One of the most successful grassroots fundraising efforts in Wittenberg history recently culminated in an announcement that the Committee to Honor Dave Maurer had raised a total of $672,690 to fund scholarships in the legendary coach’s name. More than 100 donors gave generously to the scholarship fund, which was celebrated on Dave Maurer Day, Nov. 1, 2008, with a banquet in Maurer’s honor. At that time, the original goal of $100,000 was announced. A successful fundraising campaign was capped by a gift of $336,345 from Wes Bates ’70, a member of the Wittenberg Board of Directors, and CEO and Chairman of the Board of Stanley Steemer International. The Dave Maurer Honorary Scholarship, named for the legendary coach, athletics administrator and professor, is awarded annually to a sophomore, junior or senior male student with financial need who has demonstrated such qualities as self-discipline, teamwork, cooperation, hard work, self-confi dence, pride in accomplishment, competitive spirit and the ability to deal with adversity. It is a tuition scholarship that may be renewable on an annual basis or may be rotated, per the committee’s discretion. Maurer remains one of the most beloved Wittenberg leaders and mentors in the illustrious history of the university’s varsity athletics program, especially among the student-athletes he guided on and off the fi eld during his 40 years (1955-95).

Those serving on The Committee to Honor Dave Maurer included Chairman Steve Drongowski ’74, Co-Chairs Roy Allen ’63, Ron Duncan ’66, Jack Henkle ’62 and Tom Prior ’62. The rest of the committee included Jim Donnellon ’79, Bob Hamilton ’63, Bill Hauser ’78, Gene Miller ’65, Doug Moore ’76, Jay Reis ’68, Scott “Muddy” Watters ’87, Jim Logue ’62, Paul Valente and Head Football Coach Joe Fincham.