“When asked to reflect on my years at Otterbein, I recapture my thoughts of people and experiences. Those were wonderful times and the feelings are still a part of me today.”—Paul Reiner upon receiving the Special Achievement Award from Otterbein University in 1989.

An exceptional talent on the football field, Paul’s contribution to the University since his graduation, has been even more significant. Paul has given well over $500,000 to the University, which has benefitted not only athletics, but the arts and sciences. He co-chaired with classmate John King, who is also entering the Hall this year, the “Fit for the Future” campaign, leading to the construction of the Clements Recreation and Fitness Center in 2002. He also helped spearhead, as president of the “O” Club, the construction of the new grandstand in Memorial Stadium in 2005.

Paul served on the Otterbein University Board of Trustees from 1991 to 2007 and was voted unanimously to Emeritus status in 2007.

Otterbein Hall of Fame football coach Moe Agler was instrumental in bringing Paul, an all-city and all-district football player at Columbus Aquinas High School, to campus in 1964. Paul earned four varsity letters in football, playing halfback on offense and cornerback on defense. A knee injury curtailed his career and he missed most of his junior season. As a sophomore in 1965, he rushed for 540 yards and five touchdowns, setting school records for most carries in a game, 36, and most carries in a season, 146. He graduated in 1968 with a degree in Business Administration and Economics.

After graduation, Paul was drafted into the U.S. Army where he served two years, including a 12-month tour in Korea where he played outside linebacker along with seven NFL players in an eight-team service football league.

Paul returned to the family business, Oakland Nurseries in Columbus, as general manager upon his return from service. He helped expand the business and founded Acorn Farms in 1980, a 200-acre nursery just north of Westerville. He operates and serves as president of both companies.

Paul and his wife, Sheila, have two grown children and five grandchildren—soon to be seven with twins on the way.