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Grove Lobby Dedicated at Mount Union

May 6, 2011 - by Callie Livengood

Members of the University of Mount Union community paid tribute to the life of the late Charles D. Grove, a trustee of the institution, at a dedication ceremony held Friday in the Engineering and Business Building on campus. During the event, the entryway of the facility was officially named The Charles D. Grove Lobby in honor of Grove’s dedication to the institution.

Grove, who was president and owner of Grove Appliance TV and Audio, passed away in January at the age of 82. Known for his leadership at Mount Union and in the Alliance community, Grove served as a trustee at the University for nearly two decades. He was a recognized leader and an honorable and sincere man who committed his life to the betterment of the Alliance and Mount Union communities.

“Charlie was truly committed to Mount Union and our mission to prepare students for fulfilling lives, meaningful work and responsible citizenship. This facility is integral to the fulfillment of our mission, and each and every day, our students flourish amid the knowledge and experience offered within these walls,” said Dr. Richard F. Giese, president of Mount Union, during the dedication ceremony on Friday. “With this in mind, it is indeed fitting that we join today to honor the memory of such a generous and inspirational man to ensure that his legacy will live on at Mount Union. This facility will truly make a difference in the lives of generations of our students, just as Charlie made a difference in the lives of all of us.”

A graduate of Alliance High School and Duke University, Grove served in the United States Air Force during the Korean War and worked as an Air Force crash investigator for a number of years. He returned to Alliance to join his father in the family business. Today, Grove’s is the city’s oldest business under continuous management.

A civic leader in the Alliance community, Grove supported a number of organizations and philanthropies. A member of the Alliance Chamber President’s Club, past chair of the Alliance YMCA and former president of the Alliance Community Hospital Board of Trustees, he also actively served on the Jaycees, Senior Citizens Board of Trustees and Rotary Club Foundation. In addition, he was a member of the Alliance Country Club, Alliance Elks Club and the Navy League of the United States as well as the co-chair of the Restoration Committee for Glamorgan Castle and a member of the Board of the Greater Alliance Foundation.

Grove was equally involved at Mount Union. Serving on the University’s Board of Trustees for 18 years, he was an invaluable asset during a period of significant growth and expansion at Mount Union. A campaign supporter and annual fund contributor, he also provided a unique link between the University and the Alliance community in which he was so actively involved. His support made the naming of Grove Court in the Hartshorn Village of apartment-style housing options possible.

Grove was named the Alliance Citizen of the Year and was awarded the McKinley Fellow Award at Mount Union.

“Although most of you knew my late husband as a retail business owner, he actually had a mechanical engineering degree from Duke University,” said Carol Grove, when asked to say a few words at the dedication. “He was especially excited when the University of Mount Union decided to offer degrees in engineering, and in some small way wanted to be a part of this endeavor. For these reasons, my family and I are very happy and honored, as he would also be, that this engineering and business lobby be named The Charles D. Grove Lobby.”

The Engineering and Business Building houses Mount Union’s Department of Economics, Accounting and Business Administration and the newly-established Department of Engineering.

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