Ashland University dedicates new Schar Plaza, honors benefactors of $20M donation – largest gift in university history
ASHLAND, Ohio — On Friday, Oct. 2, Ashland University honored longtime benefactors Dwight Schar '64, founder of homebuilder, NVR, and his wife Martha, who helped transform the university’s residence halls thanks to a $20 million donation—the largest gift in university history—with the dedication of Schar Plaza outside the main entrance of Amstutz Hall. It is the latest in $60 million in philanthropic support the Schars have provided to Ashland University.
“Dwight and Martha Schar have helped shape the trajectory of Ashland University through decades of remarkable generosity and a shared vision for the university’s future,” said Ashland University President Dr. Jon Parrish Peede. “Their donation highlights their commitment to building quality housing, not only for families but also for students. This historic $20 million gift is the latest chapter in a legacy that has touched every corner of our campus, strengthening our academic and athletic programs, enhancing our facilities and enriching the student experience. We are profoundly grateful for the Schars’ lasting impact on our institution.”
The Schars’ $20 million donation funded the complete renovation and modernization of nine-story Amstutz Hall, four-story Jacobs Hall, and the first floor of Andrews Hall—with all construction taking place during a five-month timeline.
The three residence halls now feature air conditioning, pod-style bathrooms and extensive lobby and room updates which include new flooring, furniture and LED lighting. Additionally, Amstutz Hall stands out with a dramatic glass façade running the full height of the nine-story building, bringing natural light into open-concept study lounges on every floor. The renovations provide students with more modern, comfortable and collaborative living and learning environments.
“Ashland provided me with an outstanding education and experience that shaped me as an adult,” Dwight Schar said. “I want the current and future students to have the same opportunity and the living environment that reflects the exceptional quality of the Ashland faculty, staff, coaches and academic facilities.”
A native of rural Jefferson, Ohio, Dwight Schar was among six siblings raised by a single mother who didn’t let financial “tough straits” define their aspirations. After graduating from Norwayne High School, he attended Ashland University, paying his own way by working the night shift at a pipe-fitting factory, and graduating in 1964. While he started his career in teaching, Schar began selling property and founded his own company, NVHomes. Now operating as Fortune 400 company NVR, the parent company of Ryan Homes, NVHomes and Heartland Homes, it is one of the largest homebuilders in the United States.
For over 40 years, the Schars’ generosity has resulted in $60 million of philanthropic support to Ashland University, helping to strengthen its growth and enhance the student experience. The projects they have supported have touched every area of campus, from modernized student housing and two academic buildings to campus beautification and gathering spaces, including:
- Dwight Schar College of Education (2006)
- Dwight Schar Athletic Complex (2010)
- Dwight Schar College of Nursing and Health Sciences (2012)
- Physician Assistant Studies program (2021)
- Clayton Hall renovations (2022)
- Lyceum Café and campus beautification initiatives (2023)
- Amstutz Hall, Jacobs Hall, Andrews Hall renovations (2026)
About Ashland University
Ashland University is a mid-size, private university conveniently located halfway between Cleveland and Columbus, Ohio. Offering undergraduate, graduate and professional programs, AU puts the “Accent on the Individual” by combining strong applied academic programs with a distinguished faculty and staff who build nurturing relationships with their students.
About Dwight Schar
Billionaire philanthropist Dwight Schar is the founder of the Fortune 500 company NVR, Inc. Originally from Wayne County (Norwayne High School) and a 1964 Ashland graduate, Schar earned a bachelor’s degree in education and began his career as a teacher while selling houses on weekends. He entered real estate full time in 1968, joining Ryan Homes and quickly rising to vice president of Mid-Atlantic homebuilding operations. In 1980, Schar founded Northern Virginia Land and Homes Co., which later evolved into NVR. He served as the company’s CEO until 2005 and remained on its board as executive chairman until 2022. Today, NVR is one of the largest homebuilders in the United States, operating in 35 metropolitan areas across 15 states. Schar’s philanthropic activities are extensive and have focused on three key areas: health, children and education.