OSU-Lima supporters give scholarship donation

LIMA — Tom Francis grew up just a few doors down from Ohio State University in Columbus. He met his wife, Jean, when they were both students at the school. The couple moved to Lima just a few years before OSU opened a regional campus here. Ever since, they have given their share of time and money. They continued Wednesday, donating $50,000 to establish an endowed scholarship fund.“Our roots go way, way back,” Tom said. “We just thought it was the thing to do right now.”School officials on Wednesday introduced the Tom and Jean Francis Family Endowed Scholarship Fund at the school's Gift of Education event, which brings scholarship donors together with students.Scholarships will go to students in Allen County majoring in communications at OSU-Lima. Both graduated with bachelor's degrees in radio speech, Tom in 1956 and Jean the following year.“Support for scholarships and everything not connected to our operational budget is just critical,” said Amanda Miller, director of development. “It is what helps us grow and it helps us to continue to provide the extra things for students that we may not be able to do otherwise.”The scholarship will stipulate that students demonstrate a need. Miller said that, in the current economy, the school is seeing more students in need of help. Eighty-four percent of students receive financial aid. The first scholarships will be awarded in the spring for next fall. It has not been determined how many scholarships will be awarded or for what amount.The Francis family has been involved with the local campus since it opened in Lima 50 years ago. Tom Francis, a retired local radio personality, promoted the school continuously on the radio. “They have been involved since day one,” Miller said. “This was a nice surprise and a really wonderful way for them to really show the community what the university means to them.”The couple's decision to donate to the school was welcomed by family members. Youngest daughter Diane Souder, an OSU graduate, was first to suggest it. “It is something that will last forever and go on forever,” Jean said. “And it is from the whole family.”Tom, who acts as MC at scholarship events, served on the OSU-Lima Citizens Advisory Council for 25 years and was one of the original board of trustees members.He's on the athletic committee and has also been a member of the OSU Alumni Council. He is past president of the Allen County OSU Alumni Association. In 2004, he received the second annual Violet I. Meek Town and Gown Award.“We are still quite active and if you take scarlet and gray out of my wardrobe, there wouldn't be much left,” he said. “We are just very, very loyal.”