MARION, OH (CRAWFORD COUNTY NOW)—Stephen M. Geib, former Executive Director and Founder of Agape for Youth, Inc., will be recognized by The Ohio State University at Marion for his significant contributions to the university, the community, and young people during a formal ceremony, Monday, November 17, 2025, in Maynard Hall’s Guthery Community Room.

Geib, a native of Marion, Ohio and graduate of The Ohio State University College of Social Work, has been an outstanding advocate for youth across Ohio and the university throughout his career.

A graduate of River Valley High School, Geib began classes at Ohio State Marion on his way to earning a Bachelor of Science degree in Social Welfare from Ohio State.

According to Geib, attending Ohio State Marion was a natural transition for him coming from high school and later transitioning to the Columbus campus.

“Ohio State Marion was a stone’s throw from my house.  Moreover, I knew I could go a few years there and go to Columbus and finish my degree. The transition from Ohio State Marion to Columbus was natural,” he explained and continued him down a path of helping others and a lifelong rewarding career.

According to Geib, his decision to pursue social work as a career began out of his passion for helping others in high school.

“I love to help people and help people help themselves,” he said. “Giving guidance and a roadmap has always been my passion.”

“My dad said, whatever you do be passionate,” said Geib.  “My parents were so supportive of my education.”

Geib parlayed his degree, experiences, and desire to help others into a lifelong career building a strong foundation for young people. He started his career at a children’s home shelter doing emergency care for kids who needed it.  He later moved to Delaware, Ohio to serve in a counselor coordinator position at Touchstone Group Home providing structure and guidance.

Geib was inspired to begin his own program called Agape for Youth, Inc. in Dayton, Ohio.

Geib said, “I wanted a program that focused on the youth we were serving. It was about their care and their success.  Being with Agape, we started as a foster care program and moved to foster care adoption, treatment foster care, adoption through foster care, transitional living and involved care for those moving from high school into education or the workforce.”

Under Geib’s leadership, Agape for Youth, Inc. has provided valuable field placement experiences for Ohio State interns, helping to prepare the next generation of social workers. He also participates enthusiastically in the College of Social Work’s homecoming celebrations and supports the college’s annual fundraising gala “Shine On.”

Geib shared his lifelong affinity to the university through service and involvement. He is a member of The Ohio State University College of Social Work Hall of Fame, The Ohio State Alumni Society, and the Ohio State Presidents Club. Geib’s dedication to the university is also evident through his role as a student mentor and community liaison, promoting the university and coordinating academic and professional training opportunities in the Dayton area.

Geib’s commitment to The Ohio State University and his professional achievements have earned him numerous accolades, including the Distinguished Alumni Career Award from The Ohio State University and the Outstanding Nonprofit Leadership Alliance Award from Wright State University.

For Geib, his life has been about building relationships and helping others.

“I have been fortunate to receive several awards.  It is about going back to building relationships,” he said.

Additionally, alumnus Dave Gorenflo and Ted and Marlene Temple will also be honored and inducted into the Hall of Fame during the November 17 ceremony.