Ohio State honors Trott, Monda, Brady and Cloyd with philanthropic awards
Recipients help students, advance research and healthcare, and strengthen communities across Ohio and beyond
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The Ohio State University |
The Ohio State University recently honored four dedicated Buckeye supporters with its top philanthropy and volunteerism awards.
Kara J. Trott received the John B. Gerlach Sr. Development Volunteer Award, which recognizes those who demonstrate exceptional leadership, commitment and personal investment in Ohio State fundraising efforts. Keith D. Monda, Veronica B. Brady and G. Gilbert “Gil” Cloyd were awarded the Everett D. Reese Medal, Ohio State’s highest honor recognizing exceptional service in private philanthropy.
“Kara, Keith, Veronica and Gil are extraordinary leaders who truly embody the Buckeye ethos of paying forward to future generations,” said Ohio State President Ravi V. Bellamkonda. “Through their leadership, generosity and vision, they have expanded opportunities for students, advanced discovery, supported health and well-being and inspired countless others to make a difference.”
A graduate of Ohio State’s Moritz College of Law, Trott is the founder and board chair of Quantum Health, an innovative company dedicated to helping people navigate the healthcare system while improving outcomes for employers, patients and families.
Trott has established endowed faculty positions in law, architecture and psychiatry with her philanthropy to the university, while advancing initiatives focused on immigration advocacy, trauma resilience and mental healthcare. She has also given her time and expertise to Ohio State’s highest governing and advisory boards, and currently serves on the university’s Board of Trustees.
“Ohio State has played an important role in my life and career, and I am grateful for it every day,” Trott said. “I’ve always believed that when you see a problem, you should work toward a solution. It is an honor to give to students, faculty and programs that are helping people reach their potential and improve lives.”
Together, Monda and Brady’s support established the Monda Student Resource Center, which provides students access to food, housing, clothing, emergency financial assistance and mental health resources. They have also helped nearly 800 Ohio State students participate in international learning experiences, broadening their perspectives and preparing them to lead in an increasingly interconnected world.
Their generosity can be seen across campus, including the public art installation Borealis by John Henry, and with scholarships and an endowed faculty position.
Monda, who earned two economics degrees from Ohio State, is the retired president and chief operating officer of Coach, Inc. He has devoted much of his post-corporate career to philanthropy, particularly in the areas of education, hunger relief and the well-being of children and families.
“Our simple motto is: ‘Be Good and Do Good,’” Monda said. “It means showing up where there is a need, leveling the playing field and providing opportunity.”
“Ohio State students have big dreams, and it has been a privilege to help open doors that allow them to explore the world, pursue their goals and build meaningful futures,” Brady added.
A first-generation college student and 1969 graduate of Ohio State’s College of Veterinary Medicine, Cloyd has spent more than five decades investing in the college and broader university.
After a distinguished career that included serving as chief technology officer for Procter & Gamble, with his philanthropic leadership, Cloyd continued to act on his belief that everyone deserves a quality education. He and his late wife, Susan, have supported scholarships for veterinary students and through the Scarlet and Gray Advantage program. He has also championed Ohio State Lima, helping fund renovations to Galvin Hall and expand educational access for students across the region.
“Ohio State changed my trajectory,” Cloyd said. “My hope is that today’s talented young people can discover how education can set them up in life. That’s why I continue to encourage others to invest in students and in the mission of this great university.”
Michael C. Eicher, Ohio State’s senior vice president for external affairs and president of The Ohio State University Foundation, shared that this year’s honorees have created a legacy that aligns with the Buckeye values of leadership, service and generosity.
“Most importantly, Kara, Keith, Veronica and Gil show us what it means to answer the call when our communities need us,” Eicher said.
