University of Findlay students majoring in the science, technology, engineering, or math (STEM) fields will benefit starting this fall from a $500,000 scholarship fund generously donated in memory of pioneer, entrepreneur, and philanthropist Austin “Dutch” E. Knowlton.

The Austin E. Knowlton Foundation has awarded UF $100,000 annually for the next five years, from September 2025 to August 2030.

UF President Katherine Fell, Ph.D., said the University is honored to receive this gift that makes education more affordable, providing access to a UF education for students at every socioeconomic level.

“The Knowlton Foundation’s kind philanthropic support will help our students to forge new paths and achieve their educational dreams,” she noted. “These scholarships allow Oilers to enjoy transformative academic experiences, make lifelong friends, and grow in ways they never imagined.”

The Austin E. Knowlton Foundation was established to promote the ideals of higher education, support student success, and enable colleges and universities across the Midwest to create more rewarding and inspiring educational experiences.

Knowlton established the Foundation in 1981 in recognition of his business success and civic involvement. He funded it during his lifetime and, through his will, created a lasting impact that continues to support students and higher education.

Scholarships are required to be awarded to freshmen from Ohio majoring in a STEM or STEM-related program, or students from Illinois, Indiana, Kentucky, or Michigan with a STEM or STEM-related major. Students in good academic standing are eligible to receive the scholarship for multiple years.

The University of Findlay is known for excellence in its science, health professions, animal science, equestrian studies, and pharmacy programs. Robust science courses are an essential component of a UF education, and 54 percent of all students take a chemistry course.

Among UF’s largest undergraduate majors is Animal Science/Pre-Veterinary Medicine. UF consistently is the No. 1 feeder school for Ohio State’s College of Veterinary Medicine. Currently, 38 Oiler students studying at Ohio State to graduate by 2028 as veterinarians.

“Students studying in the sciences are among our most sought-after graduates,” said Ken McIntyre Jr., vice president of University advancement. “We are very grateful for the Knowlton Foundation’s gift of scholarships to support these hard-working and talented students.”

Throughout his lifetime, Knowlton, known to his friends as “Dutch” or “Mr. K”, helped build and shape many thriving communities. The owner and chairman of the Knowlton Construction Company, started in Bellefontaine, Ohio in 1937, was responsible for 600 construction projects throughout Ohio and the Midwest, including school buildings, hospitals, libraries, and post offices.

He was a 1927 graduate of Bellefontaine High School in Logan County, and Ohio State University, class of 1931, where he received a bachelor of science degree in architectural engineering. Today, Ohio State’s School of Architecture and its airport terminal and flight school are named in his honor.

An avid sportsman, he was a founding partner of the Cincinnati Bengals, where he served as chairman. He also held a major ownership interest in the Cincinnati Reds for many years. He had a lifelong passion for saddle-bred horses and was a trustee of the Little Brown Jug Society for harness racing in Delaware, Ohio.

Knowlton was also an aviation pioneer, making extensive use of early business aircraft to efficiently support his far-flung construction projects from the late 1940s. He founded an aircraft sales and charter company, Ohio Aviation, which decades later would become an early part of NetJets.

Today, through the foundation, Knowlton’s beneficial impact on communities throughout the Midwest continues, by helping to prepare future generations of leaders.

Pictured above: philanthropist Austin E. Knowlton

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