Longaberger Foundation Gives $5 Million

LONGABERGER FOUNDATION GIFT SUPPORTS MULTIPLE INITIATIVES AT OHIO 
STATE

COLUMBUS --  At a press conference today, led by The Ohio 
State University President-designate William E. Kirwan and Board 
of Trustee Chair Alex Shumate, Rachel Longaberger, president of 
The Longaberger Foundation of Newark, announced a commitment of 
$5 million to support several areas at Ohio State:

-- $1.5 million to establish the Dave Longaberger Endowed 
Chair in Urology, providing salary and program support for a 
distinguished urologist whose focus will include the advancement 
of medical knowledge through research in and treatment of 
urological diseases, particularly oncology.

-- $2 million to support the Longaberger Alumni House, which 
will be the new campus home for thousands of Ohio State alumni 
and friends.  (Naming subject to approval by the Ohio State Board 
of Trustees.)

-- $1 million to establish the Longaberger First-Year 
Student Institute, to provide programs for Ohio State freshmen 
with a goal of increasing student retention.

-- $150,000 to support the Longaberger Women's Re-Entry 
Scholarship Fund -- part of Ohio State's Critical Difference for 
Women program -- the income from which will provide educational 
opportunities for several students each year who wish to return 
to college to complete their degrees.

-- $250,000 to establish the Longaberger Medical Research 
Fund, the income from which will support activities in the new 
medical research facility.

-- $50,000 to create the Longaberger Scholarship Fund, the 
income from which will provide financial assistance for Ohio 
State students who are traditionally underrepresented in the 
student body.

-- $50,000 to support the Frank W. Hale Jr. Black Cultural 
Center, designated for facility improvements.

"I am both honored and excited by our announcement of this 
gift," said Longaberger.  "It gives us the opportunity to endorse 
our outstanding relationship with Ohio State, and to declare our 
commitment to the exceptional educational and cultural 
experiences that this university provides."

The Longaberger Company has a long history of philanthropy.  
Past partnerships with Ohio State have benefited such areas the 
colleges of Optometry and Human Ecology.  

The Longaberger Foundation was established by family members 
Dave, Tami and Rachel to formalize their commitment to touching 
the lives of those in need.  With a long history of giving, the 
foundation will provide funding for projects and programs 
designed to strengthen communities, families and individuals 
throughout the country.

"This wonderful gift is representative of the Longaberger 
Foundation's commitment to our students and alumni, to our 
community and to our future," said Kirwan.  "It will create a 
diverse array of opportunities and initiatives that will touch 
the lives of many, and we are extremely grateful for their 
support and partnership."

The Longaberger Foundation gift is part of Ohio State's 
five-year $850 million campaign, entitled "Affirm Thy 
Friendship."  As of March 31, 1998, the campaign -- now in its 
third year -- has raised $690 million to support a wide range of 
university needs.

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Contact: Jennifer Pearce, media coordinator, The Longaberger 
Foundation, (740) 322-5102; or Roger Addleman, director, Ohio 
State Development Communications, (614) 292-3647.