Longtime Lake Erie College trustee and alumna Nancy Krehl Stillwagon ’70 has been awarded the prestigious Earl F. Morris Trustee Award by the Ohio Foundation of Independent Colleges (OFIC). The award recognizes Stillwagon’s nearly four decades of steadfast leadership, advocacy, and philanthropic commitment to the mission of independent higher education in Ohio.

Stillwagon has served on the Lake Erie College Board of Directors for 39 years, demonstrating unwavering dedication and playing a pivotal role in guiding the institution through periods of both challenge and growth. Known for her strategic insight and generous spirit, Stillwagon has contributed more than $2.5 million in lifetime giving to support scholarships, capital improvements, and academic initiatives at her alma mater.

“Few individuals have shown the long-term, transformative leadership that Nancy Stillwagon has given to Lake Erie College,” said Dr. Jennifer Schuller, President of Lake Erie College, who presented the award. “Her vision, integrity, and generosity have shaped not just the direction of our College, but the lives of countless students and faculty who have benefited from her service.”

The Earl F. Morris Trustee Award, named after one of OFIC’s founders and champions of higher education, is presented annually to a trustee who exemplifies outstanding service to an OFIC member college or university. Stillwagon's legacy of impact—rooted in a deep belief in the power of independent liberal arts education—makes her a deserving recipient of this honor.