RECOGNIZING DWIGHT AND MARTHA SCHAR

On 2026-10-01, Representative Jim Jordan (R-OH-4) delivered a floor speech titled "RECOGNIZING DWIGHT AND MARTHA SCHAR" in the House.

RECOGNIZING DWIGHT AND MARTHA SCHAR

Congressional Record, Volume 172 Issue 156 (Thursday, October 1, 2026) [Congressional Record Volume 172, Number 156 (Thursday, October 1, 2026)] [Extensions of Remarks] [Pages E999-E1000] From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [ www.gpo.gov ] RECOGNIZING DWIGHT AND MARTHA SCHAR ______ HON. JIM JORDAN of ohio in the house of representatives Thursday, October 1, 2026 Mr. JORDAN. Mr. Speaker, I rise to recognize the exceptional philanthropy of Dwight and Martha Schar as Ohio's Ashland University celebrates yet another milestone in the couple's generosity to the school. An Ohio native, Dwight Schar graduated from Ashland University (then known as Ashland College) in 1964, majoring in education. He then began his teaching career while also selling houses on the weekends, which soon became the basis of his next career. He joined Ryan Homes full time in 1968, leading the company's acquisition and development work in Ohio and two other states. In 1973, Dwight took on a corporate role for Ryan Homes, serving as a vice president in the Washington area. Seven years later, he founded NVHomes, a Virginia-based homebuilder that has become one of the Nation's leaders in home construction. NVHomes was acquired by Ryan Homes in 1987; Dwight continued to lead the company (renamed NVR) [[Page E1000]] after the acquisition, serving as chief executive officer into 2005 and as chairman of the board until 2022. For decades, the Schars have supported Ashland University's programs and facility development, contributing more than $60 million in all. Buildings in the College of Education and the College of Nursing bear the Schar name, as do campus athletic and dining facilities--all made possible because of the couple's commitment to the school. Tomorrow, October 2, 2026, students, administrators, and supporters of Ashland University will gather at the newly christened Schar Plaza to mark the opening of three newly renovated residence halls. Funding for these renovations came from the Schars' recent $20 million gift to Ashland University--the largest gift it has ever received. On behalf of the people of Ohio's 4th Congressional District, I offer my sincere thanks to Dwight and Martha Schar for their inspirational, generous support of higher education at Ashland University. Their contributions continue to transform the Ashland campus, enhancing the educational experience for current students and attracting potential students for generations to come. ____________________