Defiance College receives $25,000 gift for Putnam County student scholarships

May 29, 2019

DEFIANCE, Ohio - Through a $25,000 J. Earl Belch Charitable Trust Award, Defiance College will be awarding scholarships to eight students in the 2019-2020 academic year.

The gift stems from J. Earl Belch's interest in aiding Putnam County students in furthering their education. Among those who have been awarded a scholarship are the following Putnam County students: Katheryn Bolenbaugh, Fort Jennings; Stevie Brooks, Leipsic; Hannah Clay, Fort Jennings; Owen Hiegel, Ottawa; Megan Ladd, Cloverdale; Jada Lopez, Leipsic; Paige Sickmiller, Leipsic; and Brandon Unverferth, Ottawa.

The scholarships recognize their academic achievements and will increase the affordability of Defiance College while providing them with the resources needed to accomplish their higher education goals.

The impact of the J. Earl Belch Charitable Trust Award will extend beyond northwest Ohio in a variety of fields. Majors of students receiving scholarships include education, social work, business administration, molecular biology, and environmental science.

Chartered in 1850, Defiance College is an independent, liberal arts-based institution in Northwest Ohio offering more than 40 undergraduate programs of study as well as graduate programs in education and business. Defiance College has received national recognition for its educational experience of service and engagement. The College is guided by the four pillars of its mission: To Know, To Understand, To Lead, and To Serve. The College website is www.defiance.edu.