Roger Grein

Why Should You Give to NKU?

Here's why one donor decided to make a difference.
 
Roger Grein didn't attend NKU. He never sat as a student in the classrooms or took notes for a lecture.

But he made a generous donation to the school for various academic scholarships and athletic endeavors. As a longtime softball coach, he loved that NKU had the area's only softball program that offered scholarships.

"I wanted to help," said Grein, a Lockland businessman. "For so many years, (our national high school all-stars) were a feeder program to NKU's softball team. NKU offered my high school kids a place to go to college when nobody else did. They provided opportunities."

But there were other reasons why he gave, too. Grein, who has cerebral palsy, knows the challenges students with disabilities face.

"It was a no-brainer," he said of his gift. "It just gives so many opportunities to the youth of the area."

When the state matched Grein's donation and NKU chipped in, the total reached $800,000:

• $500,000 for the Roger F. Grein scholarship, which funds the athletes on the women's softball team
• $50,000 for the recently completed Frank Ignatius Grein softball field, one of the best softball facilities in the country
• $250,000 for the Thelma Louise Grein scholarship for physically challenged students

While not everyone can match Grein's generosity, every little bit helps our students succeed. We're all part of the same team, and each player - from the starting pitcher to the last batter on the bench - needs to contribute for us to reach our goals.