Giving feels good: Rick Shaffer

This Buckeye was looking for a way to honor those who left a lasting impact on him — and he found it through Ohio State.

When Rick Shaffer first started his career at Ohio State, he had no idea he would spend more than 33 years at the university and work in eight different units. When he looks back now, he thinks of the first position he held in the College of Nursing and meeting Dr. Carole Anderson — and how, from that moment on, his career was defined by the extraordinary people he met who became lifelong friends and mentors.

Rick was inspired by the leaders who cared not only about their work, but about the people around them. Dr. Carole Anderson was the first strong, benevolent mentor he had, but not the last. All had one thing in common — their ability to make a difference and inspire those around them.

“When you have a leader who is genuine and sincere, just watching them lead makes you want to give back,” says Shaffer.

So he did. Rick began donating to honor the personal connections he made as his career developed. Now, Rick has 20 years of cumulative giving through Ohio State, and he continues to support various funds each year. Every gift he makes recognizes a mentor, leader or friend — paying forward and creating meaningful change as a tribute to the lasting impact they left on Rick.

“I believe in helping people. And giving in honor of my personal experiences and mentors helps bring it all together.” - Rick Shaffer