Andrew Nolan Memorial Scholarship

Andrew Nolan '14 entered Ohio University as an excited, curious young student. Through patience and determination, he graduated with a Bachelor’s of Specialized Studies degree from University College that prepared him well for the career path ahead of him.

His degree’s dual emphasis in communication studies and marketing prepared him well as he joined Cleveland’s The SpyGlass Group, LLC in a sales position. Clearly talented, he grew with SpyGlass and became a Senior Manager, Business Development & Sales.

Sadly, the Bobcat Family lost Andrew in November 2020, at the age of 29. He was loved and cherished by many people, but undoubtedly most by Bobcat parents, Martin Nolan '82 and Ann Nolan '83; and his siblings, Emily Frohnapple and Joseph Nolan '17.

The sudden loss of Andrew affected many, including his colleagues at SpyGlass. Because of his impact on SpyGlass and in recognition of how well he lived the company culture, his company wishes to honor his memory with a gift in support of a student in University College’s Specialized Studies program. SpyGlass has created a scholarship in Andrew’s memory: the Andrew Nolan Memorial Scholarship.

As he finished at Strongsville High School, Andrew applied to a few different colleges but when his acceptance letter came from OHIO his decision was made. He loved the campus, he loved the size of the university and it did not hurt that his parents had met on campus and his dad proposed to his mom on the College Green. Ohio University was in his blood.

Andrew started at OHIO as a University College undecided student in Fall 2009-2010. He then declared a Sociology/Criminology major before later switching to his BSS path.

His dad Marty shared, “For Andrew, choosing Ohio University was easier than choosing his major. Like many 18-year-olds, Andrew did not know what he wanted to be ‘when he grew up’ and he came to orientation a bit confused and without any firm direction on how to get started. [Later] A counselor from University College agreed to meet with him and she got Andrew to reflect on the types of classes he thought he would like and also to review things that he was good at. This led him to a University College course of study that included both communication and marketing.”

Marty added, “University College gave him that flexibility to find his way and develop his own path and I am sure he would feel wonderful knowing this scholarship was helping someone else in a similar situation.”

At SpyGlass, Andrew was very much the culture fit they look for at this company. Ed Mont '09, Head of Business Development, shared, “We're a young, energetic, growing company with a lot of young professionals and Andrew just embodied that.”

“We really want people to enjoy being in the office, and Andrew was a major part of that. He always was willing to help a lot of the newer people.”

Prior to his passing, Andrew’s impact on SpyGlass was already established. Nikki Guthrie, Director of Talent Acquisition, shared, “While going through the interview process with so many people — if there was someone that reminded me of Andrew Nolan, be it characteristics or personality — I knew it would be a perfect fit, another perfect hire for coming into SpyGlass. Andrew really did embody what we look for here, so measuring others against him made sense.”

SpyGlass’ two founders and presidents are OHIO alumni. Two of the three VPs are also Bobcat alumni. Lots of employees are also grads. In a way, Andrew might have left Athens, but he stayed surrounded by Bobcats. Like many companies, SpyGlass has a casual Friday tradition. Andrew had several OU sweatshirts and hoodies he’d wear on these occasions. A homage brand crewneck sweatshirt with the paw print logo was certainly a favorite of his.

Andrew embraced life like few others and brought energy and passion to every day common events. Andrew had a smile for everyone and would show sincere interest in anyone he met. So, it is no surprise that Andrew left Ohio University with a large group of new, close friends. From the classroom to Strouds Run, from Courtside Pizza to the many festivals in Athens — even to Hilton Head spring break trips — Andrew did it all and created a lot of wonderful memories. At SpyGlass, it was more of the same.

Andrew loved his time at Ohio University, and he loved the Athens community. Andrew would be very, very proud to know there was a scholarship in his name being awarded to a student at Ohio University.

SpyGlass established the Andrew Nolan Memorial Scholarship at Ohio University to honor Andrew’s memory.