Walter Center unveils Legacy Wall of Giving, honoring donors who change lives

The Robert D. Walter Center for Strategic Leadership proudly unveiled its new Legacy Wall of Giving on April 24. 

The Legacy Wall of Giving is a bold, sophisticated tribute to the donors and supporters whose generosity has fueled 13 years of transformative student experiences in the College of Business.

In attendance for the event were members of the College of Business Executive Advisory Board, Advancement and Development staff, the Walter Center leadership team, students involved in Center programs, friends of the Center, and College of Business Dean Jackie Rees Ulmer—each connected by a shared belief in the power of giving back.

This isn’t just a wall—it’s a story of belief, investment and lives changed.

“This wall tells a bigger story,” said Walter Center Executive Director Jen Traxler. “It’s a story of people who stepped forward—alumni and families who saw potential in our students and chose to invest in their growth. Their gifts aren’t just names on a wall but moments, experiences and breakthroughs for our students. We are deeply grateful—every single day—for their commitment. Their gifts aren’t just appreciated—they’re transformative.”

The project is a dynamic digital feature designed to be easily updated as new donors make meaningful commitments to the Center. Led by Amy Toth, it came to life through a collaborative effort with University Communications and Marketing (UCM) designers Cody Bail and Jeffrey Brown, the College of Business IT Team, and Walter Center student Dan Rozin, who contributed his expertise in digital effects and video elements.

The vision was clear: to honor the high caliber of donor giving with a refined and financially responsible design. Every detail was intentionally crafted to showcase the depth and reach of donor impact, from major gifts and endowments to scholarships and sponsored student experiences.

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The reach of donor impact is everywhere

Donor generosity funds student networking trips to major cities like Chicago and New York, where students connect face-to-face with alumni and top executives. Wandell Fellows are sent abroad to develop global leadership skills thanks to a dedicated endowment gift. Donor generosity is embedded in the leadership curriculum, empowering students with assessments and tools for personal growth. It gives them ways to lead through service, with community outreach programs reinforcing responsibility and empathy.

It also powers signature Walter Center events, like the Raymond A. Lancaster Executive Leadership Speaker Series, which brings nationally recognized leaders to campus. The LeadLive Series offers real talk with alumni, executives, and campus leaders in a relaxed, engaging format. The Leader Games Challenge pushes students through team-based leadership simulations. The Etiquette Dinner teaches professional presence. And the Eco Challenge encourages action-focused, sustainability-focused, interdisciplinary leadership.

Toth, who has worked in the Walter Center for a decade and led the Legacy Wall project, discussed how essential the donor generosity has been for the Center and the students it serves.

“It has been an extraordinary privilege to witness firsthand the growth of the Walter Center over the past decade—expanding its programs, amplifying its impact, and providing students with leadership development opportunities that many professionals don’t encounter until mid-career,” Toth said. “Our alumni network continues to flourish, with alumni deeply passionate about this center and committed to giving back when they can. Being a part of this center is an honor, as we see transformation unfold daily, fostering meaningful connections and offering mentorship that extends far beyond graduation.”

Opening doors, building confidence and preparing students to lead

Tim Reynolds, Founding Executive Director of the Robert D. Walter Center for Strategic Leadership (2012–2022), reflected on the vision that sparked it all.

“Fifteen years ago, in a room filled with hope and vision, members of the Executive Advisory Board—alongside Bob Walter and Cardinal Health—began dreaming of something bigger,” Reynolds said. “We imagined a center that would carry Bob’s name and offer education, experience, and exposure. What if we could give students not just knowledge, but experience? Not just theory, but practice? A place where they could take risks, be coached, grow, and prepare—safely and deliberately—for the speed and complexity of today’s world. We pictured students stepping into new cities, industries, and conversations that would change their paths forever. Our mission was personal: to open doors, to build confidence, and to get students in the field—ready to lead, ready for what’s next.”

The Legacy Wall of Giving now stands proudly in the Walter Center. It serves as both a tribute and a promise: that every gift is honored, and every student touched by that gift is equipped to lead forward.

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“The Legacy Wall of Giving is a powerful visual reminder of the deep gratitude we feel for those who have not only shared their financial support, but also their time, expertise, and mentorship with our students,” said Jessie Holtz, senior director of Development, Major Giving. “It stands as a testament to what’s possible when a community rallies around a shared purpose—to provide transformative leadership development and real-world experiences that prepare Bobcats to lead, serve, and thrive beyond Ohio University. It has been an honor to work alongside the Walter Center’s generous supporters, as well as the faculty, staff, and students who bring its mission to life. The Legacy Wall celebrates decades of impact and the foundation they’ve built for continued excellence.”

As the Center looks to its next decade, the wall is more than a celebration—it’s an invitation to believe in students, invest in their growth, and continue shaping the leaders of tomorrow.

If you would like to visit the Legacy Wall of Giving and tour the Walter Center on the fourth floor of Copeland Hall, please contact Traxler at traxlerj@ohio.edu.