(BEAVER FALLS, Pa.) – Charles N. “Chick” O’Data ‘58, former, long-time Vice President of Development for Geneva College, died Oct. 4, 2021, at age 85, the college announced today.
O’Data graduated with an economics degree from Geneva in 1958 and began working as the college’s Director of Placement in 1961. He served 37 years at Geneva in positions in public relations, alumni relations, and development. He was Vice President of Development until 1997 and served as a member of the Board of Trustees from 1977 to 1978.
Geneva College Athletics inducted O’Data into its inaugural class of the Geneva College Hall of Fame in 2016 for his fundraising initiatives in support of student-athletes, including the development of the Merriman Sports Complex.
Geneva President Calvin L. Troup, PhD, says, “Chick O’Data served as the face of Geneva to key constituencies of the college through most of the second half of the twentieth century. Chick was a champion of Geneva athletics and built strong, lasting relationships for the college within the Western Pennsylvania community and with decades of alumni who continue to support the college faithfully today. We’re grateful to God for Chick’s life and service.”
O’Data also served as Director of Administration and Chief Financial Officer for the Pittsburgh Symphony and Heinz Hall and was a Director of National Sales for S.C. Johnson Company.
Geneva College is a Christ-centered academic community that provides a comprehensive education to equip students for faithful and fruitful service to God and neighbor. Offering over 145 traditional undergraduate majors and programs, fully online Adult Degree Programs and high-demand graduate degrees, Geneva’s programs are recognized for their high quality and affordability. Geneva is the #6 ranked Best Value Regional University North, according to U.S. News and World Report. Adhering to the truth of Scripture, a Geneva education is grounded in God’s Word as well as in a core curriculum designed to prepare students vocationally to think, write and communicate well in today’s world. Geneva was founded and is governed by the Reformed Presbyterian Church of North America (RPCNA) and is a founding member of both the Council for Christian Colleges and Universities (CCCU) and IACE (International Association for Christian Education).Learn more about Geneva College.
Have questions? Call us at 724-847-6505.
© Geneva College | All rights reserved
Online Course Login
myGeneva Student Portal