ASHLAND — Billionaire philanthropist Dwight Schar’s story did not begin with inherited wealth.
A graduate of Norwayne High School and Ashland University (1964), Schar was one of six siblings raised by a single mother who never let a meager financial situation tell the story of their dreams and goals.
Schar paid his own way through college by working the night shift at a pipe-fitting factory, according to AU. He earned a bachelor’s degree in education and began his career as a teacher while selling houses on weekends.
This evolved into Schar founding his own company, NVHomes — now operating as Fortune 400 company NVR. It’s the parent company of Ryan Homes, NVHomes and Heartland Homes and one of the largest homebuilders in the United States.
“You just have a plan,” Schar said when asked what motivated him to work relentlessly through college. “Any goal in life begins with one step and each step allows you to open yourself up to broader opportunities.
“If you just take one step at a time, then eventually you get (where you’re going).”
What Schar built over the course of his career has allowed the philanthropist and his wife, Martha Schar, to create long-lasting impact in numerous ways throughout the Ashland community.
AU thanked the Schars Oct. 2 with the dedication of Schar Plaza, outside the main entrance of Amstutz Hall. The event followed a $20 million donation — the largest gift in AU history — from the Schars to help transform the university’s residence halls.
“Ashland provided me with an outstanding education and experience that shaped me as an adult,” Schar said. “I want the current and future students to have the same opportunity and the living environment that reflects the exceptional quality of the Ashland faculty, staff, coaches and academic facilities.”
Renovations surpass Schar’s imagination
The donation funded the complete renovation and modernization of nine-story Amstutz Hall, four-story Jacobs Hall and the first floor of Andrews Hall. Construction was completed over a five-month timeline, according to the university.
Amstutz Hall was impacted by an electrical fire in November 2025 that left the dormitory unusable for the remainder of the 2025-26 academic year.
Schar said he was devastated when he learned what had happened.
“For a tragedy, it was marvelous how everybody reacted and jumped to solving the problem,” he said.
The trio of residence halls now boast air conditioning, pod-style bathrooms and extensive lobby and room updates, including new flooring, furniture and LED lighting.
Additionally, Amstutz Hall features a glass façade running the full height of the nine-story building, allowing natural light into open-concept study lounges on every floor, according to AU. The renovations provide students with more modern, comfortable and collaborative living and learning environments.
Schar said the renovated residence halls surpassed what he’d imagined.
“It’s unbelievable. You couldn’t imagine that an old building (Amstutz Hall) like this could be so freshened up and so delightful in all aspects,” he said.
Schar’s support reaches $60 million
In total, Dwight and Martha Schar have provided $60 million in philanthropic support to AU over the past 40-plus years. Below are the projects made possible by the Schars:
- Dwight Schar College of Education (2006).
- Dwight Schar Athletic Complex (2010).
- Dwight Schar College of Nursing and Health Sciences (2012).
- Physician Assistant Studies program (2021).
- Clayton Hall Renovations (2022).
- Lyceum Café and outdoor campus beautification initiatives (2023).
- Amstutz Hall, Jacobs Hall, Andrews Hall Renovations (2026).
Ashland University President Dr. Jon Parrish Peede said the enrichment the Schars have created for generations of AU students far surpasses any dollar amount attached to the projects.
“Dwight and Martha Schar have helped shape the trajectory of Ashland University through decades of remarkable generosity and a shared vision for the university’s future,” he said.
“Their donation highlights their commitment to building quality housing, not only for families but also for students. This historic $20 million gift is the latest chapter in a legacy that has touched every corner of our campus, strengthening our academic and athletic programs, enhancing our facilities and enriching the student experience.
“We are profoundly grateful for the Schars’ lasting impact on our institution.”
Several additional dignitaries spoke during the Oct. 2 dedication ceremony, including State Rep. Melanie Miller (R-Ashland), State Rep. Mark Romanchuk (R-Ontario) and Ashland Mayor Matt Miller, along with additional AU representatives.
Below are more photos from the Oct. 2 dedication ceremony of Schar Plaza on the campus of Ashland University. Credit: Hayden Gray
More about Dwight Schar
Billionaire philanthropist Dwight Schar is the founder of the Fortune 500 company NVR, Inc. Originally from Wayne County (Norwayne High School) and a 1964 Ashland graduate, Schar earned a bachelor’s degree in education and began his career as a teacher while selling houses on weekends.
He entered real estate full-time in 1968, joining Ryan Homes and quickly rising to vice president of Mid-Atlantic homebuilding operations. In 1980, Schar founded Northern Virginia Land and Homes Co., which later evolved into NVR. He served as the company’s CEO until 2005 and remained on its board as executive chairman until 2022.
Today, NVR is one of the largest homebuilders in the United States, operating in 35 metropolitan areas across 15 states. Schar’s philanthropic activities are extensive and have focused on three key areas: health, children and education.
