Fill the Tank 2025 - UNOH Annual Giving Drive is Here

Posted on Monday, November 03, 2025

Every UNOH student deserves the chance to chase their dreams. The Fill the Tank Annual Giving Drive helps make that possible. 

This year, the University is setting an ambitious goal: to raise $30,000 to support scholarships, hands-on learning, and real-world experiences that prepare UNOH students for success. Last year’s campaign raised just over $26,000, helping countless students reach new milestones in their education and careers. Now, the race is on to Fill the Tank in 2025 — and the finish line means more opportunities for students to thrive. 

Fueling Opportunity and Impact 

The Fill the Tank campaign is part of UNOH’s Annual Fund, which supports every corner of the student experience. From scholarships that make higher education accessible to cutting-edge technology that keeps classrooms aligned with industry standards, every dollar raised empowers students to go further. 

“The Fill the Tank campaign is more than just a fundraiser – it’s a testament to the power of the UNOH community,” said Melanie Barnas-Simmons, Vice President of Advancement and Alumni Relations at UNOH. “Together, we can continue to make a lasting impact on the future of UNOH and the careers of our students.” 

Alumni Success: From Classroom to Career 

The results of this support are clear in the success stories of UNOH graduates like Eric Finke, a Cincinnati-area alumnus who earned his degree in Automotive and High Performance Technology. Since graduating, Eric has built a career that spans nearly every part of the automotive industry — from performance tuning to business leadership and innovation. 

He still remembers where it all began: at UNOH. 

“There aren’t enough technicians in the field to handle ADAS calibrations — UNOH graduates could step right into those jobs,” Eric said. “That’s why alumni support matters. It keeps programs current, funds updated equipment and builds a bridge between students and the workforce.” 

His story illustrates exactly what Fill the Tank makes possible — a cycle of opportunity that extends from the classroom to the career field and back again. 

Student Spotlight: Finding Purpose Through Passion 

For students like Katelynn Irby, the Fill the Tank campaign helps turn life’s winding paths into purposeful journeys. 

Katelynn, born to military parents in South Dakota and raised in Lima, didn’t take the traditional route to college success. She first pursued pre-law, then dental hygiene, and worked for four years as a dental assistant before realizing her true calling in marketing. 

As a single mother, she faced challenges balancing her responsibilities — but at UNOH, she found a community that believed in her potential. With the mentorship of supportive faculty, Katelynn discovered her passion for design, podcasting, and social media. 

Now interning with the Lima-Allen County Regional Planning Commission, she contributes to local initiatives like the Baby on Board program, which provides free bus passes to pregnant women and families in need. Her dream is to use her marketing skills to serve nonprofits, churches, and community-based organizations. 

Her story is a powerful reminder that UNOH students don’t just learn skills — they learn how to make an impact. 

Make Your Mark: Fill the Tank and Get on the Racer Rock 

UNOH is inviting alumni, faculty, staff, parents, and friends of the University to be part of this year’s campaign. When you make a gift to Fill the Tank before November 21, your name will be proudly displayed on the Racer Rock, a symbol of pride, unity, and tradition on campus. Donors will receive a photo of their name on the Rock to share on social media — and UNOH will celebrate your contribution, too. 

Join the Race 

Every dollar makes a difference. Every name on the Racer Rock represents someone who believes in the power of education and the potential of every UNOH student. 

To make your contribution and help UNOH reach this year’s goal of $30,000, visit www.unoh.edu/giving or contact the Office of Institutional Advancement and Alumni Relations at alumni@unoh.edu. 

When you Fill the Tank, you’re not just fueling a campaign — you’re fueling futures. 

Category: Campus & Community

Keywords: Fill the Tank