Preserving History

The College has a history that kind of gets in your blood," says Jill Henley Shafer ’76. Jill and her husband, Dr. Ken Shafer ’75, are helping to preserve that history with a major gift toward Kauke Hall’s renovation.

Jill came to Wooster to study voice with Karl Trump and prepare to teach music, Ken to study chemistry and prepare for medical school.

"The chemistry department was like one big family," Ken recalls. "The faculty were excellent teachers and warm individuals who took a personal interest in students."

Jill remembers being challenged to be her best by faculty members like Marshall Haddock (music). She and Ken sang in the chorus and concert choir.

Following graduation, the two went separate ways. After medical school, an internship, residency, and fellowship in St. Louis, Ken opened a cardiology practice in West Plains, Missouri. Jill earned a master’s degree from the University of Akron while teaching music in the Orrville schools. In 1998 the two married and Jill taught in West Plains.

When Ken got an opportunity to join the Cleveland Clinic Heart Center in 2002, the Shafers felt Wooster call them home. They bought a house on College Avenue; Jill took a music position with the Wooster schools.

Returning to Wooster means a chance to get more involved in the life of the College. The couple walks to concerts, plays, and football games. They joined the Wayne County leadership group for Independent Minds: The Campaign for Wooster. And they made a major gift to the Kauke project in honor of Ken’s grandparents, three of whom were Wooster graduates and all of whom were involved in Presbyterian ministry. Two religious studies faculty offices will be named in their memory.

"Giving to Wooster has been in our plans for a long time," Ken says."Rather than wait until we didn’t need the money anymore, we recognized that Wooster needs it now.

"Supporting Wooster ensures that the opportunity is there for the next generation of students. We want them to have as good an experience as we had."