“It is an honor and a privilege to nominate Jane Foulser Rector for the Ralph Davenport Mershon Award for exceptional leadership and service to Ohio State,” wrote Jane Case-Smith, occupational therapy division director in the School of Allied Medical Professions.

Rector has embraced her “dual citizenship” in Ohio and Texas, working to advance the mission and message of Ohio State as well as enrich the community of Azle, Tex., where she settled with her husband, Bill, soon after graduating from Ohio State.

Rector served nine years on the President’s Club Advisory Board, including a term as vice chair, and now is emeritus director. In 2007, her volunteer service to University Development was recognized with a Gerlach Award.

In addition to endowing scholarships in geology and occupational therapy, Rector has supported cancer research, the construction of the new Ohio Union, and the renovation of Thompson Library. She also provided a challenge gift for occupational therapy, helping to encourage philanthropy from other graduates.

“She is the model volunteer: one who leads when called, one who serves when asked, and one who asks for nothing in return. You cannot find a more noble, deserving candidate for the Mershon Award,” wrote Brian F. Hastings, associate vice president and campaign director for the Ohio State University Foundation.

Electra D. Paskett praised Rector’s support of important lymphedema research at Ohio State and nationwide.

“As a breast cancer survivor, she understands the issues that women face when lymphedema strikes and that treatment options are limited and often very aggressive,” wrote Paskett, who is the Marion N. Rowley Professor of Cancer Research and associate director of population sciences at the Comprehensive Cancer Center-James Cancer Hospital and Solove Research Institute.

Rector provided $190,000 to fund a national protocol developed by Paskett to prevent lymphedema in newly diagnosed breast cancer patients. As a result of her support, the study has recruited almost 500 patients in 30 hospitals nationwide and has trained more than a hundred staff members to administer the protocol.

In addition, Rector hosted education sessions in Dallas-Fort Worth and Atlanta to showcase the work of the Comprehensive Cancer Center and Paskett’s research into lymphedema prevention among the underserved populations of Appalachia.

Joseph E. Steinmetz, executive dean and vice provost and professor of psychology and neuroscience, praised Rector’s support for Ohio State.

“Perhaps the greatest gift that Jane has given to the university is the continued way she becomes invested in the lives of the students that have been touched by her words and philanthropy,” Steinmetz said. “She has become a friend and mentor to numerous students, taking the time to get to know them and what they are looking for in their own lives.”

Jane has also been instrumental in organizing and leading the Fort Worth Chapter of the Dallas Ohio State Alumni Club.