Stephen M. Geib, founder and former executive director of Agape for Youth Inc., will be honored by Ohio State University at Marion for his significant contributions to the university, the community and young people.
The ceremony is set for Nov. 17 in Maynard Hall’s Guthery Community Room, according to a community announcement.
Stephen M. Geib, former executive director and founder of Agape for Youth, will be inducted into the Ohio State University at Marion Hall of Fame on Nov. 17, 2025.
Geib, a Marion native, has been a strong advocate for youth across Ohio and the university throughout his career. He graduated from River Valley High School and began his college journey at Ohio State Marion before earning a bachelor of science degree in social welfare from Ohio State.
“Ohio State Marion was a stone’s throw from my house,” Geib said in the announcement. “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.”
A passion for people
Geib’s passion for helping others began in high school, leading him to pursue a career in social work.
“I love to help people and help people help themselves,” he said. “Giving guidance and a roadmap has always been my passion.”
His career started at a children’s home shelter, providing emergency care for kids in need. He later served as a counselor coordinator at Touchstone Group Home in Delaware, Ohio.
Geib’s desire to make a difference led him to establish Agape for Youth Inc. in Dayton. The program 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.
“I wanted a program that focused on the youth we were serving,” Geib said. “It was about their care and their success.”
A dedicated alumnus
Under his leadership, Agape for Youth has provided valuable field placement experiences for Ohio State interns, helping to prepare the next generation of social workers. Geib is also actively involved in the College of Social Work’s homecoming celebrations and supports its annual fundraising gala, “Shine On.”
Geib’s dedication to the university is evident through his roles as a student mentor and community liaison. 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.
His professional achievements have earned him numerous accolades, including the Distinguished Alumni Career Award from Ohio State and the Outstanding Nonprofit Leadership Alliance Award from Wright State University.
“I have been fortunate to receive several awards,” Geib said. “It is about going back to building relationships.”
The Nov. 17 ceremony will also honor alumnus Dave Gorenflo and Ted and Marlene Temple, who will be inducted into the Hall of Fame.
This story was created by Jane Imbody, jimbody@gannett.com, with the assistance of Artificial Intelligence (AI). Journalists were involved in every step of the information gathering, review, editing and publishing process. Learn more at cm.usatoday.com/ethical-conduct/.
This article originally appeared on Marion Star: Stephen Geib to be honored by Ohio State Marion
