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UA+Ed Receives Transformational Bequest From Longtime Community Member With Strong Connections to Our Schools
- Upper Arlington Education Foundation
- May 22
- 3 min read
May 22, 2025 | Upper Arlington, Ohio
The Upper Arlington Education Foundation (UA+Ed) is honored to announce the largest single gift in its 40-year history—a $2.5 million transformational bequest from Jennie H. Clark, a longtime Upper Arlington resident with deep ties to the school district.
This extraordinary unrestricted gift will benefit every student in the Upper Arlington City School District for generations to come. It strengthens UA+Ed’s ability to fund innovative grants, support teacher-led programs, address individual student needs, and invest in opportunities beyond the school district’s budget.
“This is a truly historic moment for our organization,” said Alice Finley, Executive Director of UA+Ed. “Jennie, Sam, and Carolyn’s legacies will live on through this incredible act of generosity. We are deeply grateful for Jennie’s trust in our mission and her vision for the future of Upper Arlington students.”
Honoring the Clark Family Legacy
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.
Jennie is survived by two grandchildren, Kelly Ahern Sitzman and Pearl Ahern, who carry forward the family’s belief in the power of education. Kelly shared, "Gram believed that everyone needs a strong education. She was always encouraging me and my husband, David, to continue our education and keep learning. It is so special that this gift, in memory of my mom and grandpa, will enable every student in UA to further their learning, regardless of their circumstance."
Reaching a New Level of Impact
“This gift comes at a pivotal time for UA+Ed,” said Anne Houser, Chair of the UA+Ed Board of Trustees. “The number and scope of requests for UA+Ed support continue to grow, as does our commitment to meet those needs. Jennie Clark’s generosity accelerates our momentum in an unprecedented way. Because this bequest is flexible and unrestricted, we can expand our impact today while building a sustainable future through our endowment and investments.”
The bequest also strengthens UA+Ed’s partnership with the Upper Arlington City School District. “UA+Ed is a powerful example of how community commitment fuels innovation and excellence in our schools,” said Dr. Robert Hunt, Superintendent. “Upper Arlington is a special place where everyone cares deeply about the education and wellbeing of our students. I am grateful for Jennie Clark and all of the generous donors who help us prepare students to serve, lead, and succeed.”
Future Building
This transformational gift marks a turning point in our foundation’s evolution—it signals that we are no longer a small, grassroots effort, but a growing, enduring institution ready to lead at a new level. Rather than spending the funds, we are intentionally investing them to build long-term sustainability. This moment affirms that our mission, our impact, and our future are strong—and only getting stronger. We are stepping into our next chapter with greater capacity, deeper commitment, and a bold vision for what comes next.
Celebrating Alumni and Community Connections
The gift will also benefit the Upper Arlington Alumni Association, an integral part of UA+Ed. “The Clark family represents the very best of what it means to be a Golden Bear,” said Tony Macaluso, trustee and chair of the Alumni Council. “Our alumni are a vital part of our district’s identity, and this bequest is a shining example of how those connections can make a lasting difference.”
Growing Together
As UA+Ed celebrates this remarkable gift, it marks a moment of growth—for the organization, its mission, and its relationship with the community. “Jennie Clark’s bequest is a powerful vote of confidence in the future of UA+Ed,” said Finley. “We hope it inspires others to join in our mission. We value the continued support of community members, alumni, and businesses.”
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.
Media Contact:
Alice Finley, Executive Director
Upper Arlington Education Foundation
Phone: 614-487-5007, ext. 1120
