Stimperts stick-to-itiveness leads to unprecedented legacy at AU T
hrough the good times and the bad, “Stimperts stick together.” No matter the circumstance, “Stimperts stick together.” Through the triumphs and trials of life,
“Stimperts stick together.” From a young age, Fred and Mary Stimpert drilled the family motto into their seven children – Kate, Jake, Kelvin, Troy, Patty, Renee and Anna. It was more than a saying, though. It was a maxim to support, love and protect each other, to hold one another to the highest standards and to always work hard, whether it be on the family farm, in the classroom or on an extracurricular activity. The Stimpert children also stuck together when it came to furthering their education. All seven attended and graduated from Ashland University, four with multiple degrees, over the last 10 years. The remarkable stretch was never intended. It started with first-born Kate (Stimpert ’12) “ Kate started the ball rolling and the others just fell in line. They saw
Chaffins, who did not feel any pressure from
Fred or Mary – a 1984 AU alum herself – to
Kate had a great experience. They all had good experiences, great
choose the school that was just a 15-minute
teachers, great coaches. Many professors took a personal interest in
drive from their countryside farm. A basketball
them, offered constant encouragement. AU really opened doors for
recruit, Kate had received interest from a few
each of them.”
Ohio schools, but none of the others had the
– Mary Stimpert ’84
mix of the college experience she was seeking,
“community focused, educationally driven (with) moral integrity and respect, while focusing on spirituality and faith.”
4 | Ashland University | Fall 2022