Joe Knetzer is a 1985 Denison University graduate and four-year letter winner with the Big Red football team. Knetzer contributes much of his success in life to the start he got at Denison and the mentorship offered by head football coach Keith Piper, assistant coach Bob Shannon, and academic advisor and Denison Hall of Famer Dr. Mattie Ross.
“Denison did so much for me. I have built lifelong relationships at Denison. And I’m just so happy and honored to be able to do a small part to help out and do something with the department that I loved and set me on a goal and a path for success in life,” Knetzer says.
After learning more about the vision for the development through sport initiative, Knetzer wanted to be part of ensuring its longevity for future generations of Denison athletes. His donation to establish the Knetzer Family Institute for Development Through Sport will allow the university to continue its work in an even bigger, bolder way.
“The vision of this is something that I really cherish. It’s something that people can take with them for the rest of their lives.” Knetzer says. “I think we can build a lasting legacy at Denison and a lasting legacy of just great people who can go and change the world.”
Knetzer is the President of the Midwest Family of Companies that consists of Midwest Health Services, Midwest Community Services and the Community Health Network. Midwest Health Services was founded in 2000 by Joseph and his wife, Kristine, to provide superior support to persons with intellectual and developmental disabilities. Today, Midwest Health operates intermediate care facilities and provides needed support to people in congregate settings and in their own homes.
