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Jennie Clark’s Legacy Continues: UA+Ed Receives $4.5 Million
- Upper Arlington Education Foundation
- 7 days ago
- 2 min read
Transformational Gift Maximizes the Impact of All Future Donations
Upper Arlington, Ohio — [January 22, 2026] — The Upper Arlington Education Foundation (UA+Ed) has received a $4.5 million gift, a second distribution from the estate of Jennie H. Clark, building on the $2.5 million pivotal bequest received in May 2025—the largest single gift in the Foundation’s 40-year history.
This latest distribution further strengthens UA+Ed’s ability to impact every student in the Upper Arlington City School District, both today and for generations to come.
Who was Jennie H. Clark and what was her connection to Upper Arlington Schools?
Jennie Hutchison Clark, passed away in November 2022 at the age of 100. Her bequest was made in loving memory of her husband, Dr. Samuel G. Clark (UAHS Class of 1938), and their daughter, Carolyn Clark Ahern, Ph.D. (UAHS Class of 1970). Jennie earned her degree in Education from The Ohio State University, where her husband, Sam, also completed his undergraduate and medical degrees. In 1949 Samuel and Jennie moved into Samuel’s childhood home on Tremont Road in Upper Arlington, where they raised Carolyn, who also pursued a distinguished academic path. She earned her Bachelor of Arts degree from Ohio Wesleyan University, a Masters of Business Administration from the University of Oklahoma, and both a Masters Degree and Doctorate Degree in English from Cornell University.
How will the gift be used?
Jennie Clark’s gift will help UA+Ed reach several long-term goals of the foundation.
Long-term sustainability. The funds will be carefully invested and the earnings will help to support annual operating expenses, creating a stable financial base for the organization well into the future.
Maximum impact of every donor dollar. Because operating costs will be offset, every future donation will have a more direct impact on grants, scholarships, awards, and student support.
Expanded support for students and district staff. This gift is unrestricted in use giving UA+Ed increased flexibility to respond to emerging student needs and learning opportunities beyond the district’s budget.
About the Upper Arlington Education Foundation
The Upper Arlington Education Foundation (UA+Ed) is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization dedicated to providing meaningful opportunities for students in the Upper Arlington City School District. For four decades, UA+Ed has funded innovative programs and projects beyond the reach of the district’s budget and provides individual student support to ensure each and every student can be prepared to serve, lead, and succeed.
UA+Ed is deeply honored to carry forward Jennie H. Clark’s legacy and remains committed to using these funds with care, purpose, and impact.
Contact:Alice Finley, Executive DirectorUpper Arlington Education Foundation & Alumni Association614-487-5007 ext. 1120
