Throughout his life, Jerry Scheve wore many hats—local basketball coach, professor, mentor, friend, and brother. But above all, he was a quiet force for generosity, a man who gave freely of his time, talent, and treasure to those around him. Whether leading the Wilmington College Lady Quakers to victory on the basketball court or guiding students in the classroom, Jerry left a mark on everyone he met. His life was a testament to the power of generosity and the ripple it can create.
Back in the 1970s, as a young accounting professor, Jerry joined an investment club and made early investments in companies like Apple and Microsoft. Over time, he continued to make smart investments, quietly growing his wealth unbeknownst to most who knew him.
When Jerry was diagnosed with terminal pancreatic cancer, he responded with the same generous spirit he had always shown—whether in the classroom or on the court. He took time to reflect deeply on the values, passions, and communities that shaped his life. Jerry shared those reflections with those closest to him, including an attorney who introduced him to Greater Cincinnati Foundation (GCF).
Jerry crafted a giving plan that truly reflected his heart and vision. One gift supported Wilmington College, where he spent 30-plus years in tenure as an accounting professor, won an NCAA Division III National Championship, and became a member of the Ohio Basketball Hall of Fame. The other, entrusted to GCF after his passing, will continue to uplift the causes that mattered most to him for generations to come.
Jerry’s support of Wilmington College resulted in a record-breaking $23 million gift, the largest in its history. His gift focuses on three areas: athletic excellence, peace and conflict resolution, and international affairs. At the heart of it all is the new Scheve Athletic Center, which includes an indoor track named in honor of Jenna Parlette, an incredible Wilmington cross country and track athlete who collapsed during her final race. Her memory inspired Jerry deeply.
Jerry’s second gift—a $23 million estate gift stewarded by GCF—is a powerful reflection of his values. The majority of the funds will establish a field of interest fund, dedicated to addressing food insecurity, poverty, social justice, racial and gender equity, and the technological needs of children and adolescents. Jerry selected these areas because they mirrored his life experiences and the needs and opportunities he observed firsthand.
“GCF is honored to steward Jerry’s incredible gift to our community,” shared GCF’s president and CEO, Matthew Randazzo. “Because of the forethought and deep conversations Jerry initiated, his generosity will continue to reflect his values long after his lifetime. Every dollar out the door is a reflection of the life Jerry lived, and the depth with which he cared about the people and places he held dear.”
His story is a powerful reminder that your generosity — whether it’s how you spend your time, talent, or treasure—tells a story about what matters most to you. We invite you to take a page out of Jerry’s playbook and think about how you can make a positive impact with your generosity.
