Watch Video about Jody Galbreath Phillips and the Giving Circle

Ohio University Women in Philanthropy was created by a group of women serving on The Ohio University Foundation Board in November of 2003. Its purpose is to broaden the base of financial support by women at Ohio University. One important way that Women in Philanthropy works is to engage women through giving circles. A women's giving circle is a group of like-minded women who join to pool their time, talent and resources in order to effect social change.

Working in conjunction with Women in Philanthropy, and through the leadership of former Ohio student-athlete Stacia Taylor, a giving circle has been created to support women's athletics at Ohio University. Contributions will be used to create an endowment for women's athletics that will provide the fiscal assistance needed to build and maintain a complete academic and athletic program of excellence.

For additional information about Ohio University Women in Philanthropy visit www.ohio.edu/development/women.

Jody Galbreath Phillips Giving Circle to Support Women's Athletics

Jody Galbreath Phillips was a long-time, loyal supporter of Ohio Athletics. A 1946 graduate of Ohio University, Jody served the University as a member of the Board of Trustees and in 1974 became the first woman ever to chair the board. She received the Medal of Merit in 1975, was named Alumnus of the Year in 1982 and was awarded the John C. Baker Founder's Award in 1996. Jody also served as National Chairwoman of the Peden Tower Campaign. Her generosity and support of Ohio Athletics has brought prestige to the University and helps carry forward the strong tradition and athletics excellence at Ohio.

In recognition of Mrs. Phillips unwavering dedication and commitment to Bobcat Athletics, the endowment for women's athletics was named in her honor - the Jody Galbreath Phillips Giving Circle to Support Women's Athletics.

For additional information, or to make a contribution, contact Jennifer Bowie, Director of Development, Annual Giving Ohio University at 740.597.2987 or bowiej@ohio.edu

On May 14, 1892, the Ohio University baseball team defeated Marietta College 15-6. In the 115 years since that game, Ohio University Athletics has had thousands of victories and has graduated thousands of student-athletes, while becoming an integral part of the way of life at Ohio University.

The Intercollegiate Athletics Department is currently preparing for the next 115 years of athletics and student-athletes by creating a perpetual endowment fund that will provide financial stability for future Bobcats. The Vernon R. Alden Endowment for Intercollegiate Athletics will be the cornerstone of the next century of Bobcat athletic competition and classroom success.

As Ohio University's 15th president from 1962-1969, Dr. Vernon R. Alden was an integral part of the development of athletics at Ohio University. Through his extraordinary vision the Convocation Center was built. During his presidency the athletics department experienced tremendous success including two football bowl appearances, nine regular season championships and ten tournament championships. The athletics department also captured the Reese Trophy five times for having the best overall men's programs in the Mid-American Conference.

The mission of the endowment is to "Secure the Future of Ohio Athletics Today" by raising a minimum of $2,500,000 in unrestricted operational endowment support in order to improve the financial foundation and long-term health of Ohio Athletics. Reaching this goal would increase the current level of unrestricted operational endowment by 1,856%.

For additional information, or to make a contribution, contact Jim Harris, Associate Athletics Director at 740-593-1197 or harrisj6@ohio.edu.

Ohio Athletics formally announced the initiative on January 17, 2008...read more.

Link to video - click here