BOWLING GREEN, O. — Sandusky philanthropist George L. Mylander and the Mylander Foundation are giving $2 million to Bowling Green State University for student scholarships and the creation of an endowed visiting professorship in education, the University announced Thursday (Oct. 2). The contribution will benefit students on both of the University’s campuses.

Mylander, a BGSU graduate, is a retired teacher, administrator and civic leader. He is also chair of the board of directors of the Bowling Green State University Foundation Inc., a non-profit, tax-exempt organization created to receive and manage all contributions from private sources for the benefit of the University.

In accepting the gift, BGSU President Sidney A. Ribeau thanked Mylander for his many years of support to the University as an education advocate whose grass roots efforts led to the creation of what is today BGSU Firelands College. “

George is a living example of the positive impact one person can make in his community,” Ribeau pointed out. “In the 1960s, he was among the community leaders who helped the people of the Firelands region realize their dream of having a state college in their own backyard. He has continued to provide leadership and support to BGSU ever since. His sustained efforts on behalf of BGSU Firelands are clearly visible. One need only look at the new $8 million Cedar Point Center which opened just a few weeks ago: George co-chaired the fundraising committee for this magnificent structure. “

Now, with this gift of $2 million, he takes another step to keep quality education accessible to students—those who will be the nation’s next generation of community leaders like George Mylander. I speak for all BGSU students now and in the future when I say we are indeed grateful,” Ribeau said. "

BGSU has meant a great deal to me personally," Mylander said of his reasons for making the contribution. "I received a good quality education there from professors who cared deeply, and I want to be sure that other students have that same opportunity. "

Bowling Green,” he continued, “is a very special place that serves its students and the general public well. We're very fortunate to have Firelands College in the Sandusky-Huron area. It adds a great deal to the quality of life.”

The $2 million donation is a combination of cash, stock and a deferred estate gift from Mylander and annual cash grants from the Mylander Foundation.

One portion of the $2 million will be used to create the George L. Mylander Scholarship at BGSU Firelands in Huron, and another portion will support Alumni Laureate Scholars through the creation of the George L. Mylander Alumni Laureate Scholarship.

BGSU Alumni Laureate Scholars receive full tuition, fees and a $1,000 book award annually. They also participate in leadership workshops, and community and alumni leadership activities. Created by the BGSU Alumni Association in 2002 with an initial investment of $1 million, the number of scholarships varies each year depending on funding. The scholars are chosen on the basis of leadership skills, scholastic achievement, citizenship, personal integrity and involvement in and out of the classroom.

A third portion of the donation, a deferred gift of $500,000, will be used to create and endow a George M. Mylander Visiting Professor in Education and Human Development. The visiting professorship will bring distinguished educators to campus to teach and interact with students preparing themselves for teaching careers.

A U.S. Army veteran, Mylander earned a bachelor’s degree in business in 1958 and a master’s degree in education in 1970 from the University. He retired after 27 years as a teacher and administrator in the Sandusky City Schools. He was elected in 1979 to the Sandusky City Commission and served 16 years, six as mayor.

Mylander is a director of Sandusky’s Citizens Banking Company and a board member of its parent board, First Citizens Banc Corp. Active in the Grace Episcopal Church and chair of the Erie County Veterans Memorial Park Committee, he established the Mylander Foundation in 1987 and contributed funds to the city of Sandusky to create a plaza as part of the city’s downtown waterfront development.

For 40 years he has served on the board of what is now Firelands Regional Medical Center and he holds the post of chair-emeritus. He was honored in 1999 as the Outstanding Philanthropist of Northwest Ohio by the Toledo Chapter of the Association of Fundraising Professionals.

The Mylander Foundation has funded scholarships for BGSU students the past several years and Mylander said he has found the experience to be gratifying and meaningful. To date, 67 students have received Mylander Foundation scholarships.

(Posted October 02, 2003)