often attending conferences, legislative sessions, and community meetings to speak out against war and inequality. They were proud members of the Fellowship of Reconciliation, an organization devoted to fostering peace among nations and races.
Lucille Grumley
Their passion for equality extended into every part of their lives. Lucille and Fred supported minority-focused causes and worked through their church and social organizations to champion civil rights long before it became a national movement. For Lucille, Martin Luther’s words resonated deeply: “War is the greatest plague that can affect humanity: it destroys religion, states and families. Any scourge is preferable to it.”
In recognition of their advocacy and contributions, both Lucille and Fred Grumley were inducted into the Ohio Senior Citizens Hall of Fame in 1985. Their lives were marked by courage, compassion, and a relentless belief in creating a better world—principles that align perfectly with OFIC’s mission to provide access to education and opportunity.
This past spring, during OFIC’s 75th Anniversary Luncheon, Lucille’s legacy came full circle in a moment that brought the room to its feet. Her son, Fred—whose college education at Capital University was part of what inspired her first gift—stood on stage alongside his own son, Scott, who traveled from Alabama to be there. Together, they shared the story of how one $5 check opened a door to decades of impact.
“To hear from Lucille Grumley’s son, Fred, of that very first gift from his mom as we began our luncheon reminded us that even the smallest act of generosity can be the spark that ignites a powerful and lasting movement,” former OFIC Board Chair, Barbara Britenriker said during her closing remarks.
From that very first donation, OFIC has grown into a transformative force for students across Ohio. Today, the Foundation has provided more than $180 million in scholarships and program support, ensuring that thousands of students have access to the life-changing power of higher education. And it all began with Lucille—her vision, her values, and her willingness to believe in something bigger than herself.
As we celebrate 75 years of impact, we honor Lucille Grumley’s story as a testament to the truth that generosity knows no bounds. Her life reminds us that any act of giving can shape futures, strengthen communities, and leave a lasting legacy.