Ashland University completed major renovations to three residence halls with a $20 million gift from longtime benefactors Dwight and Martha Schar, the largest gift in the university’s history.
The university planned an October 2 dedication and ribbon-cutting ceremony to celebrate the transformed residence halls and formally dedicate Schar Plaza outside the main entrance of Amstutz Hall.
Dwight Schar, a 1964 Ashland graduate and founder of Fortune 500 homebuilder NVR, and his wife Martha provided the $20 million commitment in 2026.
The latest contribution brings the Schars’ total philanthropic support for Ashland University to $60 million.
The $20 million gift funded the complete renovation and modernization of nine-story Amstutz Hall, four-story Jacobs Hall, and the first floor of Andrews Hall.
The team completed all construction within five months.
The renovated residence halls include air conditioning, private pod-style bathrooms, and extensive updates to lobbies and student rooms, including new flooring, LED lighting, and furniture.
Amstutz Hall also received a full-height glass façade extending across the nine-story building. The design brings additional natural light into open-concept study lounges on each floor.
The university said the improvements are intended to create more modern, comfortable and collaborative living and learning environments for students.
The Schars have supported Ashland University for more than 40 years.
Their previous major gifts have supported the Dwight Schar College of Education, Dwight Schar Athletic Complex, Dwight Schar College of Nursing and Health Sciences, Physician Assistant Studies program, Clayton Hall, Lyceum Café and outdoor campus beautification projects.
KEY QUOTE:
“We are looking forward to publicly recognizing Dwight and Martha Schar for their longtime commitment to Ashland University. The Schars’ most recent gift has allowed us to offer an enhanced residential experience for many of our current students as well as for future generations.”
Dr. Jon Parrish Peede, President of Ashland University
