North Columbus News

The Robert F. Wolfe and Edgar T. Wolfe Foundation has committed $10 million to The Ohio State University College of Veterinary Medicine in memory of the late Rita Wolfe. The gift will establish the Rita Jean Wolfe Deanship, which was approved by the university’s board of trustees at its August 22 meeting.

The daughter of Ann Isaly Wolfe and the late John F. Wolfe, Rita continued her family’s multigenerational commitment to civic leadership in Columbus. She served on several boards, including The Harmony Project, Leadership Columbus, and The James Cancer Hospital.

Rita was also dedicated to animal welfare, serving on Columbus Humane’s board and participating in the Dean’s Philanthropic Engagement Council at the College of Veterinary Medicine. She was a longtime client of Ohio State’s Veterinary Medical Center.

“Rita Wolfe, like other members of her family, was dedicated to compassion, service and understated leadership in our community,” said President Walter “Ted” Carter Jr. “The Rita Jean Wolfe Deanship in the College of Veterinary Medicine will cement Rita’s legacy and build upon her passion for improving the health and well-being of animals and people.”

The newly created deanship aims to support faculty excellence, student success, programmatic advancement, and guide the college into the future. It seeks to extend a legacy of over 135 years in veterinary medicine excellence.

“Rita made a profound difference, positively influencing the lives of countless animals and people,” said Rustin Moore, dean of the College of Veterinary Medicine at Ohio State. “We are deeply honored to recognize and preserve her passion and dedication to animal health.”

The Wolfe Foundation's donation honors Rita's dedication to animal welfare while expanding upon past philanthropic investments in veterinary medicine at Ohio State. These include creating the Wolfe Associates Inc. Endowed Professorship in Canine Clinical and Comparative Medicine.

“Rita was an incredibly loving, empathetic and generous individual,” said Katie Wolfe Lloyd, Rita’s sister and a trustee of the Wolfe Foundation. “The deanship carrying Rita’s name will serve as a lasting tribute.”