During the Great Depression, Velma Everhart worked her way through Ohio State by taking on two jobs in addition to her coursework. It was while working in food services in Pomerene Hall that she met her future husband. Before his death in 1988, they established the H.M. "Pete" and Velma V. Everhart Fund to support the College of Agriculture's livestock judging team and for scholarships in family resource management. As part of her long-term devotion to her alma mater, Everhart still attends the annual scholarship receptions to meet the recipients of her generosity.

Everhart graduated in 1938 from what is now the College of Education and Human Ecology and began her career as a much-loved high school home economics teacher. She earned her master's degree in 1954, and in 1956 she joined the faculty of Ohio State's School of Home Economics. There, she taught timeless principles of interior design-principles that her students still use today in their teaching and design careers.

Known to her students as a stimulating and demanding professor, Everhart challenged them to excel and to develop the strong work ethic they would need to succeed in life. Her rapport with students and dedication to their success have been remembered by students who continue to send notes thanking her for the education they found so valuable.

Everhart has been a steady contributor to Phi Upsilon Omicron, a national honor society in family and consumer sciences. She served as adviser to the Ohio State student chapter for 10 years, chaired the national conclaves held on campus, and became well known as the organization's national president. She is still active today in the alumni chapter.

After retiring from the faculty in 1978, Everhart remained involved in the college as a member of the alumni society board, including stints as secretary, faculty emeritus representative, and coordinator of events such as the fall tailgate and the spring alumni awards luncheon. Board colleagues have called her "the woman every organization would like to have on its board because of the extent of her knowledge, the deep level of her commitment, and the joy she brings to each function."

Everhart's dedication has been described as "modeling what every college and university would only dream of having in a member. But Velma is not a dream-she is very much the real thing."

At age 93, Everhart can still be found in the stands at Ohio Stadium, cheering the Buckeyes. And she continues to use her energy, funds, time, and talent to promote the ideals of Ohio State.