Share YOUR Reason...
What is YOUR reason for giving back to the Heisman Club? Perhaps you have fond memories of early moring practices with your teammates? Or you simply understand the value of intercollegiate sports, recreational opportunities and overall health and wellness?
Read below to learn how the spirit of giving back is meaningful to our alumni and friends. To submit your reason for sharing click here.
Andy Zvara '63
“My four years at Oberlin were the defining years of my life. It motivates all my giving to the College. Each element of my Oberlin experience added value to me and I want to do all I can to make what I experienced available to future students. The mission says all for me. ...(I) believe that Oberlin should: (1) provide an opportunity for athletes to pursue excellence in their sports along with their academic studies, (2) provide a physical education and wellness program for all Oberlin students, regardless of their ability, and (3) compete successfully with other schools in recruiting superior students for whom athletics or physical education are an important part of their lives. We realize that, at Oberlin, athletics will always play a complementary role to academics. At the same time, we know that athletics can have a profound and lasting impact on our students, particularly those who strive for excellence in their sports and balance in their lives."
Jim Stockdale '52
"I was a physical education major back when that existed. I was a lousy athlete, but Guy Throner let me stay on the baseball team and was kind enough to make me the manager of the team my senior year. I have always enjoyed all sports and believe that Oberlin is the epitomy of what intercollegiate athletics should be. I wouldn't take anything for my four years there, and if I can help out in some small way I am glad to do so. Thus, I have been a long term member of the Heisman Club."
Matt Kaplan '07
“Oberlin creates an environment where it is possible for a student to discuss class readings with world famous faculty members over dinner, travel the country with a varsity sports team, and connect with alumni during winter term and during the summer for internships. The variety of opportunities that are available to students will help them succeed in their lives after Oberlin. As the a graduate whose parents never graduated from a 4 year school, let alone a place like Oberlin, I donate because I feel it is my obligation to reach back and help the next generation of Oberlin student-athletes."
Martin Dugan '73
"I was on a variety of teams while on campus as a student...work crews @ various dining halls each year, teammates each year on basketball and golf teams (student athlete / coach on the golf team my senior year; check Time Magazine 1973), and fully dependent on classroom teachers, coaches to push me along, help me complete requirements.
I returned to campus 1978-81 employed in Development / Alumni efforts. A major focus handed to me, given my own athletic experiences, was to keep football from folding and more fully embracing women's sports. I was able to gain permission from the NYAC to bring the John Heisman name back to campus and pull together the steering committee and initial major donors covering substantial financial needs in our then struggling athletics program.
We are 30+ years in The John Heisman Club with more new participation and ongoing participation needed, both personally and financially.
I played in the alumni men's basketball game over Homecoming this year; I run the Grand Rapids Marathon mid-October; I turn 60 November 10th!! I LUV my health, wellness even with some major, ongoing cancer traumas"
Dale Conly '56
"I benefited enormously from my four years at Oberlin and my athletic experience was a significant part of that. The athletic program at Oberlin keeps the relation between the academic requirements and athletic commitments in the proper prospective, we even used to have players late for practice or miss a practice because of an afternoon lab. I enjoyed the excellent coaching I received along with the outstanding athletic facilities but benefited most from my contact with fellow teammates working with them for a common goal."
Carla Freyvogel '79
"That would be reasons, plural. I give because it is the right thing to do, I give because it is needed, and I give because Oberlin tells me all the time how much I am appreciated for my financial support. I also give for a completely selfish reason: my gift to athletics makes me feel like I am actually in the game, on the team, in the line-up and part of the athletic experience."
Jim Krumpak '78
"A lot of soul building goes on with commitment to sports participation, whether it be team or individual. Present and future student-athletes at Oberlin deserve to be provided an environment in which they can flourish. I'd like to think that being a Heisman Club member contributes to this. So get out there and build some souls, you Yeomen and women. Your own for sure, but lets not forget your team mates, the fans, families, and friends who watch you train and compete, and even your coaches."
Cornelius Bakker '48
"I was a member of the Navy V-12 unit from 7/1/44 to 10/1/45 (four semesters) when the Navy sent me to Miami University since WW2 had ended. I earned a letter in Soccer and feel I should tangibly express my appreciation for what I received from Oberlin."
Marvin Krislov, President of Oberlin College
"I support the Heisman Club because I believe advancing fitness, health and wellness is integral to the mission of the college. Our student-athletes represent our college in competition and they also learn valuable lessons about teamwork and determination. I applaud the Heisman Club's commitment to advancing our student-athletes, and all members of the community in physical education, health and wellness."
