Inspired by her late mother's giving nature, Kathrine Grissom '92 is supporting first-generation OWU students through the Mary Ellen Grissom Endowed Fund.
During her senior year of high school, Kathrine Grissom '92 created a list of colleges and universities to visit as she prepared to go to college the following year. Until her roommate at boarding school suggested a trip to see Ohio Wesleyan University, Kathrine never considered it a possibility. During her trip to OWU, Kathrine fell in love with campus after she was able to meet current students, walk around the academic and residential sides, and sit in on both a theater and English class. She remembers getting into her dad's car after the visit and saying, "If I don't get in here, I won't be going anywhere else."
Reflecting fondly on her time at OWU, she remembers the countless bands and other acts that came to play at the university. One of her favorite performances took place during her freshman year on the outside lawn of Bashford Hall where Edie Brickell and the New Bohemians played. Kathrine remembers people hanging from trees outside as they tried to get a better view of the band. During her senior year, she remembers Adam Sandler and Chris Rock performing a comedic skit. One friend even managed to land an internship with Comedy Central as a result. So many of their experiences at OWU allowed Kathrine and her friends to create connections and move into their professional careers.
On the academic side of things, her acceptance to Ohio Wesleyan required her to maintain certain grades during her freshman year and Kathrine remembers multiple administrators checking with her to ensure she was keeping up with her classes. Kathrine remembers her Italian professor, Dr. Penny Popper, who worked with her every day during office hours and was the first person to detect a learning disability. After Kathrine's learning disability was diagnosed, OWU facilitated tutoring for her and her grades improved from Cs to straight As. She believes at any other institution, especially a larger state school, she would have fallen through the cracks and no one would have realized she needed help. Kathrine seeks to give back to the university because OWU took a chance on her.
Kathrine is committed to investing in the University through an estate gift in honor of her late mother, Mary Ellen Grissom, who died tragically in a car accident when Kathrine was just 8 months old. As Kathrine grew older, she searched for stories about her mother and was moved to learn about Mary Ellen's maternal heart and soul. Mary Ellen put her education aside to support her husband as he made his way through his undergraduate studies and then law school and, due to her untimely passing, was never able to complete her own college education.
This selflessness inspired Kathrine to give first-generation college students the opportunity to pursue their college education without the financial burdens that often accompany it. Kathrine's estate commitment will provide comprehensive support for first-generation students at OWU, not only room and board, but also other expenses such as laptops, medical bills, and transportation expenses. As Kathrine reflects on her time at OWU, she remembers a place that fought tirelessly for her to succeed and she wants to ensure that legacy continues, especially for first-generation students who may struggle financially. The Mary Ellen Grissom Endowed Fund will make this dream to support first-generation students a reality.
You, too, can ensure all OWU students receive the education they desire with your planned gift. Contact the Office of Gift Planning at 740-368-3043 or giftplanning@owu.edu to learn more.