ATHENS, Ohio -- R. Budd and Janet Kelsey Werner have committed an additional $500,000 estate related gift to Ohio University and its College of Business as part of the University's Bicentennial Campaign.

"During the past few years, we have made successive gifts and commitments to Ohio University and its College of Business that have resulted in current student scholarships and program support, which are now reinforced by this estate commitment," said the Werners in a joint statement. "Having had a current seven-year, essentially full-time internal role at the university, we are satisfied that additional future resources will enable the college to continue offering the quality business education for present and future students that was provided to Budd about 50 years ago."

Mr. Werner, a 1953 Ohio University graduate, is a retired vice president and chief financial officer of SPX Corp. He serves as an Ohio University College of Business Executive-In-Residence and is a valuable resource for the college's students and faculty, primarily in the areas of accounting and finance.

The Cleveland native also assists in the college's development activities and is a member of its Business Executive Advisory Board, which is comprised of business leaders who consult with the dean, provide counsel regarding the curriculum and join class sessions to share insights and experiences with students and faculty.

In 1995, he was awarded the college's Award for Achievement in Business and in 1997 received Ohio University's Alumni Association Medal of Merit. He also is a member of the Financial Executive International and a board member of the Appalachian Community Visiting Nurse Association, Hospice and Health Services, Inc. and ACEnet Ventures, Inc.

Mrs. Werner, a Purdue University graduate, is active in the Athens community through board service with the Dairy Barn Southeastern Ohio Cultural Arts Center and Planned Parenthood of Southeast Ohio. She also chairs the Alumni Advisory Committee of the Ohio University chapter of Pi Beta Phi sorority.

Ohio University's Bicentennial Campaign has a goal of raising $200 million dollars by 2004, the University's 200th anniversary. The money will be used for scholarships, endowed professorships, technological enhancements, innovative programs, and some capital improvements.