In the spring of 2010, The John and Patricia Adams Foundation created and funded a new lecture series at Heidelberg University, John’s alma mater, to bring to campus exceptional female speakers from a broad spectrum of personal and professional backgrounds. The purpose of the The Patricia Adams Lecture Series is to introduce Heidelberg students, twice annually, to talented and accomplished women who have had a significant impact in their community or career field.
In creating the lecture series, John and Pat sought to provide extraordinary opportunities for all Heidelberg students, graduate and undergraduate, as well as faculty and staff, and the broader Tiffin community. The first lecture in the series was held in September 2010 and coincided with the grand opening of Adams Hall at Heidelberg University, home to the new School of Business. The lecture series is named to honor Pat Adams’ long-standing loyalty to and passion for Heidelberg University, her tireless philanthropic spirit, her values of education and leadership and her desire to leave a legacy at the university that has meant so much to both her and John throughout their lives.
The Patricia Adams Lecture Series gave me the opportunity to see strong women in business. I thought this was something I could do. So I asked myself, ‘What are my passions and what can I put together to give others opportunities?
Campus Mourns Passing of Pat Adams (1937 - 2023)
Profile of Patricia Adams
Patricia “Pat” Adams has demonstrated the value she places on education and leadership throughout her lifetime. A tireless philanthropist, she was influenced by the strength of her mother and her grandmother, the women who raised her in Dover, Ohio. Pat met her husband, John Q. Adams, in high school. While John attended then Heidelberg College, completing his degree in 1958, Pat worked at the Tiffin Glass Factory and later, kept the books and payroll for Baylor Pharmaceuticals, one of John’s companies. She has always labored faithfully with John in his various entrepreneurial ventures.
While business has always been an integral part of her life, Pat knows about balancing work and family. One of three daughters raised in a close-knit Italian Catholic family, Pat has been actively involved in her church. She has promoted her love for education and family through her various roles in the PTA, Adopt-a-Family and Heidelberg. A lifelong learner, Pat has long held a vision to bring to the Heidelberg community exceptional women to speak with undergraduate students and faculty about such topics as business ethics and balancing work and family. Pat and John are the parents of three children, Sherri Steinford, John Jr. and the late Cindy Adams. They have eight grandchildren and eleven great-grandchildren. They have lived in Texas for many years.
- Fall 2023: Jenny Levy
- Fall 2022: Kristin Chenoweth
- Spring 2022: Janet Campbell
- Fall 2019: Mrs. Laura Bush & Barbara Pierce Bush
- Spring 2019: Beth Shissler, '90
- Fall 2018: Kelli Masters
- Spring 2018: Monica Lozano
- Fall 2017: Brandi Powell
- Spring 2017: Susan Graber
- Fall 2016: Major General Gale Pollock (retired)
- Spring 2016: Bridgette Heller
- Fall 2015: Sheila Heen
- Spring 2015: Carla Harris
- Fall 2014: Jackie MacMullan
- Spring 2014: Cheryl Krueger
- Fall 2013: Dr. Deborah Mielewski
- Spring 2013: Jerilyn Medrea, '77
- Fall 2012: Donna VanLiere
- Spring 2012: Ann M. Fudge
- Fall 2011: Carol-Lynn Parente
- Spring 2011: Betsy J. Bernard
- Fall 2010: Sherron Watkins