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Nuxhall scholars honored at luncheon

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By Michael D. Pitman, Staff Writer Updated 8:10 AM Monday, June 1, 2009

FAIRFIELD — Joe Nuxhall valued education and the only thing in his life he had said he’d do-over was to go to college.

The legacy of the Reds Hall of Fame pitcher and former broadcaster continued on Friday, May 29, at the Fairfield Community Arts Center when 27 student-athletes were honored at a luncheon with scholarships from the Joe Nuxhall Scholarship Fund.

“Knowing what this meant to dad, I think what I want to share with the recipients is that everyone made Dad out to be a celebrity but he never felt that way,” said Joe Nuxhall’s son Kim Nuxhall. “You don’t have to be a celebrity to make a difference.”

Fourteen Butler County high schools each received $2,000 in scholarship money to distribute to one or between two students. Athletics are part of the scholarship’s criteria, but so are academics, need, extra curricular activities, community service and leadership.

More than $500,000 has been distributed through this scholarship and is chiefly raised through the annual Joe Nuxhall Memorial Scholarship Golf Open. This year’s outing is June 15 at the Elks Golf Club in Liberty Twp.

Dickerson Distributing Co. CEO John Dickerson said two ideas — Nuxy’s love of kids and the value he placed on education — were the foundation when the Joe Nuxhall Scholarship Fund was formed in 1989.

“He always told that year’s (scholarship) winners, that if he had anything to do over again, he’d would have liked to be able to go to college,” Dickerson said.

Fairfield Community Foundation Executive Director Betsy Hope said part of Nuxhall’s legacy is carried through with the scholarship program.

“Joe has obviously left behind a strong legacy of character, teamwork and generosity,” Hope said.

Contact this reporter at (513) 755-5112 or mpitman@coxohio.com.