On a campus where relationships define the experience as much as classrooms do, a new $100,000 scholarship at Heidelberg University is rooted not just in generosity but in gratitude, humility and the quiet, lasting impact of two lives devoted to students.
Inspired by relationships
When President Rob Huntington and First Lady Susan McCafferty recently established the David Hogan and Kurt Huenemann Endowed Student Scholarship, their motivation was simple.
“Just lots of admiration and respect,” Rob said.
These deep feelings grew over years of shared work, conversation and trust with Dr. David Hogan, a professor of history since 1989, and Kurt Huenemann, an ’83 alumnus who spent more than four decades serving the University in roles ranging from student computer lab assistant to associate vice president for information resources.
Both men, Rob and Susan say, embody something essential about Heidelberg: they are approachable, sincere, humble and deeply committed to others.
“They’re just nice, smart, hard-working people,” Rob said.
For Susan, the connection was equally personal. “Every year, David enthusiastically supported the Court on Campus program in observance of Constitution Day that I organized.” Kurt, she said, is “a wonderful human being … so earnest, just a positive person and role model.”
Quiet impact
Though their roles looked very different, David and Kurt shaped Heidelberg in complementary ways.
David has spent decades on the front lines – teaching, mentoring, advising and inspiring students in the classroom. Kurt worked largely behind the scenes, building and sustaining the technology infrastructure that made those experiences possible.
As Rob put it, “One primarily served to support, one supported to serve.”
Together, they represent the full ecosystem of a university: visible and invisible work, all centered on student success.
They also share defining traits – loyalty, honesty and a willingness to speak candidly about the institutional issues.
“I always listened carefully to what David or Kurt said to me, even when it was critical feedback because neither of them had a self-centered horse in the game for themselves,” Rob said of their honest counsel on complex campus issues. “Their purpose is always rightly focused on student well-being and Heidelberg’s employees to support students.”
Deeply personal moment
When Rob invited David and Kurt into his office to review a draft of the scholarship agreement – still described as coming from an “anonymous donor” – he stepped out briefly to give them time to read.
He returned to a response that captured the humility that has defined their careers.
David later described his reaction in one word: “Flabbergasted.”
Kurt’s was just as simple: “Stunned.”
Neither had ever imagined such recognition.
“I never thought myself worthy of such an honor,” David said.
A scholarship with purpose
For Rob and Susan, the scholarship is about more than honoring two individuals. It’s about reflecting the student and professional journeys of individuals like Kurt and David.
“Like most of us, neither came from rich families,” Susan said. “Higher education was a big deal. They had to work hard for what they got and needed scholarships to move forward. When they walked through Heidelberg’s doors – Kurt initially as a student and David as a young teacher – they found their path.”
Kurt agreed. “I had help getting through school,” he said. “I’ve worked with students through the years, and I know they need help too.”
That philosophy shaped the scholarship’s design. At David and Kurt’s request, it is open to students of any major, ensuring access and flexibility for those who need it most.
“It’s about people like them,” Susan said.
Legacy in relationships
If there’s a common thread in how David and Kurt view the honor, it’s their insistence that their work is not unique.
“I don’t believe I’ve done anything beyond what other faculty have done,” David said. “I really enjoy teaching our students. This is a vocation.”
Kurt echoed that sentiment, pointing to the many employees across campus who quietly make a difference every day.
“There are a lot of people at Heidelberg who work very hard … whether they are seen or unseen,” he said. “They do not want recognition or headlines.”
For both men, the scholarship is less about personal legacy and more about connection.
Moments that make them smile
For Rob, one of his earliest memories of Kurt still stands out: meeting him for the first time at the Cleveland airport in 2008 when he was invited to interview for the job of Heidelberg’s president.
“He was literally standing at the bottom of the escalator with Professor Emerita Dr. Traci Stark,” Rob recalled. Kurt (with Traci) drove Rob and Susan to Tiffin in the dark, marking the beginning of a relationship that has continued for nearly 17 years.
“The cargo (me!) was delivered,” Rob joked. “It has been just a joy to work with him.”
And David? Even after decades in the classroom – including co-teaching an Honors seminar on philanthropy with Rob for 11 years – he can still surprise.
When David received a major faculty honor for teaching in the Humanities in 2023, the man known for his typically long-winded remarks delivered a speech that lasted about 25 seconds.
“It was the funniest thing I’d ever seen David do,” Rob said. “It was perfect!”
Leading by example
The creation of the scholarship also reflects a broader belief held by Rob and Susan: leadership comes with a responsibility to give.
“If you’re in leadership, you lead,” Susan said. “You try to set an example and model philanthropy. We do the best we can.”
Their decision was shaped, in part, by a season of deeply painful reflection. Rob lost both of his parents last fall. Susan’s mother passed away in February. All three parents lived in to their mid-90s and shaped Susan’s and Rob’s belief in education and commitment to service.
“Time is passing in all of our lives,” Rob said. “You think about what has real value and lasting impact in your community.”
An invitation
For those considering a similar gift, Susan describes the experience simply: “It’s a really great feeling.”
Rob’s message is even more direct:
“Be an Opportunity Maker. Create an endowed scholarship – because it matters. A lot.”