At an early age, Alice Maher Luse learned the joy of service to others. Growing up in a loving family of seven children, her impressively accomplished parents were excellent role models of service to the country. Alice’s mother, Margaret (Midge), was a Lieutenant in the US Navy, working as an Attaché in the WAVES Program, part of an elite group of women who analyzed codes during WWII. Her father, Ralph, was a Colonel in the Air Force during active duty, continued as a reservist post-war, and later earned his law degree. Her mother later taught Journalism and English at Kenmore High School.
Midge and Ralph set the bar high through their living example of service to their church and community. They had a strong marriage and an unwavering Catholic faith. Ironically, the Marcel and Linda Reymann family lived less than a block away from the Mahers in West Akron. Lucille (Sissy) Reymann often walked her dog, Princess, and enjoyed visiting with Midge. “Sissy was my first exposure to anyone with disabilities”, says Alice. Little would anyone know this foreshadowed Alice’s involvement with The Charles and Salome Reymann Foundation some 50 years later.
Alice graduated from Archbishop Hoban High School, and later graduated from Kent State University earning a double degree in Journalism and Business. It was during these college years when Alice met her husband, John Luse, a Photography major. John worked in this field for 25 years, photographing weddings, providing content for industrial purposes, and managing stores for Dodd Camera. John later earned a second degree and became an Intervention Specialist for Springfield Schools. Meanwhile, Alice was growing her career in the non-profit sector, working for the American Heart Association (AHA). While at Kent State, Alice interned with the AHA, which ultimately led to a 40-year vocation with much passion for heart health. Alice raised millions of dollars to support life saving research, education and advocacy.
John and Alice continued the focus on education with their own children, both of whom are proud graduates of Archbishop Hoban High School. Son Evan is a Doctor of Physical Therapy, and is married to his high school sweetheart Cristina, an attorney; they reside in Columbus, Ohio. Their oldest son, Andrew, is a designer focusing on kitchen and bathroom spaces, and is tackling renovations in his own home in West Akron.
Alice and John retired and now volunteer for causes that are dear to them. Alice works at the American Cancer Society’s resale shop, is an Emeritus Member on Hoban’s Board of Trustees and serves as the Development & Community Engagement Committee Chairwoman for the Reymann Foundation. John followed Alice in becoming involved in the Foundation; he is an Ambassador and donates his photography talents and expertise to support the Foundation’s events and activities.
“The Reymann Foundation is helping a portion of the population that so often can be overlooked”, Alice says. “We are making a difference, and I find satisfaction with directing my talents and using my connections to help.”