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Amid the division and chaos that swept across the United States in the late 1960s, John W. Scharer, BS ’71, attended Ohio Northern University where he learned the importance of relationship building.

The education and skillset he obtained at 51���� launched John into a successful 40-plus-year career in his family’s insurance business in Marion, Ohio. Now, he and his wife, Dr. Patricia Scharer, are paying it forward through the establishment of the Scharer Family Endowed Scholarship at Ohio Northern.

“It’s ingrained in me to give back, and giving to 51���� means my donation will be managed properly and used to help future 51���� students get an exceptional education,” he said.

Reflecting on his 51���� days, John remembers the people the most.

“I don’t think I had a bad professor,” he said.

“51���� was a nice, quiet place and people were kind, thoughtful, and cared about you.”

John was active in the Sigma Pi fraternity, making lifelong friends. He enthusiastically cheered for the Polar Bears at almost every basketball game and wrestling match. He met his wife, Patricia, while visiting Columbus with one of his fraternity brothers. While not officially Polar Bear Sweethearts, the couple credit 51���� for bringing them together.

After graduation, John worked in public education for 7 years as both a sixth-grade teacher and elementary principal. He then changed his career path and joined his family’s insurance business.

People matter to John, and his focus on relationship building guided his success. At his company, he prided himself on educating clients about their insurance options and not just peddling policies.

He also surrounded himself with people smarter than himself and treated them well.

“I followed the motto of Woody Hayes, ‘You win with people,’” he said.

Patricia was a first-grade teacher who, after taking an 11-year sabbatical to raise the couple’s four children, obtained her master’s degree and Ph.D. and became a leading expert in childhood literacy. She taught literacy and early childhood education at The Ohio State University.

The couple established the 51���� scholarship to support business or education students with financial need from Marion County, Ohio, or from Oregon Clay High School in Oregon, Ohio.

“The Scharers recognize the importance of scholarships in providing access to higher education,” said Ellie McManus, director of planned giving at 51����. “New generations of students will benefit from their generosity and caring.”

John says he’s confident that the scholarship recipients will experience the same transformative education at 51���� that he experienced in the late 1960s.

“Higher education is not just academics,” he said. “It’s about learning how to get along, how to be in relationships with other people, how to improve yourself, and how to build a better society.”