Ohio State recognizes Soter and Smuckers with philanthropic awards

The Ohio State University recently celebrated three of the Buckeye community’s consistently generous and committed supporters, bestowing on them the institution’s most distinguished awards for philanthropy and volunteerism.

Sarah “Sally” Ross Soter received the Everett D. Reese Medal, Ohio State’s highest honor in recognition of exceptional service in private philanthropy. Timothy P. and Jennifer C. Smucker accepted the John B. Gerlach Sr. Development Volunteer Award, which rewards those who show the greatest dedication and personal investment in university fundraising efforts.

“Sally Soter’s transformational investments ensure access to critical health care and fuel life-changing research at The Ohio State University Wexner Medical Center,” said President Walter “Ted” Carter Jr. “Tim and Jenny Smucker have made a huge impact on Ohio State by funding scholarships for our students and through Tim’s service on the Board of Trustees and the Foundation Board. Thanks to the commitment of these three supporters, when the world calls, Buckeyes are prepared to answer.”

Years ago, a doctor told Sally Soter she would have to learn to live with atrial fibrillation, a rapid and irregular heart rhythm that can lead to heart disease and stroke. Eventually, she found a cardiologist at Ohio State’s Wexner Medical Center who not only put her heart back in rhythm, but turned Soter into a passionate advocate for women’s health in our community and around the globe.

A $10 million gift from Soter’s family established the Richard M. Ross Heart Hospital, named after her late father, and in 2005, Soter established an endowed chair in women’s cardiovascular health research. Last year, she and her daughter, Sarah, made a visionary $15 million gift to The Ohio State University College of Medicine, establishing the Sarah Ross Soter Women’s Health Research Program, which is creating a nation-leading hub for translational research that creates healthier futures for women across their lifespan.

During Women’s Health Week in May, Ohio State will celebrate this philanthropic champion on a special new day: The Sarah Ross Soter Women’s Community Health Day.

“I’ve always believed in research, and it’s exciting to be a catalyst for that,” Sally Soter said. “In 2003, when I read a cover story of Time magazine – about how heart disease was the No. 1 killer of American women and how research predominantly focused on men – I wanted to do something. Now, I almost cry thinking about how wonderful it is that research is going on that could protect people and lengthen their lives.”

Tim and Jenny Smucker and The J.M. Smucker Company are longtime supporters of Ohio State. In 2012, they made a generous gift to empower ongoing research and student success at Ohio State’s Agricultural Technical Institute and the College of Food, Agricultural, and Environmental Sciences, where The J.M. Smucker Company Innovation Research Award Fund also supports undergraduate, graduate and faculty researchers.

The Smuckers’ ongoing investments in students enable Buckeyes to flourish in and out of the classroom. More than 100 students have benefited from The J.M. Smucker Company Scholarship Fund and The Smucker Leaders Scholarship Fund, while The Timothy P. and Jennifer C. Smucker 100% TBDBITL Scholarship helps marching band students thrive in their studies and as talented musicians on the field.

In addition to the family’s years of dedicated philanthropy, Tim Smucker, chairman emeritus at The J.M. Smucker Company, also served on The Ohio State University Board of Trustees from 2011-2020, leading the board for part of this time and serving as the finance chair. The university also benefits greatly from his leadership on the Foundation Board.

“It has been a privilege to support the university and help extend our land-grant mission throughout our state by expanding access to an affordable education. We’re investing in the future,” Tim Smucker said. “The qualities of hope, mindfulness and compassion apply to both volunteer leadership and everyday life. These convictions are enriching my work on the Foundation Board, and I see this reflected in all our members.”

“Few people embody the spirit of giving back to the community like Tim and Jenny, and Sally’s passion for improving women’s health and well-being is second to none,” said Michael C. Eicher, Ohio State’s senior vice president for advancement and president of The Ohio State University Foundation. “Sally, Tim and Jenny make us all proud, and I want to thank each of them for their incredible contributions. When Buckeyes come together, the possibilities are limitless.”