As Thanks for Education, Couple Creates Gift to Heidelberg

Dr. Jim Augsburger's high school guidance counselor projected him a "B or C student" in college. Wow, did that prove to be inaccurate. Jim came to Heidelberg based on his observation of student satisfaction with campus and academic life, a generous scholarship and on-campus employment. "I never regretted my choice," he says.

The first months weren't easy for Jim, '70. He struggled in calculus and analytical geometry classes. But by the end of the semester, he had earned an A and those worries about sustaining his scholarship disappeared. He remembers auditioning for the concert choir under iconic director Dr. Ferris Ohl and learning "Sweet Alma Home" after one rehearsal.

Jim's professional goals were to become a physician, so he majored in biology and chemistry. "I recall fondly and with great appreciation the time and effort that Professors Barlow, Baker, Lilly, Hintz, Groce and Cordell provided me to help me along my path," he says.

Jim believes Heidelberg prepared him well for his career as a noted ophthalmologist with subspecialty of tumors in and on the eye (ocular oncology). His career has spanned time at the Wills Eye Hospital in Philadelphia and the University of Cincinnati, where he served as chair of the Department of Ophthalmology (1999-2014).

Along with his wife, Emma Bentzel, '71, whom he met on campus, Jim has been a consistent donor to Heidelberg, increasing his giving as his financial situation allowed. Additionally, Jim and Emma have designated Heidelberg as the primary beneficiary of a significant retirement plan that will support the greatest needs of the university. "We hope other alumni of the classes of 1970 and 1971 will be able to follow our lead," he says.

To learn more about how easy it is to designate Heidelberg as a beneficiary of a retirement plan—and support Heidelberg and future students—contact Doug Kellar at 419-448-2888 or dkellar@heidelberg.edu.