AU to celebrate newly transformed residence halls, honor benefactors of $20M donation – largest gift in university history – during dedication event
On Friday, Oct. 2, Ashland University will celebrate the new modern amenities and refreshed gathering spaces of its residence halls during a special dedication and ribbon-cutting ceremony. The University will also honor longtime benefactors Dwight and Martha Schar with the dedication of Schar Plaza outside the main entrance of Amstutz Hall.
Dwight Schar, an Ohio native, 1964 Ashland graduate and founder of Fortune 500 homebuilder NVR, Inc., and his wife, Martha, provided the $20 million gift that made the residence hall renovations possible — the latest in $60 million in philanthropic support they have provided to Ashland University.
The Schar Plaza dedication event will bring together Ashland University students, faculty and staff, as well as the Ashland community, to celebrate the Schars’ extraordinary investment in the University.
The Schars’ $20 million commitment from 2026 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, private pod-style bathrooms, and extensive lobby and room updates which include new flooring, LED lighting and furniture. 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.
“We are looking forward to publicly recognizing Dwight and Martha Schar for their longtime commitment to Ashland University,” said Ashland University President Dr. Jon Parrish Peede. “The Schars’ most recent gift has allowed us to offer an enhanced residential experience for many of our current students as well as for future generations.”
The Schars’ generosity has resulted in $60 million of philanthropic support to Ashland University, helping shape the growth of AU and enriching the student experience. The projects they have supported have touched nearly every area of campus, from modernized student housing and two academic buildings to campus beautification and gathering spaces.
The Schars have been loyal AU donors for more than 40 years. Their major gifts to AU have included the 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 (2022), Lyceum Café and outdoor campus beautification initiatives (2023) and, most recently, the renovations of Amstutz, Jacobs and Andrews halls.
WHEN: Friday, Oct. 2, 2026, 3 p.m.
WHERE: Ashland University - Amstutz Hall, Parking Lot E (638 Jefferson St., Ashland)
*** Parking available at Schar Lot J
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.