At its September meeting, the Ohio University Board of Trustees agreed to participate in a 100 percent annual giving campaign. In pursuit of this goal, each board member will make annual contributions to the university.

"It seemed boring to me to just write a $25 check to say that I had participated in the campaign," Gerthoffer said. "I had already set a personal goal to run the half-marathon to challenge myself beyond academics. I figured, 'Why not tie my giving to that effort and give a much larger sum back?' I knew I could make my contribution go a lot further."

Gerthoffer already has secured $978 in sponsorships and pledges from faculty, staff and fellow trustees, including board Chair C. Daniel DeLawder. The money Gerthoffer raises will be divided between the learning communities and the Precollege advisers in University College.

"It's great to see a student get involved in philanthropy in this way," said Vice President for University Advancement Howard Lipman, who also serves as president and CEO of The Ohio University Foundation. "We are so proud of the initiative and creativity that Lydia has demonstrated in making her gift to the university. She's setting a wonderful example for her fellow students and alumni alike.

"I'd like to see more students become involved in the life of their university like this. And it is very much their university," he continued. "They are our 'alumni in residence,' and they don't need to wait until they graduate to make a real difference."

David Descutner, University College dean and associate provost for undergraduate studies, has pledged $20 for each of the half-marathon's 13 miles to show how much he appreciates Gerthoffer's generosity toward two of University College's signature programs.

"I just think it's wonderful that Lydia has chosen to run a half-marathon to build support for learning communities and Precollege," he said. "Lydia always tells me that were it not for her experience in the political science learning community in her first quarter, she likely would not be here at OU now."

Coming from the small town of Yellow Springs, Ohio, Gerthoffer was hesitant about attending Ohio University. "I wanted to go to a large university, but it was scary to think about being in a classroom with 200 other people," she said.

A Precollege adviser told Gerthoffer about the learning communities. She quickly signed up, and in fall 2004 was part of the political science residential learning community in Tiffin Hall. "The learning communities gave me a small peer group. We studied together and built strong connections. We became like a little family," she said.

The relationships she formed with the students and faculty involved led Gerthoffer not only to declare a major in political science, but also to seek out other leadership positions on campus.

By the end of her freshman year, Gerthoffer was a resident assistant with Residence Life. She became a Precollege adviser in the summer of 2005 and, for the past three years, has been directly involved in helping new students and their parents make smart decisions about their first year at Ohio University. In fall 2007, she served as a peer mentor for the Arts and Sciences learning community for undecided students. She has been a student trustee since June 2006 and is nearing the end of her term.

"I'm sad that my time as a student trustee is ending," Gerthoffer said. "But it's been great to find a way to give back."

Gerthoffer, who expects to earn a bachelor's degree in political science this fall, plans to attend graduate school to study higher education administration and then go on to law school.