NetJets is the leader in private aviation. We believe that service is everyone’s job and our company mission is “To enhance the life of each owner, one exceptional travel experience at a time.” The NetJets Scholarship was designed to reinforce a love of business aviation and hospitality, reward academic merit and exemplary character, as well as inspire students to consider an exciting and rewarding career with NetJets.

This scholarship is in honor of Merle Fisher.

Gail was a long-time resident of Chillicothe. She taught for many years at Chillicothe High School. She along with her husband, Bob, founded the Eastern Avenue Lumber Company in 1946. Gail was active in many organizations in the community including the Eastern Star, Rainbow for Girls, Trinity United Methodist Church among many others. The scholarship is being given by her nephew, Everett Gallagher, a 1979 graduate and valedictorian of Chillicothe High School.

During the Depression, an attorney in Missouri had a client who couldn’t pay him in money for services, and instead paid him in land. Many years later, this farmland was passed down to a local resident, who in turn subsequently sold the farm. In homage to her ancestors, many of whom were educated women in a time when that wasn’t the “norm,” this local resident started this scholarship with the proceeds from the sale of the farm to help provide higher education funding and other support to local survivors of sex trafficking.

The purpose of the Columbus and Franklin County Federation of Women’s Club Scholarship Fund shall be to make scholarship awards available for the benefit of women attending Otterbein University as full-time students in the field of education.

Since the early days of print journalism, The Association for Women in Communications has evolved to become the overarching professional organization to unite communicators across a vast spectrum of disciplines-from print and broadcast journalism, to graphic design, photography, public relations, advertising, marketing, new media, and much more.

At Loeb Electric, we believe that education is a powerful tool for personal and professional growth. Our support of the scholarship program reflects our unwavering commitment to people—empowering individuals to pursue their goals and reach their full potential. Rooted in trust and driven by innovation, we are proud to invest in the next generation of leaders and skilled professionals. This initiative is more than financial support—it's a reflection of who we are and our belief in building a future where learning fuels opportunity and lasting impact. 

The late Mary “Betsy” E. Rueb created this generous scholarship through a gift from her estate. Born in 1936 in Tiffin, Ohio, Betsy moved to Columbus to attend The Ohio State University, where she met her husband, Floyd. Early in their marriage, Floyd taught Betsy about investing—a skill she quickly mastered. After many years of living simply and investing wisely, Betsy left the largest endowed gift ever received by The Columbus Foundation, totaling $55 million. Described as charitable, modest, charming, frugal, opinionated, and intelligent, Betsy enjoyed doing needlepoint, watching golf tournaments, and meticulously tracking and researching her investments. Betsy also deeply loved children and wanted her gift to open the door to educational opportunities for young people.  Through her wise investments and generous heart, Betsy Rueb was able to create a legacy that will provide meaningful and significant support to promising students throughout central Ohio in perpetuity.

The Columbus Foundation announced that Erin Scott has joined the organization as the Director of Capacity Building and Community Knowledge.

The Columbus Foundation today announced David Harrison, PhD, President of Columbus State Community College, as the 2025 honoree of The Spirit of Columbus® Award. Created in 2013 in honor of Jerrie Mock, the first woman to fly around the world solo, the award celebrates those in our community who exhibit bravery, determination, and boldness through their actions.