Tribute Gifts

At Ohio University, we understand the power of honoring those who have made a lasting impact on our lives. Whether you're celebrating the achievements of a beloved professor, commemorating a cherished alumnus, or memorializing a dear friend or family member, a memorial or honorary gift is a meaningful way to pay tribute to someone special.

In doing so, you're also making a difference for tomorrow’s students. Your generous contribution not only honors the memory or accomplishments of someone special but also advances the mission of Ohio University—empowering future generations of students.

Both honorary and memorial gifts are deeply personal and may reflect a desire to connect someone's story to University and campus life—like supporting student scholarships, advancing research, expanding programs, or investing in the college/school/department/major they loved.

Honorary Gifts

These are gifts made in honor of someone still living — or sometimes also posthumously, but with more celebratory intent. People may give to:

• Celebrate a milestone, like a retirement, graduation, birthday, or promotion.
• Say thank you—to a professor, mentor, coach, or advisor who made a big impact.
• Recognize someone’s ongoing contributions to the University or community.

Memorial Gifts

These are gifts made in memory of someone who has passed away. Supported funds are often tied to the individual’s passions and help to create a lasting legacy in their name. People often give:

• To remember a loved one, friend, or colleague.
• To commemorate an individual's legacy who had an impact on their community, profession, or cause they cared deeply for.
• In lieu of flowers, especially when requested by the family, as a meaningful and lasting way to celebrate the individual’s memory.

How to Make Your Honorary or Memorial Gift:

1. Determine Your Contribution: Enter the amount you wish to give and choose a fund designation that aligns with the passions or interests of your tribute gift. Not sure what fund to support? Enter keywords into the Designation field for ideas, or email giving@ohio.edu for help.
2. Select Your Tribute: Decide whether you would like your gift to be an honorary or memorial gift.
3. Personalize Your Tribute: Provide the name of the person who inspired your gift. Ohio University sends acknowledgement letters to designated people when tribute gifts are made. To help ensure this letter reaches their mailbox, please provide the name and address of the person you would like us to notify. Please note, a gift made in honor of yourself will not receive an acknowledgement.
4. Provide Your Information: You complete the process by entering in your name and contact information. Checking the box finalizes the page. Then, choose your mobile wallet option or click “Go to Checkout” to complete your gift with a credit card.

Memorial Giving Information for Families

Including memorial gift details in an obituary gives others a way to honor your loved one and support a cause that reflects their values or connection to Ohio University.

Here’s one example you can adapt:

In lieu of flowers, memorial gifts may be made in [NAME]’s honor to the [NAME OF OHIO UNIVERSITY FUND] by visiting give.ohio.edu/tribute. Click the Designation box and search for [fund keyword], or send a check made payable to “Ohio University Foundation” with the fund name in the memo line to: The Ohio University Foundation; PO Box 869; Athens, OH 45701

If you’d like a direct giving link for a specific fund (helpful for sharing with others or including in an online obituary), email giving@ohio.edu. The link will open with the fund name already filled in.

For help writing a tribute or to explore campus memorial options—including lasting tributes like a tree or bench on campus—please contact giving@ohio.edu.