The Dr. Lucian “Lou” Spataro, Sr. Memorial Fund

Dr. Spataro, Jr. will match all donations, up to $10,000, to the Dr. Lucian "Lou" Spataro, Sr. Memorial Fund which will provide support for students and faculty in Ohio University's Department of Management.

This fall during Homecoming at Ohio University, Dr. Lucian Spataro Jr. will be honored with the Ohio University Medal of Merit for his accomplished career and considerable work advancing civics education nationwide.

For the past 10 years, Dr. Lucian Spataro, Jr. has been working to address a growing crisis in the United States: the decline and disappearance of civics education in our schools. By authoring the Civics Education Initiative, Lucian and his team help further the emphasis on civics in 31 states with requirements to teach civics coupled with engaging classroom curricula designed to create better-informed citizens who understand how government works and the impact of their individual roles as citizens.

Lucian credits his father's influence for his own impressive list of accomplishments, which include raising more than $16 million in grant funding to support ongoing advocacy for civics education and advocacy for the passage of civics education requirements for high school graduation, now the law in 31 states.

Lucian is graciously accepting the award in memory of his dad, Dr. Lucian “Lou” Spataro Sr., who served on faculty at Ohio University in the College of Business for more than 30 years. Lucian is providing a challenge grant to support the work of Ohio University in honor of his father. All gifts to the Dr. Lucian “Lou” Spataro, Sr. Memorial Fund for the Department of Management will be matched up to $10,000. This fund allows our faculty to continue investing in innovative programming and experiences that grow students' leadership skills and the unwavering spirit of camaraderie that Lucian and his father have championed throughout the years.

Please consider giving a gift today to the  Dr. Lucian “Lou” Spataro, Sr. Memorial Fund in support of OHIO students! 

"For everyone who knew my Dad, you knew him as a man who worked very hard and was committed to his family and friends, and who would move heaven and earth to support us while working hard to ensure we had the tools and the education we needed to walk on our own two feet. I am grateful that my dad instilled a love of learning and always stressed the importance of education in my life."
—Dr. Lucian Spataro, Jr.

All Gifts Matched, Up To $10,000

As a way to further honor his dad and support current and future management students and faculty, Dr. Spataro, Jr. will be matching all gifts 1:1, up to $10,000. Because the match cannot be applied automatically, we’ve already added the match dollars to the total. Your support will help us move closer to the $20k goal to fully realize the matching dollars!

Choose a giving level or enter your own gift amount on the Give Now/Donate page in support of the Dr. Lucian “Lou” Spataro, Sr. Memorial Fund.

From OHIO's Department of Management

Dr. Ana Rosado Feger, Chair, Department of Management

“We strive to provide our students with distinctive experiences and learning opportunities that will enhance their business acumen and strategic leadership skills beyond the classroom. Furthermore, we continue to invest in our faculty in ways that allow them to continuously improve their teaching and curriculum and create meaningful learning experiences for our students. We are truly grateful for Dr. Lucian Spataro, Jr.’s gift in honor of his father’s legacy establishing the Dr. Lucian 'Lou' Spataro, Sr. Memorial Fund for the Department of Management which will provide valuable funding to advance our work, allowing us to invest in our faculty and equip our students to be successful leaders beyond Ohio University. Thank you to Dr. Lucian Spataro, Jr., and to all who support our work at Ohio University!” 

Tim Reynolds '87, Executive Director, Robert D. Walter Center for Strategic Leadership

"Dr. Lucian 'Lou' Spataro, Sr. is a big reason why I was successful in college, became a professor, and deeply love this university. For some reason, he took a real interest in me and I worked for him as a teaching and research assistant in the management department. Unfortunately, Lou passed away before I could tell him what a difference he made in my life. Lou was a wonderful professor, mentor, and friend to me and to many OHIO students and colleagues. The establishment of the Dr. Lucian 'Lou' Spataro, Sr. Memorial Fund for the Department of Management is a perfect way to honor his legacy and impact on the College of Business."

Jr & Sr, Together

Lucian, Jr. (second from left) with his dad Lucian, Sr. (third from left), after completing his 3,000 mile ride across the country to raise support for the Rainforest Action Network

Lucian, Jr. and his dad "Lou" at a Phoenix Suns basketball game 

Thank you for helping to honor the memory and lasting impact of Dr. Lucian “Lou” Spataro, Sr., with your gift to the Memorial Fund in his name.