Our Glenn College friends are a constant source of inspiration, and Sander Flaum is certainly one of them.
Graduating from The Ohio State University in 1960, Flaum is a Buckeye through and through. His commitment to Ohio State runs deep, and he has served in a variety of leadership roles throughout the university. Flaum’s engagement includes serving on The Ohio State University Board of Trustees, Fisher College of Business Dean’s Advisory Council and the James Cancer Hospital Board. A special friendship with Annie and Sen. Glenn inspired Flaum to become involved with the Glenn College as a member of the Board of Distinguished Visitors in 2018. He recently took his commitment to the college to the next level by making a transformational gift to name a key location in Page Hall the “Sander A. Flaum Lounge Library” to honor his connection to the late Senator and Annie Glenn and mark his own legacy within the college.
Flaum and Annie first met in the early 1970s, when they were both enrolled in the stuttering therapy program at the Hollins University Communication Research Institute (HCRI) in Roanoke, Virginia. The pair were finally able to achieve full fluency through completing the 12-day residential treatment program.
“Annie and I got to know each other as clients in the stuttering program at Hollins University,” Flaum stated. “Hollins changed my life in so many ways, but I especially treasure the good fortune it brought to me in the way of gaining a lifetime friendship with Annie.”
Flaum stated it was Annie who set things in motion for him to meet Senator Glenn. “I met John just after his return from the Discovery mission. He had come to Roanoke to join Annie for the weekend,” Flaum stated. “Annie insisted that I meet John, without her company, for lunch. I remember feeling very nervous beforehand. I even made note cards about what I was going to ask our national hero as I was deeply interested in learning more about his missions and political life,” added Flaum. According to Flaum, all the concern and preparation were unnecessary. “Frankly, he seemed more interested in just talking with me about my interests and pursuits – John was such a kind and humble man.”
According to Flaum, sitting at lunch that day, Sen. Glenn talked about the possibility of donating his congressional papers to The Ohio State University and shared his vision for creating a public policy center for the Midwest. Flaum knew how impactful Sen. Glenn’s legacy would be if applied in such a way and was instrumental in connecting Sen. Glenn to Ohio State leaders including then president, Gordon Gee.
The opportunity to name the Lounge Library on the top floor of Page Hall intrigued Flaum as the space houses many key artifacts including the Senator’s senate chamber chair, books and historic flight controller from his 1962 earth orbit. Faculty, staff, students and visiting guests often gather in this intimate space, featuring a gas fireplace and comfortable furniture, to discuss important issues and build community.
In addition to serving on the college’s Board of Distinguished Visitors, Flaum is an involved alumnus across the university. Flaum has had a successful career as a business leader, motivational speaker and best-selling author. Principal of Flaum Navigators, he continues to encourage and coach his clients to embrace disruptive innovation in marketing, sales and leadership.
Honoring Annie and Sen. Glenn’s support throughout his life was important to Flaum and another motivation for the gift. “What I cherish most is that Annie and John were always seated in the front row, smiling, at every single one of the many talks I gave on leadership for the university,” Flaum said. “It meant so much to look out into the audience and see them both there to support me. I am happy to be able to help the Glenn College. It was truly an honor to have Annie and John be part of my life.”