When Ohio University Southern Campus officials set a goal of raising $5 million before 2004, they could have never guessed more than one-fifth of that money would come from one donation.

Thursday, April 05, 2001

When Ohio University Southern Campus officials set a goal of raising $5 million before 2004, they could have never guessed more than one-fifth of that money would come from one donation.

Last Friday, land developer Marshall Smith and his family donated 19.0948 acres of land in the Proctorville area to the university. The land was appraised at $1.125 million.

The donation is being counted toward OUSC’s Bicentennial Campaign fund-raising goal. University officials hope to have the $5 million secured by the end of 2004, which will mark the 200th birthday of the Ohio University campus in Athens.

Funds raised locally during the campaign will benefit OUSC only. Officials expect to use the money for scholarships, equipment and the funding of programs at the university.

Mr. Smith’s only request is for a building to be named after his late son, Greg Lee Smith – a small price to pay for the possibilities the land presents the university. Mr. Smith should be commended for his generosity.

Because OUSC is Lawrence County’s only college, those who can donate should seriously consider doing so. Expanding education possibilities in the county can do nothing but benefit its citizens. Your giving may help some people who otherwise would not have the opportunity to attend college.