Anonymous Support Leads to Lifelong Impact

Heidelberg has always been very important to Jacque (Rike) Howell and her family. The icing on the cake is the close friends and mentors whose support was anonymous for years but whose impact has been lifelong.

Jacque, class of ’73, recalls that money was tight during her undergrad years. Whenever there was a particular struggle, she says, “Miraculously, there was a scholarship that came about.”

The same happened for Jacque’s sister, Candy Jo ’71 and her brother, Dr. Gregory Rike ’76.

All three Rike siblings were members of the Singing Collegians, and their parents would travel the two hours from their home in Paulding, Ohio, for their concerts.

There, they struck up a friendship with Heidelberg alumni and music supporters, the late Reginald and Enid (Oldfather) Pancoast.

“They really took a fondness to our parents and kind of took us under their wings,” Jacque says of the Pancoasts.

There was another factor at play. Reg and Enid’s close friends were the late Dr. Ferris and Dorothy Ohl.

Turns out, Ferris and the Pancoasts were working hand in hand behind the scenes to make sure promising music students were successful. It was Ferris who would inform the Pancoasts when music students were in need of a little extra assistance. Reg and Enid joyfully obliged, always anonymously.

The students never knew who made those deposits into their accounts.

Jacque remembers she and Reg hitting it off because, as he told her, “I like you. You’re onery.”

Indeed, she was not your stereotypical music major. Dr. Ohl allowed her to play softball but frequently reminded her to focus on why she was at Heidelberg. She also joined the Philalethean Society, which opened doors to leadership opportunities and meeting students from other majors.

She never forgot, parlaying her Heidelberg foundation into a highly successful career as a music and choir teacher in Urbana, Ohio. She has been told more than once that her conducting style is in the image of Ferris—high praise that she brought back to Heidelberg as one of the guest conductors of the Alumni Choir on multiple occasions. As time passes, Jacque’s appreciation for Heidelberg swells.

And yes, she did find out later in life the identity of the anonymous donors who financially supported her when times were tough.

The difference the Pancoasts made—and the treasured lifelong friendship that was nurtured as a result—was so impactful that Jacque and her husband, Terry, an Ohio State grad, felt compelled to give something back to Heidelberg in their honor. They are doing the same for Terry’s alma mater, OSU.

“We want others to be able to have the experiences at Heidelberg that they want to have,” said Jacque, who along with Terry, are creating a scholarship that will be awarded to a vocal music student who demonstrates financial need.

“For us, Reg opened up a part of life we never knew about,” Jacque said. “He and Enid are like family.”

With her 50th class reunion coming up this summer, Jacque has a message to her classmates who are considering joining her in making a gift in honor of their golden anniversary.

“Your gift doesn’t have to be large. It doesn’t have to be uncomfortable. But consider showing appreciation for the start you had in life,” she says. “Heidelberg took us where we were and gave us what we needed. For that, I feel blessed. And I’m so thankful that Heidelberg is thriving.”

Will you join Jacque in supporting the future of Heidelberg University? Your generous legacy gift will directly impact Heidelberg students and programs. Please contact Doug Kellar at 419-448-2888 or dkellar@heidelberg.edu to discuss how you can extend your love for Heidelberg and our students.