Ohio Northern has received a $5.38 million bequest from Nellie M. Hoghe who lived in Van Wert and passed away a year ago at the age of 98.
The funds will be used for ONU's emerging opportunities and greatest needs.
Much of the gift is the result of the $4 million sale of 480 acres of land that included farmland, buildings and two wooded areas. The property had been in Hoghe’s family since 1852.
She graduated from ONU in 1939 with a business degree and spent her 37-year professional career in accounting at Continental Can Company in Van Wert. She grew up in a family that valued education, and she was proud that her grandfather also attended Ohio Northern.
Hoghe was born Feb. 16, 1917, in Van Wert County to the late Macy (Balliet) and Dennis Balyeat. She married Ivan N. Hoghe on Feb. 3, 1979, and he preceded her in death on Aug. 26, 2008.
Hoghe was a member of First Presbyterian Church in Van Wert. She also was a member of the Association of University Women, a life member of Van Wert Daughters of the American Revolution, and a member of the Van Wert Veterans of Foreign Wars and American Legion auxiliaries.
Hoghe cherished the quality of education she received from ONU and her generosity will help insure that future students receive the same type of educational experience.
Hoghe was an ardent supporter of Ohio Northern. She was a lifetime member of the Lehr Society, which is reserved for the university's top donors, and steadily gave to various ONU fundraising campaigns over the years.
“We are very appreciative of Nellie Hoghe’s gift to Ohio Northern,” said Shannon Spencer, vice president for advancement.
“She often remarked that ONU could always count on her, and Nellie was true to her word. This continues the loyal support she had for her alma mater and will benefit countless students."
“Mrs. Hoghe was a lifetime resident of Van Wert County and was born on the same farm that was sold,” said Charles Koch, Hoghe estate attorney and executive. “Her affection was with Ohio Northern, where she graduated during a time that was rare for women.”
How big is 480 acres? The ONU campus is about 350 acres, so 480 acres is more land than the university is currently situated upon...a significant amount of property.
