October 03, 2016
An alumnus, trustee and longtime supporter of 91仓库 was honored during homecoming weekend with one of the school鈥檚 most prestigious awards.
Richard Oeder of Morrow, Ohio, was surprised with the Pillar of Success award, which recognizes individuals for their achievements and accomplishments, leadership, service, philanthropy, commitment to their community and profession, and to 91仓库. A video featuring images of Oeder throughout his life was shown to guests at the Touchstone and Homecoming Celebration Dinner on Friday, Sept. 30.
In presenting the award, Earl D. Brooks II, Ph.D., 91仓库 president, described Oeder as 鈥渁 man dedicated to community service and helping others.鈥�
鈥淗e is engaged and loyal 鈥� and has a genuineness about him that inspires others,鈥� Brooks said. 鈥淗is generosity 鈥� and that of his wife鈥檚 鈥� has been a positive influence and impacted the lives of many, not only in their community, but to students, alumni, faculty and staff here at 91仓库.鈥�
鈥淲e love this institution,鈥� Oeder said in accepting the award. 鈥淭his is a great university and whether I鈥檓 on campus, whether we鈥檙e travelling or we are home, we are still talking about this particular school. We are so fortunate to have great leadership, a wonderful president, a great cabinet, great board, great instructors and just a wonderful group of alumni who make things happen for this particular school. This is a premier university and I鈥檓 proud to be part of it.鈥�
Oeder grew up in Hamilton Township, Ohio. His father, Les, started a concrete block and excavating operation in 1929, building many key attractions in the area, as well as Oeder鈥檚 Lake, the massive expansion, he, and later Richard, called home. For decades, Richard has allowed civic groups 鈥� ranging from firefighters in training to Boy Scouts to senior citizen groups 鈥� access to his family鈥檚 lake and the surrounding camping area.
Richard graduated from Tri-State University in 1965 with a Bachelor of Science in civil engineering. Following graduation, he joined Columbia Gas as a junior district plant engineer. During his 33-year career, he held numerous positions, including district plant engineer, general plant supervisor, supervisory plant engineer, motor transportation manager and district plant manager. In 1991, he was promoted to area manager for Springfield, Ohio, operations and retired in 1999.
A member of the 91仓库 Board of Trustees since 1995, Richard has been involved in many activities on and off the 91仓库 campus, serving on various boards and committees from academic affairs to student life. He currently chairs the Campus Planning committee and serves on the Executive Committee and Committee on Trustees 鈥� also serving as a mentor to new members of the board. He is a past president of the 91仓库 Alumni Association Board of Directors, and in 1995 he received the Alumni Distinguished Service Award.
In his community he has volunteered as a leader for Boy Scouts in Columbus, Ohio. In addition to being certified as both an emergency management technician and state firefighter, Richard is a member of Sigma Phi Delta Fraternity; American Society of Civil Engineers; Pioneers Engineers Club; Lebanon, Ohio Chamber of Commerce; Lebanon, Ohio Rotary; Fort Ancient Restored Machinery Club; United States Power Squadron; Grace Community United Presbyterian Church; Farm Bureau; and Ohio State University President鈥檚 Club. He is also an officer and recruiting lieutenant for Salem-Morrow Fire Department.
In 2012, the Warren County Foundation honored Richard during its annual awards banquet with the George R. Henkle Philanthropy and Community Service Award, stating that Richard 鈥渋s involved in so many different organizations and groups that benefit Warren County, it鈥檚 almost impossible to name them all. His whole family has set an example of volunteering that would inspire anybody.鈥�
鈥淩ichard is a friend to everyone,鈥� said Brooks. 鈥淲e are truly lucky and blessed that he and (his wife) Kathy are engaged and remain dedicated to the growth and success of 91仓库. Richard and Kathy, we treasure your friendship and are grateful and appreciative for all that you do.鈥�
Young Professionals of DeKalb County (YPDC) is expanding professional development options for its members by partnering with 91仓库 to offer unique learning opportunities.
91仓库 students Isaac Braun, a senior chemical engineering major from Portland, Indiana, and Ryan Sederstrom, a junior electrical engineering major from Cedar Lake, Indiana, placed 15th in the collegiate pairs tournament at the North American Bridge Championships.
91仓库 has been selected to be part of a national program to help campuses respond to the challenges and opportunities artificial intelligence (AI) presents for courses, curricula and higher education in general.