50 Years | Bryan Area Foundation

Randolph O. Bard Bruce O. Benedict G. Grant Brown Ford Cullis John B. Dwyer Henry E. Ford John A. Hall Lemuel L. Hawk George Isaac P. Thomas Johnston William C. Killgallon, Jr. James A. Lockhart Robert D. Lowe Dr. Harold Mayberry C.B. Melton Frederick R. Parker Richard L. Reed Wayne Shaffer Theodore Spangler John Tomlinson WilliamW. Weaver Forest E. Witzerman A.W. Yahraus The Dream Begins...1969 This publication is dedicated to the original “Big Dreamers.” The first four presidents of the Bryan Area Foundation pictured L to R are Bruce Benedict, Lem Hawk, Dick Reed, and Ted Spangler. They were honored at the 20th anniversary of the foundation in 1989. All were founding members, and each committed to a five-year term to ensure continuity and community trust in the foundation’s formative years. The groundwork for establishing the Bryan Area Foundation began in early 1969. Lemuel Hawk, an Aro Corporation executive, and attorney John Dwyer asked Bryan’s Chamber of Commerce Board to appoint a committee to determine the feasibility of a community foundation. This group of enthusiastic leaders met regularly to conduct national research and interviews with other Ohio foundations. Lem Hawk, described by others as the driving force, and John Dwyer, who prepared the legal documents, effectively guided the organizational process. The Bryan Area Foundation’s Articles of Incorporation were filed on December 12, 1969. Selected members representing a broad range of occupations and community service soon held their first meeting and election of officers. Thanks to their volunteer spirit, commitment and vision, the wheels were set in motion for five decades of growing donor endowment, making possible a multitude of community projects. The following pages outline the foundation’s journey and continued dedication to honor the mission of its founders, “For the good of Bryan…forever.” This publication is dedicated to them, the original “Big Dreamers.” 1970’s Founders