Honoring the life and legacy of Rita Wolfe
Originally Published
Bernese Mountain Dogs are strong and, at the same time, gentle. Hardworking and intelligent. Loyal, and also loving.
It is perhaps no coincidence that the late Rita Wolfe, an ardent animal lover and longtime friend of The Ohio State University College of Veterinary Medicine, was drawn to the breed.
Rita was a passionate, yet quiet force for good who was effortlessly kind. Her belief that everyone deserved opportunities underpinned her tireless efforts to leave no person or animal behind. The imprint of her service, advocacy and philanthropy is evident across her hometown of Columbus – and as a daughter, sister, aunt and friend to many, her capacity to love was seemingly unending.
To honor her life and legacy, the Robert F. Wolfe and Edgar T. Wolfe Foundation has committed $10 million to establish the Rita Jean Wolfe Deanship in the College of Veterinary Medicine. Spearheaded by Rita’s family, this gift will support faculty preeminence, student success and programmatic advancement to realize the ambition to Be The Model® comprehensive college of veterinary medicine in the world.
“Rita Wolfe, like other members of her family, was dedicated to compassion, service and understated leadership in our community,” said President Walter “Ted” Carter Jr. “The Rita Jean Wolfe Deanship in the College of Veterinary Medicine will cement Rita’s legacy and build upon her passion for improving the health and well-being of animals and people. Support like this — combined with the talents of our faculty, staff and partners — is a big part of why this university is so exceptional.”
"Rita made a profound difference, positively influencing the lives of countless animals and people," said Rustin M. Moore, DVM, dean of the College of Veterinary Medicine. "We are deeply honored to recognize and preserve her passion and dedication to animal health, well-being and the field of veterinary medicine for generations to come. She will be forever missed, but never forgotten. What an incredible and indelible legacy for Rita to be eternally connected with our college and the deanship!”
Finding purpose in community
The daughter of Ann Isaly Wolfe and the late John F. Wolfe, Rita was inspired to pursue a career in the media business. After getting her start in Chicago, she returned home in 1991 to work in WBNS-TV’s sales department. She would go on to leadership roles with The Dispatch Printing Company, where she most recently was vice president and director of corporate relations.
Like her parents, grandparents and generations of the Wolfe family who came before her, Rita found purpose in lifting up her community.
Among many causes close to her heart, Rita helped raise awareness of human trafficking and supported CATCH Court, a specialized docket in Franklin County Municipal Court aimed at ending cycles of abuse. She also served on boards for several nonprofit organizations like The Harmony Project, Leadership Columbus and The James Cancer Hospital.
In addition to helping people in need, Rita was equally passionate about animal welfare.
Although she was a dog and cat owner, Rita loved animals of all kinds and was known to never turn one away who needed care or even a home. She grew in her advocacy as a member of Columbus Humane and at the College of Veterinary Medicine, where she selflessly gave her time and expertise as part of the Dean’s Philanthropic Engagement Council.
The difference Rita has made continues to ripple through the college, the community – and, importantly, the lives of others.
“Rita cared about every animal, every person, no matter their background or the walk of life they came from,” Dean Moore added. “I don’t know that there is or ever will be another Rita.”
Expanding Rita Wolfe’s impact
The Wolfe Foundation has a long history of philanthropically investing in veterinary medicine and several initiatives across Ohio State, ranging from cancer research and scholarships to athletics and the Wexner Medical Center. They have now established a remarkable nine endowed faculty positions, which includes the Wolfe Associates Inc. Endowed Professorship in Canine Clinical and Comparative Medicine.
Every one of those gifts tells a story. The Rita Jean Wolfe Deanship will share Rita’s legacy of caring, compassion and generosity with students, faculty and practitioners while meaningfully expanding her impact on animals, people and the city she called home.
The deanship in Rita Wolfe’s name also is a reflection of an enduring sentiment she lived by every day: Nothing is more important than family.
“Rita was an incredibly loving, empathetic and generous individual, which is why it was important for our family to honor her life and legacy through this gift supporting an organization that she was so passionate about – the College of Veterinary Medicine,” said Katie Wolfe Lloyd, Rita’s sister and a trustee of the Wolfe Foundation. “The deanship carrying Rita’s name will serve as a lasting tribute and testament to how much she cared for animals and people.”