Leaving a Legacy - Ensuring a Vibrant Future
hlapaty aims to inspire alumni and friends into action
Marietta, OH (06/18/2025) — "They acted under the consciousness that they were laying the foundations of an institution that was to continue for many centuries, and whose future prosperity would depend largely upon their work" - President Israel Ward Andrews (1855-1885) on the first Marietta College Board of Trustees
As the pioneers of the Northwest Territory laid the groundwork for what would become Southeast Ohio, they envisioned an institution for higher learning at the convergence of the Ohio and Muskingum rivers.
It was the hard work and dedication of Marietta community members - well-known leaders and everyday citizens who valued what higher education could do for society - that brought the Muskingum Academy of 1797, the Marietta Collegiate Institute and Western Teachers' Seminary of 1830, and, ultimately, Marietta College into the region in 1835.
"Since 1797's Muskingum Academy to now, there have been a handful of individuals who have pioneered the College's future, whether that's been through leadership, stewardship, or both," said Maria Cipro '25, who served as the Student Government Association President for two years. "When historians look back on what allowed Marietta College to thrive during this current challenging time in higher education when other institutions faltered, without question they will point to Joe Chlapaty's vision, dedication and philanthropy."
Much like the pioneers who founded Marietta College, Joseph A. Chlapaty H'10, a graduate of the University of Dubuque (Iowa), had no ties to Marietta College. That connection came when his son, Keith '97, was recruited to play football by the late Coach Gene Epley. During those four years, Joe and Linda Chlapaty saw the transformational experiences their son would have as a student-athlete, an English major and member of this tight-knit community.
"For 190 years, Marietta College has thrived because of countless individual members of our special community who were dedicated to this historic institution's future," said Interim President Kathleen Poorman Dougherty. "I am humbled by Joe and Linda's commitment to keeping Marietta College at the forefront of higher education, and I am truly grateful."
As a parent of a current student, he began contributing regularly to the College's annual fund and various athletics initiatives. Two years after his son graduated, he was elected to the Board of Trustees and served through 2008. In addition to help guide the institution, Mr. Chlapaty made a significant planned gift, supported the Legacy Campaign as a major donor to the Legacy Library's construction, and provided a substantial gift to renovate and build a second story onto Don Drumm Stadium. Once the construction boom during the 2000s closed and his service to the Board was complete, Emeritus Trustee Chlapaty resumed his life outside the Marietta community.
Amid increasing challenges in higher education, especially enrollment pressures, Mr. Chlapaty reengaged with the College recently and deepened his commitment to Marietta, supporting key efforts to assure its future.
"Some alumni want the College to go back to earlier decades that they remember fondly, but we have to adjust for a different time, a different era of communication, technology and travel," he said. "We'll still be a great school, but we'll be a great school that is participating in a different society from what alumni from other eras have known."
In early 2024, the Emeritus Trustee and his wife, Linda, pledged $500,000 to support student recruitment and learning experiences. That same year, he re-joined the Board of Trustees, issued the Chlapaty Challenge, which matched every gift to The Marietta Fund up to $500,000, and pledged $3 million to support the strategic initiative, MariettaNOW.
"Mr. Chlapaty is directly impacting every student at Marietta College - from mornings in the Chlapaty Cafe to watching games at Don Drumm to the many PAC events that infuse some much-needed fun during a challenging semester," said Shay Allshouse '26, the new SGA President. "What Mr. and Mrs. Chlapaty have done means so much to students, and we will never forget how their generosity made our lives on campus better. They have shown us what it means to give back and to protect the future of Marietta College."
Thanks to his extraordinary generosity, he now ranks among the Top 3 donors in Marietta College's history, joining the prestigious ranks of the Putnam Associates of the Erwin Academy (Marietta's highest lifetime giving level) - and he's collaborating with Marietta leadership to prepare for another major announcement for the start of the 2025-26 academic year that promises to ignite even more excitement about the College's future.
"Marietta College played a big role in the success of many alumni who have the ability to make the College's future more secure," he said. "It's time to step forward because Marietta needs you."
Mr. Chlapaty aims to inspire others and wants to see the love that alumni, donors and the greater Marietta community have for the College turn into action, much like the original pioneers had when Marietta College was only an idea in the wilderness.
"I met a lot of people in Marietta, and I still have a lot of friends through the College," he said. "I want Marietta to thrive. It's so important to the Marietta region - that part of Ohio that has historically suffered socio-economically but represents the underpinning of how our country developed. Together, we're going to make Marietta College thrive."
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