Eugene W. Snyder Leadership Endowment
Eugene W. Snyder Leadership Endowment Scholarship Fund
đź“Ł Announcing a New Scholarship! đź“Ł
Barberton Community Foundation is proud to introduce the Eugene W. Snyder Leadership Scholarship—a new opportunity for students who lead with integrity, perseverance, and a passion for uplifting others.
Who was Eugene Snyder, you ask?
Mr. Snyder was a beloved educator, a lifelong learner, a coach, a veteran, and a champion of students. From his early days at Rose Elementary to his leadership as a superintendent and mentor in Barberton, Coventry, and beyond, Gene believed that real leadership wasn’t about a title—it was about showing up, caring deeply, and making a difference.
His legacy lives on through this scholarship, created by his family to honor the values he modeled so well: hard work, compassion, and service.
Eugene W. Snyder: A Legacy of Leadership, Love, and Learning
Eugene W. Snyder lived a life of dedication to his family, service to his community, and leadership in education. Born on September 17, 1928, in Barberton, Ohio, and raised on a farm in Manchester, he learned early the values of hard work, responsibility, and perseverance. These lessons shaped his lifelong commitment to education, mentorship, and community service—values that continue to inspire through the Eugene W. Snyder Leadership Endowment Scholarship Fund.
A Lifelong Commitment to Education and Community
For more than 42 years, Gene devoted himself to education, student success, and leadership development. His career touched thousands of students, teachers, and administrators, many of whom credit him with shaping their futures.
Gene’s journey as an educator began in 1949, when he was hired as a physical education teacher at Rose Elementary School in Barberton. However, his second year in the classroom was interrupted when he was drafted into the U.S. Army in 1951 during the Korean War. He served in the Corps of Engineers, stationed in Korea and Japan, where he developed a passion for adult education by teaching literacy to fellow soldiers who had not learned to read. This experience cemented his belief that education was a lifelong pursuit and that every individual, regardless of background, deserved the opportunity to grow and succeed.
After returning from military service, Gene resumed his teaching career in Barberton, working his way up through the education system as a coach, classroom teacher, and administrator. His leadership ability was recognized early, and he was appointed principal of Rose Elementary in 1957—a school later renamed Santrock Elementary, in honor of his mentor, Nora Santrock.
Gene’s commitment to student success extended far beyond the classroom. He coached multiple sports and took a hands-on approach to student development, believing that athletics played a crucial role in teaching discipline, teamwork, and perseverance. Some of his earliest athletes went on to achieve great success, including Barberton legends Dave Cooper, Ken and John Mackovic, Don Kotnik, and Marco Burnette. But to Gene, every student was important, whether they went on to be star athletes, skilled tradespeople, or dedicated professionals in their fields.
In 1971, Gene was appointed Superintendent of Coventry Local Schools, where he led the district through a period of growth and transformation. In his first year, he successfully passed a critical school levy, securing much-needed resources to improve the educational experience for students. He also championed vocational education, working with Coventry and Manchester schools to establish a career training program that would eventually become the Portage Lakes Career Center—a program that continues to provide students with real-world skills and career opportunities today.
Gene’s ability to connect with students, teachers, parents, and community leaders made him a powerful force for change. Whether he was advocating for funding, supporting struggling students, or helping teachers develop their skills, Gene led with integrity, compassion, and unwavering dedication to education.
After 32 years of service, Gene retired in 1981, but true to his nature, he never stopped teaching or leading.
This photo was submitted to the Barberton Herald in 2019 after many students arranged a reunion with Eugene. The text read:
“Were you ever sent to the Principal’s office? Seven students from Barberton High School’s Class of 1973 enjoyed a special visit with Gene Snyder, their principal during earlier school years at Highland Junior High. A few also had him as their principal at Santrock Elementary. Lots of stories and memories were shared. No one got detention. Seen above from left are happy students Rona Scott Morehead, Sherry Downs Sigmond, Erin Mackey Rader, Principal Eugene Snyder, Jan Glunt, Punch Roy, Marsha Mitchell, and Bob Eagle.”
Retirement? Not Quite: A Second Career in Education
Following his first retirement, Gene and his wife, Fran, moved to Naples, Florida, where they planned to enjoy a quieter life. But Gene wasn’t one to sit still for long. After spending a year as what he jokingly called a “beach bum,” he felt the pull back to education.
He accepted a position with the Collier County School District, where he worked as an administrator, mentor, and program coordinator. Over the next two decades, he helped develop adult education, dropout prevention programs, and guidance services to ensure that students—no matter their circumstances—had access to quality education and career pathways.
He also played a critical role in school development, serving as principal and interim principal for several new elementary schools in one of the fastest-growing areas of Florida. Gene’s leadership helped shape the district’s approach to education and student support, ensuring that growth was matched with quality teaching and strong school communities.
Finally, in 2002, after more than 42 years in education, Gene officially retired. But even then, his love of learning never faded.
A Life Built on Love: Gene and Fran
While Gene’s professional accomplishments were remarkable, his greatest partnership was with his wife, Fran Snyder. They married in 1972, blending their families and beginning a lifelong journey of love, adventure, and shared purpose. Over their nearly 50 years together, they created a home filled with warmth, laughter, and mutual support.
Gene and Fran’s marriage was filled with adventure and kindness. A talented pianist, Fran was Gene’s constant companion and source of joy. Gene was known for surprising Fran with trips—sometimes even packing her bags for her—because he believed in cherishing every moment. Even in retirement, he supported her career by taking on household duties while she worked, demonstrating his deep appreciation and respect for their partnership.
Their journey took them from Ohio to Florida to South Carolina before returning to Barberton in 2013 to be closer to family—especially their six great-grandchildren. Their nearly 50 years together were a testament to the power of love, mutual respect, and shared values.
The Eugene W. Snyder Leadership Endowment Scholarship Fund
Throughout his career, Gene believed that leadership was not about titles, but about integrity, perseverance, and investing in others. His family, in partnership with Barberton Community Foundation, established the Eugene W. Snyder Leadership Endowment Scholarship Fund to honor his lifelong commitment to education and mentorship.
The scholarship will support students who exemplify Gene’s values—not just those in traditional leadership roles, but those who demonstrate passion, character, and a commitment to making a difference. Applicants will submit an essay on leadership and letters of recommendation that highlight their dedication, resilience, and impact on their community.
The Eugene W. Snyder Leadership Endowment Scholarship Fund ensures that Gene’s passion for education, mentorship, and service continues to uplift future generations. His legacy lives on in the countless students, educators, and community members he inspired.
By contributing to this scholarship, you help ensure that Gene’s spirit of encouragement, leadership, and excellence continues to shape the next generation of leaders.
Join us in honoring Gene’s legacy. Your support of this fund is an investment in the future—one that reflects the values he lived by and instilled in others.
For more information on how to support the Eugene W. Snyder Leadership Endowment Scholarship Fund, please contact Barberton Community Foundation at 330-745-5995. Donations are greatly appreciated. Mail checks to 460 W. Paige Ave. Barberton, OH 44203 or make a donation online.
