OHIO friendships fill alumnus’ career, fuel generosity
Karol Ondick, BSEE ’55, and his wife, Jo, established the Russ College of Engineering and Technology’s Karol A. and Jo Ondick Engineering Ambassadors Program, which selects student representatives who lead recruitment tours, share their experiences with prospective students and network with alumni at special events. Photo by Max Catalano, BSVC ’20
Ohio University laid the foundation of Karol Ondick’s prosperous career as an electrical engineer, but his OHIO connections played a significant role in his life long after he left the bricks of Athens.
A member of Phi Kappa fraternity, Ondick, BSEE ’55, studied in what is now the Russ College of Engineering and Technology. After graduation, Ondick spent two years in the U.S. Air Force assigned to the National Security Agency in Washington, D.C., where he met and married his wife of 61 years, Jo, who was employed by the Federal Bureau of Investigation.
In 1957, Ondick reconnected with an Ohio University alumnus, joining Systems Research Laboratories (SRL), the electronic and automation corporation founded by Fritz Russ, BSEE ’42, HON ’75, and his wife, Dolores.
Starting as a project engineer, Ondick later transitioned to a technical management position, marketing SRL’s electronics and business services to military clients. He fondly remembers his time working at the Russ’ company, particularly the hospitable atmosphere.
“The Russes really encouraged that family environment with their annual picnic and Christmas party,” he said. “We were all part of a big family, which grew to over 1,200 employees.”
Ondick went on to celebrate numerous successes at SRL, eventually retiring as vice president of its Research and Engineering Center. More recently, Ondick has fostered a longtime friendship with Russ College Dean Dennis Irwin while serving on the Board of Visitors. The two connected through shared interests, careers and passions.
“He and I are both electrical engineers,” said Irwin, who is retiring as dean this month after serving in the role for 17 years. “He’s an Air Force veteran; I’m a military brat. We had a lot in common and struck up a friendship early on.”
That friendship led the Ondicks to support the College’s Karol A. and Jo Ondick Engineering Ambassadors Program, which selects student representatives who lead recruitment tours, share their experiences with prospective students and network with alumni at special events.
By making their gift through a charitable remainder trust, the Ondicks have enjoyed the opportunity for ongoing support for the program while maintaining an income source.
Ondick said he learned about the ambassador program while serving on the Russ College Board of Visitors, and he has enjoyed the amiability of ambassadors he’s met during visits to Athens.
“Every time we went to meetings [for the College], … we’d always have an ambassador looking out for everybody and explaining things,” said Jo Ondick. “We would ask them questions and we learned about them and they learned about us.”
In closing, Ondick shared, “Our charitable remainder trust has provided us with capital-gain tax savings on our highly appreciated assets and an income stream for the rest of our lives – and the satisfaction of helping Ohio University and its students.”
Engineering Ambassadors Program enhances student experience
Students in the Russ College of Engineering and Technology are taught professional skills through a variety of courses each year. Outside of classroom curriculum, students also have the opportunity to expand their leadership skills through the Karol A. and Jo Ondick Engineering Ambassadors Program.
The ambassadors, a group of 20 select engineering and technology students from across the college, engage with both alumni and future students and their families through recruitment tours and at special events.
Russ College of Engineering and Technology Dean Dennis Irwin interacts with one of the College’s Karol A. and Jo Ondick Engineering Ambassadors. Photo courtesy of the Russ College of Engineering and Technology
“It’s hard to overestimate the impact [the ambassadors] have, especially with alumni,” Russ College Dean Dennis Irwin said.
The ambassadors take an annual corporate trip to network with alumni at various companies and learn more about industry. Ambassador President Veronica Ammer, who helps facilitate these trips, said she has gained unique leadership skills through the program.
“The corporate trips are probably our number one thing for meeting with alumni,” said Ammer, a senior studying chemical engineering. “We keep them connected with the college by reaching out through networking there.”
What’s more, Ammer’s own decision to attend Ohio University was largely influenced by the Engineering Ambassadors program.
“I actually had lunch with an engineering ambassador – it’s funny how things have come full circle now,” she recalled. “I met up with her, we had Bagel Street Deli, and she answered all my questions. After that, I was certain this was the right place for me.”
Ammer said this program has given her invaluable experiences, both professional and interpersonal.
“One of the biggest lessons was getting to know other engineering disciplines,” she said. “I think that’s important, because out in the workplace, I won’t just be working with other chemical engineers. I will work with all sorts of engineers and all sorts of people. So getting a chance to learn what other engineers bring to the table I think is incredibly beneficial.”