University announces Business Affiliates Scholarship Program recipients

FINDLAY — Five University of Findlay students are the 2025-26 recipients of more than $40,000 through the Business Affiliates Scholarship Program. This UF program offers academic scholarships to Oiler students who have graduated from a Hancock County high school or who are employed by Hancock County organizations. This year's recipients are: Emily Brickner, fourth year doctor of pharmacy program from Fostoria; David May Jr., senior from Ohio City, social work major; Makayla Oman, sophomore from Findlay, business administration-marketing major; Bryce Beltz, senior from Wauseon, pre-vet/animal science major; and Jeremiah Spiceland, sophomore from Findlay, exercise science for pre-physical therapy major. At the annual Business Affiliates Scholarship celebration breakfast, held on Oct. 21, students shared how the scholarships have impacted their education and personal growth. "This scholarship has been an incredible blessing," David May said. "It lifted a huge financial burden off my shoulders, allowing me to focus more on my academics, ministry, and leadership. Because of your generosity, I've been able to keep doing what I love, helping students find hope, community, and belonging here at UF. Your generosity changes lives. It changed mine." "We appreciate the many organizations and individuals who invest in UF students and their education," said Madelynn Strayer, '21, UF director of annual giving, who coordinates the program. "Their support shows students that this community believes in them and encourages them to build their futures here in Findlay." The program is administered by the University's Business Affiliates advisory board, a group of five Findlay/Hancock County business leaders working with the UF Advancement office. The 2025-26 board members are Erin Schwiebert, chair, O-I Glass; Brian Beltz, Beltz Home Service Co.; Joshua Reams '02, Millstream Area Credit Union; Thomas Wagner, Mass Mutual; and Austin Wilson, '14, Hixon Zuercher Capital Management. Schwiebert said the generous support of Business Affiliates members continues to ease the financial burden for students and, through her work on the advisory board, she has seen firsthand how truly impactful the program is. "Through my tenure on the Business Affiliates board, I have witnessed firsthand the transformative power of collaboration between academia and industry," she added. The Business Affiliates Scholarship Program has secured more than $800,000 in scholarship contributions during the past 24 years and impacted the financial well-being of 375 UF students since its inception in 2001, Strayer noted. "Together, we can bridge the gap between theory and practice, helping to shape the leaders of tomorrow while propelling our local organizations to new heights," she said.