Meredith and Sterling Pfeiffer, Class of 1938
In the spring of 1934, a dedicated Ohio Wesleyan admissions officer traveled to Sterling Pfeiffer's farm in Kenton, Ohio, to offer him a place in the Class of 1938. Even though Sterling applied to several colleges, he was so impressed that an admissions representative walked three-quarters of a mile from the road to the field where he was working that Sterling accepted the admissions offer on the spot.
During his time at Ohio Wesleyan, Sterling was involved with his fraternity Beta Theta Pi, an integral part of his connection to the campus community. Beta Theta Pi allowed Sterling to make lifelong connections with other members, jumpstart his involvement in community service, and serve in prominent leadership roles.
Following his graduation from OWU in 1938, Sterling served his country in World War II as First Sergeant in the 351st Army Corps of Engineers. He fought in D-Day and the Battle of the Bulge, which earned him medals for good conduct and combat service. After the war, Sterling returned to Kenton and before long, he received an opportunity at McDonald Company Investments in Findlay, Ohio. There, Sterling worked as a partner and manager of the Findlay branch. He spent 36 years with the company before retiring in 1995.
Along with the success in his career, Sterling was a civic leader in his community. He was a member of the First Presbyterian Church in Findlay for more than 50 years. Sterling's community involvement extended to the University of Findlay, the Findlay Rotary Club, and the Findlay Hancock Community Foundation. The Foundation served as a partner to Sterling and his wife, Meredith, in their philanthropy, and it was an important vehicle for involving their family in their community philanthropy.
After a long, rewarding life, Sterling passed away in 2006. Before his death, Sterling and Meredith established trusts, which provided income to family members and included a gift to OWU and other charitable organizations. Their careful planning also supported a much-needed restoration of the steeple in their church. According to his daughter, Nadine Middendorf, and grandson, Justin Pfeiffer, "The church and Ohio Wesleyan were the two pillars my grandfather always counted on." Throughout his life, and through his estate planning, Sterling was dedicated to both the Findlay and Ohio Wesleyan communities.
Like Sterling and Meredith, you, too, can use your estate plan to show your love for OWU and create a brighter future for our students. Please contact the Office of Gift Planning at 740-368-3043 or giftplanning@owu.edu to learn more.