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Upper Arlington Education Foundation and The Alumni Association Honor Educators and Alumni at 2025 Open House & Awards Ceremony
- Upper Arlington Education Foundation
- Jul 9
- 3 min read
Updated: Jul 16
Upper Arlington, OH — On July 3, the Upper Arlington Education Foundation (UA+Ed) and the Upper Arlington Alumni Association proudly welcomed alumni, educators, community members, and friends to the annual Open House & Awards Ceremony, held at Upper Arlington High School. The event celebrated the legacy, service, and impact of the Upper Arlington Schools and those who have shaped its history.
Now in its fourth year in the newly rebuilt high school, the Open House served as a vibrant gathering for Golden Bears across generations. Guests explored the Foundation Room, visited with student tour guides, and joined together to recognize an extraordinary group of honorees.
Celebrating a Legacy of Excellence
Tony Macaluso, President of the Upper Arlington Alumni Association and member of the UA+Ed Board of Trustees, opened the program by welcoming attendees and reflecting on the shared mission of both organizations: to strengthen community, support students, and preserve the enduring spirit of Upper Arlington.
Macaluso paid tribute to the late Dr. Homer Mincy, former Upper Arlington superintendent and founder of the Education Foundation, and announced a transformational $2.5 million bequest from longtime resident Jennie H. Clark— the largest single gift in the Foundation’s 40-year history. The gift was made in memory of her husband, Dr. Samuel G. Clark (UAHS Class of 1938), and their daughter, Dr. Carolyn Clark Ahern (UAHS Class of 1970).
Superintendent Dr. Robert Hunt continued the celebration by leading the induction of five exceptional educators into the Upper Arlington Educator Hall of Fame:
Nancy Botti – Career Development Coordinator and creator of the Peer Collaboration Program
Jean V. Crawford – Speech-language therapist and advocate for community-based intervention
Karen E. Pettus – Former principal of Jones Middle School and longtime English educator
Vicky Sherer – Spanish teacher and assistant principal at Jones Middle School
Thomas A. Williams – Beloved teacher, coach, and substitute who served UA Schools for over five decades
Each honoree was recognized for their profound and lasting impact on students, families, and the educational mission of the district.
Honoring Outstanding, Distinguished, and Inspirational Alumni
The Alumni Association also celebrated outstanding alumni who exemplify the values of service, leadership, and excellence:
Outstanding Alumni Award: Annie Burtch Stair (Class of 1999), founder of the Red Oak Family Foundation, was honored for her transformative work supporting families impacted by autism and her wide-ranging community involvement.
Distinguished Alumni Award:
The Honorable Robert Doyle (Class of 1960), for a lifetime of service in the U.S. Navy, Ohio House of Representatives, business leadership, and civic engagement.
Erin Moriarty (Class of 1970), renowned CBS News journalist and 48 Hours correspondent, recognized for decades of award-winning reporting on justice, law, and public interest.
Inspirational Young Alumni Award: Gabrielle Shell (Class of 2020), honored for her global humanitarian work, including a Fulbright Fellowship in Bulgaria and her continuing education in international development and human rights.
A Community Connected Through Education
"Today’s celebration reminds us that education is more than what happens in the classroom—it’s about relationships, legacy, and the values we carry forward," said Dr. Hunt. "We are proud to stand with the UA+Ed Foundation and the Alumni Association in honoring those who reflect the best of our schools and our community."
The event concluded with a group photo of honorees and attendees and an open invitation for alumni to stay connected, get involved, and continue supporting the next generation of Golden Bears.
About the UA+Ed Foundation and Alumni Association
The Upper Arlington Education Foundation, established in 1985, provides private funding to enhance educational opportunities throughout Upper Arlington Schools. The Upper Arlington Alumni Association, founded in 1987, helps alumni stay connected to each other and to their alma mater through programs, events, and outreach.
Together, these organizations build bridges across generations—investing in the future while honoring the past.
Contact: Upper Arlington Education Foundation and Alumni Association
Phone: 614-4875007 ext. 1120
Website: uaeducationfoundation.com
The Upper Arlington Education Foundation is a 501(c)(3) non-profit organization that provides access to meaningful opportunities for students that are beyond the budget of the Upper Arlington School District. Established in 1985, UA+Ed is permanently structured to fund programs and projects today and for generations to come. The Upper Arlington Alumni Association is an important part of the foundation and keeps graduates connected, engaged, and motivated to pay it forward.
