Longtime Mount Vernon Nazarene University contributor and supporter Edith Foster passed away August 16. Foster and her late husband, Dale, were instrumental not only in supporting the MVNU community through word and deed, but also through the initial fundraising for Mount Vernon Nazarene College and its presence in the Mount Vernon community.

Edith was born November 3, 1925, in Nelsonville, Ohio, to the late Bernard and Venice (Cook) Inman. She was a member of the First Church of the Nazarene in Mount Vernon, where she played piano for the congregation for more than 20 years. She was previously a member of the Soroptimist Club.

Edith’s late husband, Dale E. Foster, owned Foster’s Pharmacy in Mount Vernon and was a vital community member. In 1966, Dale’s fundraising efforts during MVNC’s early days were “instrumental in the community effort to persuade the college to locate in Mount Vernon.” Dale served as trustee for the North Central Ohio District Church of the Nazarene from 1966 to 1986 and was the school’s men’s golf coach. Dale was awarded an honorary Doctorate of Letters in 1988. Both Dale and Edith Foster were named honorary alumni for their contributions and dedication to the university.

Together, the Fosters created an athletic endowment scholarship for baseball, golf, men’s and women’s basketball, and women’s volleyball. Each year Foster Endowed Scholarships are given to male and female athletes at MVNU who excel in athletics as well as their academic studies. Recipients also display a Christian witness and show leadership efforts on campus and in the community. In recent years, Edith contributed to Ariel Arena, as Foster Hall was named in honor of the Fosters.

Edith is survived by her daughter and son-in-law, Teresa and Richard York of Mount Vernon; a granddaughter, Megan M. York of Mount Vernon; and a niece, Cheryl (Kurt) Nunnally of Nelsonville. Dale passed away in 2002.

The family has requested that in lieu of flowers, contributions be made in memory of Edith to assist student-athletes at MVNU. To contribute to the Foster endowment fund, visit giving.mvnu.edu to give online or send a gift to Mount Vernon Nazarene University, 800 Martinsburg Road, Mount Vernon, OH 43050.

A funeral service was held August 20 with Pastor Russ Gumm officiating.

“Edith Foster belongs [to] that great cloud of witnesses referred to in Hebrews," said Henry Spaulding, MVNU president. "She stood tall when it mattered for the university. She believed that God had plans for a young university. Edith's love of the Lord and support for MVNU has enabled countless students to attend MVNU who are debtors to her sacrificial life.”

--Mount Vernon Nazarene University