Monthly News for Our Donors & Partners
July 2026
FROM THE PRESIDENT
At The Chatfield Edge, we believe education is one of the most powerful pathways to opportunity. But over time, we’ve learned something equally important: education works best when it’s supported by community.
Our students are primarily first-generation and non-traditional learners who juggle jobs, families, and responsibilities that extend far beyond the classroom. Many begin their journey unsure if they truly belong in post-secondary education. That’s why our work starts with a simple but meaningful message:
You belong here—and you’re not alone.
At the heart of our mission is a commitment to relationships. We take time to understand each student’s goals, challenges, and aspirations. By creating an environment where students feel seen, heard, and supported, we help them move beyond uncertainty and toward confidence.
Every scholar brings a dream. For some, it’s clear and fully formed. For others, it’s still taking shape. But nearly all share the same quiet question: “Can I really do this?”
Our role is to help turn that uncertainty into belief—guiding students as they identify their strengths and explore the path that’s right for them. Whether that path leads to a college degree, trade program certification, or hands-on training, we affirm that there is no single “right” route to success—only the one that fits their life.
What sets The Chatfield Edge apart is our commitment to staying with students throughout their journey. Support doesn’t end once an application is submitted or a class begins—it continues every step of the way.
The impact of this work is powerful. Students who once felt unsure begin to see new possibilities. They gain confidence, achieve their goals, and redefine what’s possible for their future. But the impact doesn’t stop there. When students succeed, they uplift their families, strengthen their communities, and create new opportunities where uncertainty once existed.
None of this is possible without the support of our community. Our donors, mentors, and partners make it possible for students to persist and succeed.
Together, we are doing more than helping students achieve educational milestones—we are helping them transform their lives.
And that is a difference that lasts a lifetime.
Robert P. Elmore, CPA
President, The Chatfield Edge
HATS OFF TO OUR GRADUATES
At The Chatfield Edge we support students in a variety of post-secondary educational programs. Some are pursuing trade school to become HVAC technicians or electricians. Others are engaged in shorter certification programs to enter careers in medical assistance, sonography, barbering, and videography. Finally, some scholars elect a more traditional educational journey at a college or university to earn an associate or bachelor’s degree in fields like nursing, education, communications, and business.
Last spring we celebrated two of our scholars who completed bachelor’s degrees within four years. It has been our privilege to walk alongside them through the joys and challenges of their educational journeys.
Congratulations Aidan Kirk and Nicole Nantz! We look forward to seeing where life takes you and how you impact your communities.
A BIG THANK YOU TO DUKE ENERGY
For many first-generation and non-traditional students, the path to a post-high school degree or certification isn’t blocked by a lack of talent or ambition, but by the “hidden” costs of life. The Chatfield Edge recently moved another step forward in clearing that path, receiving a $15,000 grant from The Duke Energy Foundation for its Learning to Live program.
While traditional scholarships cover tuition, this grant funding provides wraparound funding for urgent non-academic expenses that often force students to drop out. Research consistently shows that for non-traditional students, a single flat tire or a missed week of childcare can be the difference between a college degree and a permanent stop.
The $15,000 grant will provide direct assistance for:
- Basic Needs: Groceries and emergency food support.
- Transportation: Car repairs, gas cards, and public transit assistance.
- Family Support: Help with rising childcare costs.
- Technology & Tools: Laptops, reliable internet access, and required textbooks.
DONOR SPOTLIGHT:
BARBARA LYGHTEL ROHRER
In the late 1970’s, Barbara was traveling the rural roads of Brown County, Ohio, when she came upon a sign for the former Chatfield College. Then, in her mid-twenties, she was not a traditional student but nevertheless quickly found a haven on the serene and sprawling campus.
“The first person I met when I stepped on campus was Sister Agatha,” Barbara recalled. “She was so wise and grounded in who she was and accepted me for who I was.” That encounter was the start of a lifelong relationship and one that gave Barbara clarity about her own life’s calling.
Sister Agatha helped her find a work study job producing short radio spots, which ultimately led to Barbara’s career in public relations and communications. After four years of taking classes that interested her, she left Chatfield College and earned a BA in English from Northern Kentucky University and an MA in Communications from the University of Cincinnati. She also took graduate classes in theology at Xavier University and The Athenaeum of Ohio. Through it all, Barbara never forgot the intellectual stimulation and emotional support she experienced at Chatfield.
“Chatfield was there for me when I needed it,” she recalls. “It was a refuge for me and a place where I felt I belonged, was welcomed and accepted, and made good friends.”
In 2023, Barbara heard about the launch of The Chatfield Edge and signed up as a monthly financial supporter to help continue a mission that had made a difference in her own life.
“When I was young, struggling, and not sure what I was doing, Chatfield helped me figure out what my gifts were and where I wanted to go,” she said. “Now, I read stories about Chatfield Edge scholars becoming social workers and barbers—people pursuing where they feel called—and I want to do my small part to make sure they have the support needed to make their dreams a reality.”
Not only is Barbara a monthly financial, but she is also interested in helping The Chatfield Edge augment its “Servant Leaders” program which aims to strengthen academic success through service to others. “That’s where my passion is. I want to help students take on roles in community service so they can do small things to make the world a better place for all of us,” she said
Thank you, Barbara, for joining us in our mission!
You can read more about Barbara’s journey with The Chatfield Edge on our website at chatfieldedge.org/latest-at-chatfield.
CHANGE A LIFE FOR THE
PRICE OF A CUP OF COFFEE
What could $10, $20, or $30 a month really do? At The Chatfield Edge, it can help a student overcome barriers, stay in school, earn a diploma or certificate, and build a brighter future.
Every day, students come to The Chatfield Edge determined to change the course of their lives through education. With the support of caring monthly donors, they receive the encouragement, resources, and opportunities they need to succeed.
When you become a monthly donor, your small gift adds up to a big impact—providing steady, reliable support that helps students achieve their goals and create a better future for themselves and their families.
Become a monthly donor today! Scan the QR code, visit our website (chatfieldedge.org) or contact Christina, Mullis, Director of Development, at christina.mullis@chatfieldedge.org or 513-875-3958.
CELEBRATING OUR SCHOLARS
Once a year, we gather our community to celebrate our scholars, recognize our mentors, and thank our donors. We know that calendars fill up quickly so mark yours now for Saturday, April 3, 2027 from 10:00 am – 12:00 pm at Ursuline Academy, when we will gather for our 2027 Celebrating Our Scholars Brunch. We can’t wait to share the great things that are happening at The Chatfield Edge!
BECOME A MENTOR.
MAKE A DIFFERENCE
Our scholars thrive because we back them with layers of support. One of the hallmarks of our support is pairing each scholar with a mentor who will walk with them until they complete their educational journey. Whether they are engaged in a six-month certificate program or a two- or four-year college degree, we make sure our scholars have someone in their corner who believes in them and helps them stay on track.
The Chatfield Edge is growing and looking for mentors to accompany our first-generation and non-traditional students who are enrolled in college, trade school, and certificate programs. Training is provided for all mentors who meet with students about four times each semester to encourage them along their path to gain success in life through education. To find out more or to sign up to be a mentor, contact David Hesson, Director of Programs, at david.hesson@chatfieldedge.org or call 513-875-3956.
