Wolfe Foundation honors Rita Wolfe with $10 million commitment to Ohio State's College of Veterinary Medicine

The Rita Jean Wolfe Deanship will be a tribute to her love for animals

The Robert F. Wolfe and Edgar T. Wolfe Foundation has committed $10 million to The Ohio State University College of Veterinary Medicine in memory of the late Rita Wolfe. The gift will establish the Rita Jean Wolfe Deanship, which was approved by the university's board of trustees at its Aug. 22 meeting.

The daughter of Ann Isaly Wolfe and the late John F. Wolfe, Rita carried on her family's multigenerational commitment to civic leadership in Columbus. She was a member of boards for several organizations, such as The Harmony Project, Leadership Columbus and The James Cancer Hospital.

In addition to helping people in need, Rita was passionate about animals. She served on Columbus Humane's board, and at the College of Veterinary Medicine, she shared her time and expertise as part of the Dean's Philanthropic Engagement Council. Rita also was a longtime client of Ohio State's Veterinary Medical Center.

"Rita Wolfe, like other members of her family, was dedicated to compassion, service and understated leadership in our community," said President Walter "Ted" Carter Jr. "The Rita Jean Wolfe Deanship in the College of Veterinary Medicine will cement Rita's legacy and build upon her passion for improving the health and well-being of animals and people. Support like this - combined with the talents of our faculty, staff and partners - is a big part of why this university is so exceptional."

The Rita Jean Wolfe Deanship will directly impact and help create a sustainable future of excellence in veterinary medicine. Achieving the college's ambition to "Be The Model" comprehensive college of veterinary medicine in the world begins with the dean. This newly created position in Rita's name will support faculty preeminence, student success and programmatic advancement, and guide the college into the future, extending a legacy of excellence and innovation over 135 years in the making.

"Rita made a profound difference, positively influencing the lives of countless animals and people," said Rustin Moore, dean of the College of Veterinary Medicine at Ohio State. "We are deeply honored to recognize and preserve her passion and dedication to animal health, well-being and the field of veterinary medicine for generations to come. She will be forever missed, but never forgotten. What an incredible and indelible legacy for Rita to be forever connected with our college and the deanship!"

The Wolfe Foundation's transformative gift celebrates Rita's remarkable character and unwavering dedication to animal welfare. It also expands upon the family's past philanthropic investments in the College of Veterinary Medicine, which include creation of the Wolfe Associates Inc. Endowed Professorship in Canine Clinical and Comparative Medicine. Across Ohio State, the family has supported a range of initiatives such as cancer research, scholarships, athletics and the medical center's new hospital tower.

The Rita Jean Wolfe Deanship will play a pivotal role in shaping the college's future and ensuring that Rita Wolfe's legacy of compassion and care lives on for generations to come.

"Rita was an incredibly loving, empathetic and generous individual, which is why it was important for our family to honor her life and legacy through this gift supporting an organization that she was so passionate about - the College of Veterinary Medicine," said Katie Wolfe Lloyd, Rita's sister and a trustee of the Wolfe Foundation. "The deanship carrying Rita's name will serve as a lasting tribute and testament to how much she cared for animals and people."

More Ohio State News