From BGSU OFFICE OF MARKETING & BRAND STRATEGY
Inspired by the continued momentum at Bowling Green State University, alumnus Rodney J. Rupp ’73 recently made a generous $1 million gift to the University to support student experiences and opportunities in academics and athletics.
Rupp’s transformational gift will support the Steller Field Improvement Fund to upgrade the BGSU baseball team’s facilities and the newly established the Rodney J. and Suzanne R. Rupp Experiential Learning Fund for students pursuing business degrees specializing in insurance and risk management.
“Bowling Green State University had a tremendous impact on my life,” Rupp said. “I believe that when you have the opportunity and ability, you should give back to the organizations or people who have helped you throughout your life and career. Bowling Green certainly shaped my career and my life.”
Growing up in nearby Wauseon, Ohio, Rupp was an ardent supporter of BGSU athletics for most of his life. That support continued when he enrolled in the University, valuing the role of athletics as an important aspect of the comprehensive residential university experience.
Importance of athletics
“It doesn’t matter if you’re a student-athlete or a fan, college sports are an important part of the college experience,” he said. “It’s just one more opportunity for students to get involved and strengthen their connection to the University.”
The Steller Field Improvement Fund will support the installation of a new synthetic turf playing surface and perimeter fencing, enhancing the BGSU baseball team’s ability to train and compete throughout the year.
“BGSU is fortunate to have generations of alumni who are passionate about the student mission and experience at this University. Over the years, Rod has consistently given to initiatives that fuel student achievement and success,” said Vice President for Athletics Strategy Derek van der Merwe. “His generous gift to our baseball program to improve Steller Field will enhance how this and future teams prepare for upcoming seasons. We are grateful to have so many supporters like Rod who believe in what this team has and continues to achieve.”
The BGSU baseball team, which won the 2024 MAC regular-season championship with a program record 24 conference wins, will see significant benefits from the installation of turf. The new field will enhance playability and reliability, particularly during the critical early-season months when turf is essential for outdoor baseball in the Midwest. It will also extend fall ball sessions into late autumn, preventing weather-related disruptions.
When an opportunity arose to support BGSU baseball, Rupp said a call from fellow alumnus and MLB great Orel Hershiser helped seal the deal. Rupp said what impressed him most was Hershiser’s genuine interest in getting to know him.
“Orel and I had a great conversation,” he said. “We talked about BG, but we also talked about a lot of things that had nothing to do with BG. It was easy for me to get to know him, but he was more interested in learning about me.”
Conversations with Head Coach Kyle Hallock and current players also inspired Rupp to contribute to the BGSU baseball legacy.
“A movie could be made about BGSU baseball,” Rupp said. “It’s such an inspiring story. There was so much dedication by so many people to keep the program going, and for it to then become a championship program is amazing to me.”
Supporting student learning experiences
After graduating from BGSU in 1973, Rupp built a successful career in insurance, retiring as the executive vice president for Auto-Owners Insurance Company, a Fortune 500 company.
Rupp said a motivating factor in establishing the experiential learning fund is to help expose students to the rewarding careers available in the insurance industry. The fund aims to ensure that students interested in the field can prototype their careers, whether through professional development conferences or shadowing professionals.
“It’s important for students to get those experiences to help them understand and envision what an insurance career could look like for them,” Rupp said. “Bowling Green didn’t have the specialization in insurance and risk management when I was a student, so I want to do whatever I can to help it grow.”
“This groundbreaking gift accelerates the upward trajectory of the University’s insurance and risk management specialization, creating new pathways for experiential learning that distinguish BGSU as a leader in preparing students for success,” said Dr. Jennifer Percival, dean of the Allen W. and Carol M. Schmidthorst College of Business. “Through case competitions, site visits and job shadowing, students will directly connect their academic journey with career possibilities – a hallmark of our Life Design philosophy. In a state where insurance is a pillar of the economy, this investment ensures BGSU continues to stand out in shaping the future workforce.”
A portion of Rupp’s generous donation will also support the Rodney J. Rupp Scholarship Fund in business, which he established in 2010.
Rupp’s gift reflects a growing spirit of support among BGSU alumni, aimed at strengthening the student experience across academics and athletics. His commitment ensures future generations of Falcons will benefit from enhanced facilities, expanded opportunities and a university community focused on student success.
