Patty Forgey Memorial Scholarship
Patty Forgey was a Freshman at Rio Grande College in 1959. She declared her major to be Business Administration. She was a member of the College Christian Association, Rho Omega Lambda, the College Chorus and Booster Club.
Mr. Maurice Forgey carried the mail. Mrs. Delores Forgey helped prepare meals in the college cafeteria. “Hank” was their son and their daughter was Patty Forgey. The Forgey residence saw many visitors, especially during basketball season. The Forgeys were from Lawrence County. You might see Rio college coaches there, as well as cheerleaders, members of Athena and mostly, Rio Grande College athletes. The Forgeys were friendly, kind and willing to assist any Rio student.
Patty became the athletic secretary to Arthur “Coachman” Lanham. These two comprised the college athletic department and carried Rio Grande through some dark and dire periods. As I walked to class and Frank Denny’s grocery store, I saw these two sitting at their desks in Community Hall. Patty usually was typing forms for Coach Lanham and he would be talking on the telephone. As young as I was, I had no idea of their efforts to “piece together” a college athletic program. I am so appreciative of their commitment!
The college had no gymnasium except Community Hall (the Hog Pen”) and when it rained, the tile floor became dangerous. In fact, in 4 years there, I played at 8 different gymnasiums. Coach Lanham and some basketball players built a baseball field on old route 35. We had no track facilities. However, Coach Lanham and Patty managed to schedule games, secure officials and recruit boosters to support the “Redmen.”
Patty was one of the most “giving people” I have ever met. Her life centered around the “Redmen athletes.” She became a “walking sports encyclopedia” covering Rio Grande College athletics. She was truly an ambassador for Rio Grande College on campus and at away contests. She was known by other athletic directors, officials and visiting Fans. She made our athletes’ parents welcome on our campus. A person often did not know her as name. “Patty” simply was the name by which hundreds of persons knew her.
Patty Forgey gave her time and participation to other groups beyond Rio Grande College Athletics. She lent her support to the Gallia County Junior Fair. She was a faithful congregant of Simpson Chapel United Methodist Church. She provided baked goods for the Rio Grande Civil War Bean Dinner. She hosted the Rio Grande High School Reunion. Patty participated in and supported non-athletic events at Rio Grande College if there were no concurrent athletic contest!
Some “Forgey fans” at the University wish to institute a “Patty Forgey Memorial Scholarship” to perpetuate her memory and insure her legacy. If you wish to remember the little lady with the white tennis shoes and red Rio windbreaker, please consider a donation for this onlg overdue effort. She love her family, Rio Grande College and all of those associated with Rio Grande College. This scholarship will help young men and women seeking to attain a college education. Please remember Rio Grande College’s number one fan! Go Rio!
Sincerely,
Robert Leith
Patty Forgey was one of the most caring people that I have ever met. The University of Rio Grande was blessed to have such an ambassador for so many years. The warm welcome any person that contacted her by calling the school is something I personally experienced in my 50 year relationship with the University. The number of Rio Grande students that have been touched over the years by such a special individual is remarkable. A Scholarship honoring this amazing person will allow Students to continue to reap the benefits of this remarkable person. Anyone that receives a scholarship in honor of patty is being honored by a Rio Grande Legend.
H. Dugan Hill
Past President of the Ohio Track and Cross Country Coaches Association
Once this scholarship fund reaches $10,000, we will be able to award it to our students. In order to give, click on the Scholarship Donations on the drop down above, or click on this link: Giving | University of Rio Grande
