The Chatfield Edge

OUR MISSION

The Chatfield Edge empowers and accompanies students as they transform their lives through the pursuit of postsecondary education. Our work is rooted in the educational legacy of the Ursuline Sisters of Brown County, and we welcome people of all faith or no faith backgrounds.

The Chatfield Edge envisions a world in which first-generation and underserved students are equipped with resources to reach their education and life goals, increasing their employability, and deepening their impact on their families and communities.

KEY SERVICES

Our services include assistance in choosing a field of study, identifying the right institution to meet educational goals, college application and FAFSA assistance, career counseling, mentoring, providing scholarship funds, and developing servant leaders. 

We believe education can help our scholars move beyond their current life limitations and create a better future for themselves and their families. Whether education occurs in a college or university setting, a trade school, or a certificate program, the support and encouragement we provide will give individuals The Chatfield Edge.

HOW TO HELP

Become a Mentor – Our mentors listen and guide in all phases of a student’s educational journey. By building strong relationships, mentors provide steady support that leads to lifelong success. Mentors meet with their mentees 4x each semester. We provide training and ongoing support. Learn more at chatfieldedge.org/mentoring or contact David Hesson, Director of Programs, at david.hesson@chatfieldedge.org or call 513-875-3344 ext.115.

Give to the Annual Fund – Invest in the mission to provide first-generation and non-traditional students with the tools, support, and mentorship they need to meet their educational goals. Gifts to the Annual Fund enable us to provide educational attainment resources, fill-the-gap scholarships, mentoring, and servant leadership opportunities. Give today at chatfieldedge.org/give.

Leave a Legacy Through a Named Scholarship – Endowed scholarships benefit students enrolled in college, trade school, or a certificate program. By establishing an endowed scholarship, your gift benefits future generations of students for years to come. Learn more by contacting our Development Office at 513-875-3344.

Sponsor our annual Celebrate Our Scholars Brunch (Spring 2024) – This recognition event highlights the amazing accomplishments of our Chatfield Edge Scholars. Gifts provide tuition assistance, operational support, and fill-the-gap funding to help overcome barriers to education, like affording basic college residence hall supplies or having reliable transportation to and from school. Contact our Development Office at 513-875-3344 to learn more.

Board of Trustees

Officers

Chair – Tommie L. Lewis, Jr. (Make It Plain Consulting, LLC) 

Vice-Chair – Keith Spiller, JD (Thompson Hine, LLP)

Secretary/Treasurer – Stephen J. Pohlman (YMCA of Greater Cincinnati)

Immediate Past Chair – Victoria Parlin (Retired, The Seven Hills School)

Ex Officio

Robert P. Elmore, CPA (Executive Director, The Chatfield Edge)

Members

Mary Ellen Betz, EdD (Professor Emerita) 

C. Bradley East, CPA (MCM CPAs & Advisors, LLP) 

Jill Hallahan (Former Principal, Ursuline Academy)

Patricia Homan, OSU (Ursulines of Brown County)

Maureen Kiley, MAPC (Retired, Child Focus) 

William L. Montague, JD (Retired) 

Justin Pappachan (Student, University of Cincinnati) 

Erika M. Peterman, MBA (Chemical Intermediates North American, BASF)  

Karen Ristau, PhD (Retired, National Catholic Education Association) 

Mark S. Schlachter, MLS (Independent Design Professional) 

Gerry Schumacher (First State Bank) 

Marvin Smith, MEd (Owner, Ollie's Trolley) 

Jonathan Thornberry (The Stuard, Thornberry & Curry Group at Baird)

Katie Wittich (Nielsen Company) 

Kitty Strauss Rosenthal (Retired, Cincinnati U.S.A. Regional Chamber)