"Dan and Diane are two very kind and generous people," President McDavis said. "They understand the impact scholarships can have on the lives of our students. We are a better university through their leadership, service and generosity."

DeLawder completed his nine-year term on the Ohio University Board of Trustees on May 15, most recently serving a two-year term as chair of the board and four previous years as vice chair.  He also served as a member of the Ohio University Foundation Board of Trustees, the fundraising arm of OHIO that supports the educational mission of the university.

"Diane and I are very fond of President and Mrs. McDavis," C. Daniel DeLawder said. "When Dr. and Mrs. McDavis announced their intention to provide scholarship funding in the amount of $50,000, my wife and I concluded quickly that we should match the first family's generosity."

DeLawder graduated from Ohio University in 1971 with a bachelor's degree in education.  He is the chairman and chief executive of Park National Corp. and its subsidiary Park National Bank, headquartered in Newark, Ohio. 

"Private philanthropy enriches the educational excellence of and is vital to the life and future of Ohio University," said Howard R. Lipman, vice president for University Advancement and president and chief executive of the Ohio University Foundation.

"Dan and Diane DeLawder are avid supporters of OHIO, giving of their time, talent, and treasure.  Such gracious gifts from alumni and friends, such as the DeLawders, allow us to provide the opportunity and access to education for generations to come," Lipman added.

The Urban Scholars program provides scholarship support for students from urban school districts who demonstrate academic achievement and financial need. Similarly, the Appalachian Scholars Program supports students from Ohio's Appalachian counties, who demonstrate enthusiasm, motivation to succeed, academic achievement and financial need.