The Davis family has definitely left its imprint on Ohio State. There are places all around campus where one can see the family’s name and the support its members have provided to make their goals—and those of the university—come to life. From the Bill Davis Stadium, where baseball fans gather, to the Dorothy M. Davis Heart & Lung Research Institute—with its more than 500 faculty, researchers, and staff working to prevent and cure heart and lung disease—the family’s influence is far-reaching.

In total, the Davis Foundation has given more than $11 million to Ohio State. The foundation’s vision and generosity have given life to new ideas and concepts, benefiting many generations to come. In addition to the Department of Athletics and The Ohio State University Medical Center, the foundation has made a difference at the Fisher College of Business and the Arthur G. James Cancer Hospital and Richard J. Solove Research Institute.

William H. Davis was the founder of Davis & Son, Inc., developer of single-family homes, shopping centers, and apartment buildings in Central Ohio. Upon his death in 1984, his son, William C. Davis, took over the company and served as chair of the board. In 1988, he laid the groundwork for the family’s foundation by establishing a donor-advised fund at The Columbus Foundation.

In his will, William C. made a plan to ensure the Davis Foundation funds would be used for charitable purposes. After his death in 1991, his wishes were carried out as designated by his stepmother, Dorothy M. Davis. In 1993, she created the William H. Davis, Dorothy M. Davis and William C. Davis Foundation and served as its chair and president until her passing in 1996. Today, William D. Wells, Dorothy’s great-nephew, directs the family foundation.

The extraordinary longtime commitment of the Davis Foundation has enabled Ohio State to create landmark and renowned programs and facilities that bring local and national recognition.

At Fisher, the William H. Davis Chair in the American Free Enterprise System supports the educational and operational aspects of the Center for Entrepreneurship and the development of comprehensive entrepreneurship education and outreach programs throughout the university. Funds have been used to support new courses for those who are interested in pursuing a minor in this area, to expand the graduate-level specialization, and to benefit the internship program.

Giving to The James has included the Dorothy M. Davis Chair in Cancer Research; the Stefanie Spielman Fund for Breast Cancer Research; and the Jacquelyn L. Wells Endowment Fund in Ovarian Cancer Research. The foundation also provides support for fundraising events such as Celebration for Life, Stefanie’s Champions, and The James Stitching Sisters.

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The Davis Foundation's vision and generosity have given life to new ideas and concepts at Ohio State to benefit future generations.