Jason Downey ’02 and Elizabeth Long Downey ’06 Offer $16,000 Match for Alumni Couples ❤️
The connections forged at OWU—mentorships, research partnerships, and lifelong friendships—tell the story of OWU. During the We Are OWU day of giving—and on Valentine’s Day—we also celebrate that OWU is part of the love story of nearly 4,000 Bishops.
Many alumni couples met while they were students on campus. But for other couples, the Bishop Cupid struck after graduation. Jason ’02 and Elizabeth Long Downey ’06 did not attend Ohio Wesleyan at the same time, but their OWU experience is still essential to their love story. They shared:
“Volunteering for OWU definitely paid off for us! We met as alumni while serving on a panel for Career Services. Years later, volunteering for OWU continues to be something we do together. It is important for us to give back to the school that was so instrumental in shaping who we are today.”
With this in mind, Liz and Jason challenge fellow Bishop sweethearts to support Ohio Wesleyan during We Are OWU with a $16,000 matching gift!
All donors who mark their alumni couple affiliation on the giving form during We Are OWU will automatically claim this $1 for $1 match. Will you spread the OWU love with your gift this Valentine’s Day? Make your gift during We Are OWU February 14–15 to secure Liz and Jason’s match!
Evan Corns ’59 Offers $25,000 Match for Fraternity and Sorority Alumni
Few Bishop alumni are at the heart of the Ohio Wesleyan University community like Evan Corns ’59. Currently in his 65th reunion year, Evan serves as a Life Trustee, is a member of OWU’s Founders’ and President’s Circles, is an OWU parent, and was honored with an Alumni Award, among his countless contributions to the University. He even coined the now iconic phrase, “It’s a Great Day to be a Bishop!” 🤯
Evan credits his fraternity for making a significant impact on his life. “So much of what I am, or ever hope to be, I owe to Ohio Wesleyan University and to the Ohio Delta chapter of Sigma Alpha Epsilon,” Evan says. With this in mind, Evan challenges other fraternity and sorority alumni to support Ohio Wesleyan during We Are OWU with a $25,000 matching gift!
All donors who mark their fraternity or sorority affiliation on the giving form during We Are OWU will automatically claim this $1 for $1 match. Which organization will race to the top of OWU’s leaderboards? You decide! Make your gift during We Are OWU February 14–15 to secure Evan’s match!
Thomas ’92 and Kelli McNairy Winston ’93 Lead New Fund for OWU Student
Thomas ’92 and Kelli McNairy Winston ’93 have been passionate about creating a difference in their communities since they met in 1989 at an orientation event in the Stuyvesant Cave. Not long after Thomas helped separate bunk beds for Kelli (while wearing a suit!), they had their first date at the Little Brown Jug. The rest, as they say, is history!
Thomas and Kelli became student leaders on campus, and it was during that time they learned about the importance of giving back to their communities. Driven by their passion for positive change, Thomas and Kelli are leading the way with a $10,000 matching gift for OWU’s new Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion Fund, launching during We Are OWU!
“By supporting OWU, we are investing in the future generations of leaders, innovators, and change-makers. Just as OWU invested in us, we choose to give back and ensure that students have the resources and support they need to succeed in making positive impact in the world,” Thomas says.
Gifts to the new Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion Fund will immediately empower DEI programs and services at OWU, including for first-generation and BIPOC students. Kelli shares, “With great pride, it is indeed a pleasure to celebrate and support OWU and the students, and to be a part of this inaugural fund.” Ohio Wesleyan is pleased to announce this new fund in response to alumni feedback and as part of our commitment to fostering an inclusive campus where all members can thrive. To learn more about DEI initiatives at OWU, visit owu.edu/dei.
Thank you, Thomas and Kelli, for your leadership and commitment to OWU!
Make your gift during We Are OWU February 14–15 to secure the Winstons’ match!
Liesel Graff Traister ’64 Offers $50,000 Matching Gift
Liesel Graff Traister ’64 enjoys using her philanthropy to inspire the next generation. A member of Ohio Wesleyan’s Associate Founders’ Circle, she established the Future Educators Scholarship Endowment to support Education majors to become tomorrow’s teachers. Liesel has also supported We Are OWU each year since its debut in 2021.
In her early days of giving, Liesel preferred to remain anonymous. However, starting in 2022, Liesel decided to no longer be anonymous in her giving. This decision was made in part by her husband, Charlie, who encouraged her to “put her name on it” and to be proud of what she was doing. This year, she is doing just that by offering a $1 for $1 matching gift for We Are OWU, up to $50,000!
During her time at Ohio Wesleyan, Liesel studied Economics and went on to obtain a Master of Education from Case Western Reserve University. Her passion for education stems from her family members who were educators. Her parents set a powerful example of giving that would resonate with her throughout her life to give back to her alma mater.
Liesel vividly recalls a moment at the Toledo Zoo when she spotted a young man wearing an OWU t-shirt. After exchanging hellos, she discovered he was a current student. His excitement at meeting an alumna reinforced the profound meaning of her support. "Wesleyan means a lot," she expressed, proudly displaying an OWU Alumni sticker on the back of her car.
Her dedication to education has inspired her to give back to Ohio Wesleyan. For her, giving is not just about financial contributions; it's about creating a meaningful impact. “The spirit is in February,” Liesel says. She believes that giving during We Are OWU not only positively impacts students, but is a powerful way to inspire others who may be thinking of taking their first steps into giving back as well. “Every year I have a new memory” and “it’s a good memory,” she says.
Make your gift through We Are OWU February 14–15, 2024 to secure Liesel’s match!