Even though Harlene Palkuti and her late husband, Leslie [Les] J. Palkuti, graduated from other college’s within The Ohio State University, they found common ground in supporting the John Glenn College of Public Affairs’ Washington Internship Program (WAIP). Harlene graduated from the College of Arts and Sciences in medical technology and also spent time teaching at the university. Les earned his undergraduate, masters and doctoral degrees in Engineering. As a couple, they had been active leaders in Ohio State’s alumni association and became involved with WAIP after relocating to Washington, D.C.
“Les and I enjoyed sharing in the WAIP fellows’ ambition, dedication and enthusiasm,” said Palkuti. “We also wanted to be sure they were able to see the sights and attend events while in D.C., so we gave to the program each year to help with these kinds of expenses.”
A personal connection to Sen. Glenn is what’s kept Harlene’s heart close to the college. Her father, Harlow Stapf, who was also an alumnus of the university, served as former chairman of Huron County’s Democratic Central Committee. Stapf helped on Sen. Glenn’s presidential campaign. Decades later, when Harlene met Sen. Glenn during a WAIP event, she was deeply touched by his memory of her father.
“I included my maiden name in my introduction to Senator Glenn,” said Palkuti. “I remember saying...I know you meet so many people, and probably don’t remember, but my father worked on your presidential campaign...he quickly responded...I do remember you, you must be Harlow Stapf’s daughter...I was so overwhelmed, tears filled my eyes.” After this experience, Harlene became more involved with supporting WAIP. She served on the housing scholarship committee, and for several years hosted an annual brunch for the Glenn fellows. “I always had a hard time choosing the scholarship awardees because all of the candidates were outstanding,” she said. “Every year, as I read through the applications, I’d feel the urge to throw each one up into the air and scream out with joy. All were so unbelievably accomplished.”
In 2017, Les died after a courageous fight with cancer. At that time, Harlene directed donations to the college in his memory. Recently, Harlene decided to offer a lifetime gift to the college. She has created the Dr. Leslie J. Palkuti, Harlene Stapf Palkuti and Harlow and Alice Palkuti Scholarship Fund, honoring her family ties to Sen. Glenn and the WAIP program. Funds will be dedicated to future housing scholarships for the program. “Of all the things in my career, any job I ever got, was because of my affiliation with Ohio State. So many doors opened for me,” said Palkuti. “Giving to the Glenn College was the perfect way to unite my family’s Buckeye spirit, and honor our shared value of opening doors for others.”