Ohio State awards highest philanthropic honors
Two families who have distinguished themselves as generous and committed Ohio State supporters were recognized last week with the university’s highest awards for philanthropy and volunteerism.
The Crane family received the Everett D. Reese Medal, the university’s highest honor in recognition of exceptional service in private philanthropy. Thekla “Teckie” and Don Shackelford received the John B. Gerlach Sr. Development Volunteer Award, which rewards those who show the utmost dedication and personal investment in university fundraising efforts.
“The impact of the Cranes and Shackelfords reaches each and every part of our university community,” said President Michael V. Drake. “Ohio State would not be complete without these families.”
The Cranes are well-known in central Ohio as selfless and strategic community partners. In addition to providing financial support, the family gives generously of their time, offering countless hours of personal leadership and service on numerous nonprofit and civic boards. This community support is also embraced by members of Crane Group, the family’s 70-year-old private holding and management company based in Columbus.
The Cranes’ Buckeye-laden family tree is still growing. There are at least 11 alumni among its branches, including Loann Crane ’47 and the late Robert S. Crane ’46; Jameson Crane ’47, a former Ohio State football player and chairman emeritus of Crane Group; Tanny Crane ’78, current president and CEO of Crane Group; Mike Crane, JD ’78, executive vice president of Crane Group; Rob Crane, MD, an associate professor of family medicine at Ohio State; and two family members currently attending.
Notably, 30 individuals representing three generations of the family pledged $13.5 million to Ohio State in 2013 to establish the Jameson Crane Sports Medicine Institute, fund the Crane Center for Early Childhood Research and Policy, and create the Loann Crane Advanced Language Institute.
Teckie Shackelford and her husband, Don, are passionate about their pets, and incredibly generous in their support of Ohio State. The Shackelfords became clients of the Veterinary Medical Center in 1989 and ma
de their first gift to the College of Veterinary Medicine in 1996. Their philanthropic contributions include the creation of the Teckie R. and Don B. Shackelford Professorship (and now Chair) in Canine Medicine, and The Jane, Lily, and Bubba Shackelford Lobby of the Veterinary Medical Center Hummel and Trueman Hospital for Companion Animals. Don and Teckie named the emergency and community practice lobby in honor of their dogs.
Teckie’s connection to Ohio State has deep roots, with her father, Everett D. Reese, establishing the President’s Club in 1963. The Reese Medal is named for him. Teckie served as a director of Ohio State’s Foundation Board from 1994 to 2009, and remains the only female chair in its history. Her service has previously been honored with the Alumni Association Citizenship Award in 1991, the Reese Medal in 2000 and The Ohio State University Distinguished Service Award in 2001. Don Shackelford delivered Ohio State’s Summer Commencement address in 1998.
“The Cranes and Shackelfords represent the very best of the Buckeye spirit of paying forward. Their selfless contributions have changed so many lives for the better,” said Michael C. Eicher, senior vice president for advancement and president of The Ohio State University Foundation. “Ohio State is proud to call them friends and family, and honored that they have chosen us to help carry out their mission to improve our world.”
