Neither Drew nor Julie Setser is a native Cincinnatian, but over the past 40 years they have sunk deep roots into the Queen City. Their affection for their adopted hometown and its people is reflected in a generous planned gift to United Way of Greater Cincinnati.
Julie, who grew up on the West Coast, graduated from the University of California, Berkeley and was recruited by Procter & Gamble. Drew, a Kettering, Ohio, native and University of Dayton grad, also came to work in Cincinnati after being recruited by P&G. That’s where the two chemical engineers met.
“Over the years, we had the opportunity — especially with P&G’s Give Back Days — to see the breadth and the depth of the work that United Way does and how it impacts the community in Cincinnati,” said Julie, who retired as Senior Vice President, Research & Development.
And it’s because of that impact that the longtime Tocqueville Society members recently designated United Way of Greater Cincinnati as one of two beneficiaries of the Setser Family Legacy Fund. The extraordinary gift to United Way is valued at more than $1.5 million.
Early in life, both Julie and Drew were influenced by parents who were actively involved in giving back to their communities. Later, after launching their careers at P&G, the Setsers experienced what giving back means on a broader scale.
“The biggest lesson — and this has always been the message from P&G — is if we’re going to live and work in this community, we want it to be a thriving community,” Julie said. “Part of operating a sustainable business is giving back to the community.”
At home, a similar message resonated for the Setsers as they raised their three children, who are now grown. “We’re very lucky,” Drew said. “Our children are very capable. Being a parent, you’re trying to set an example. You want them to see the benefits they already have and how they can use their gifts to give back to the community.”
In that regard, Julie and Drew have been excellent role models.
As Julie rose through the corporate ranks, she took on a leadership role in P&G initiatives that encourage employee volunteering. “I had the opportunity to do a dozen Give Back Days, and through those I saw various organizations at a ground level. It really made me appreciate the power of United Way in supporting those organizations and the massive impact it has in the community.”
Julie also recalled a visit to United Way 211’s call center, where she met team members who staff the organization’s 24-hour resource and referral service. “They really care about the individuals who call and make sure they get the support they need.”
Drew, meanwhile, retired from P&G as R&D Director and became a volunteer – he found it gratifying to “deliver food to a lot of charity organizations and help them out.”
The challenges the community faces are too complex for one organization to solve alone. In United Way, the Setsers see an organization that works alongside partners to achieve maximum impact in three interconnected pillars: educational success, financial empowerment and housing security.
“My personal interest is in early education,” Julie said, “because that’s so important for a sustainable solution to problems. But the pillars are all critical in creating a thriving community.”
With their gift, the Setsers are helping the region achieve positive change that will endure for generations.
