Giving Back to the Trades that Built Him
Posted on Monday, December 22, 2025
Ron Lammy, 2008 UNOH Graduate
Written by Contributing Columnist Melanie Barnas-Simmons, Vice President Institutional Advancement and Alumni Relations
When Ronald Lammy, III, graduated from the University of Northwestern Ohio in 2008, the timing was anything but ideal. Like many new graduates, Ron found himself recalibrating his path with the skills he had just acquired. Nearly two decades later, as Vice President of his family’s third-generation ready-mix concrete business, Ron looks back on his UNOH experience with gratitude—and a renewed sense of responsibility to give back.
Ron’s decision to support UNOH came from more than nostalgia. It came from perspective.
“For a long time, UNOH just wasn’t top of mind,” Ron shared. “But when I started hearing from UNOH again, it reminded me that this place helped shape who I am—and that the work being done there is more important than ever.”
Though Ron earned his degree in Automotive Technology, his career ultimately led him back into the family business—one that relies heavily on skilled tradespeople. That reality has sharpened his understanding of UNOH’s role in today’s workforce.
“The trades are suffering,” Ron said plainly. “Technicians, mechanics, CDL drivers—these are critical roles, and there just aren’t enough people going into them. What UNOH does matters, not just for students, but for the future of industries like ours.”
When Ron made his gift to the 2025 'Fill the Tank' campaign, he did so thoughtfully and emotionally.
“I finally reached a point where I could give back a little,” he explained. “I’ll admit, I almost got choked up. Supporting students who are learning these skills. It feels important. These are careers that can’t be replaced by technology or AI. If you work hard and you’re good at what you do, the trades will always provide opportunity.”
Ron believes strongly that philanthropy at a place like UNOH is not about extravagance, it’s about sustainability. Supporting equipment, facilities, and student opportunities ensures that hands-on education remains strong and relevant.
“People sometimes underestimate how important it is to invest in places like UNOH,” he said. “But the students coming out of these programs keep our world running. Giving back isn’t just a nice thing to do. It’s necessary.”
As UNOH continues to build and strengthen its alumni engagement efforts, donors like Ron are helping to shape a new culture of connection. A connection rooted in shared experience and forward-looking impact.
“I’m proud to be an alum,” Ron reflected. “And I’m glad I could play a small part in helping the next generation succeed.”
It's not too late to make your gift to the 2025 Fill the Tank Campaign. You can give online here: https://tinyurl.com/4y6eyemw or reach out to our VP of Institutional Advancement & Alumni Relations, Melanie Barnas-Simmons at msimmons@unoh.edu.
Category: Applied Technologies, Campus & Community
Keywords: Alumni
