2024 Honorary Alumni Award

Lois and Don Bigler have been connected with the Wright State University community for more than 35 years. They first began attending theatrical performances and then attended programs in music, opera and dance. The more they attended the more they were impressed with the performances at Wright State.

The Biglers have attended the ArtsGala fundraiser since its inception and have been part of the planning committee for more than 10 years. They began sponsoring scholarship students three years ago and interact with them at performances and meet socially.

Passionate supporters of the arts in Dayton, the couple began attending various community theater performances soon after they moved from Columbus to Dayton in 1968. They also enjoy Dayton Live and the Dayton Performing Arts Alliance performances. When the Dayton Theatre Guild moved to Wayne Avenue, they spent many hours rearranging much of the interior for use as a theater and storage space. Lois spent several years on the boards of both WDPR Discover Classical and The Human Race Theatre Company.

Don and Lois Bigler

The Biglers have been involved in the Dayton Concours De Elegance since its inception and were in charge of the volunteers at the event at the Carillon Historical Park until they retired. Don volunteered at the Print Shop and with the Carillion Park Rail and Steam Society and Lois is involved with the Development Committee.

Don volunteers at the America’s Packard Museum on Ludlow Street in downtown Dayton doing interpretation and construction. They have been active in multiple car clubs helping in many capacities and have especially enjoyed their antique autos and British autos.