Dr. Jeptha Carrell passed away last week. Jep was instrumental in the creation of Community Foundation of Lorain County when he was executive director of the Nordson Foundation and actually served as the chief executive of both organizations for ten years. During his illustrious career, Jep was a college professor, Dean of Men, Director of a regional college consortium, city manager, researcher and of course philanthropist. He authored more than 40 books and articles. Jep served as school board president and led a major school district through desegregation and catalyzed untold agencies and initiatives into existence and success. Jep is possibly best described as a quiet visionary, but he was not satisfied with just a vision – he did the hard work to make his visions a reality. A master of collaboration, he was not afraid of the hard work. And to all he met, he was a good listener, an empowerer, and a true friend. We know of example after example of the legacy Jep left here in Lorain County and elsewhere, but true to Jep’s nature, we will probably never know of the full extent of the impact of this gentle man.
Like many, I will miss Jep. His wit, wisdom, and encouragement often sustained my spirit and he taught me that philanthropy is more than money and volunteerism is more than time. He was a mentor to me and others in the truest sense of the word.
Farewell my friend and job well done!
