Impact Autumn 2009

How giving makes a difference at Ohio State

autumn 2009

Partners in Education: Meet President Gee’s First Scholar, Todd Fessler PAGE 7

Students First, Students Now keeps studies within reach Library reopens to rave reviews

PAGE 8

PAGE 10

Postle family changes lives one smile at a time

PAGE 12 autumn 2009

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“OHIO STATE PROVIDED AN INVALUABLE FOUNDATION FOR ME AS I PROGRESSED IN MY CAREER. I FEEL HONORED TO BE ABLE TO GIVE BACK TO MY ALMA MATER BY ESTABLISHING A

charitable gift annuity TO HELP THE UNIVERSITY ATTRACT TOP TALENT.”

A charitable gift annuity provides lifetime payments for one or two persons and numerous tax advantages, including:  Charitable Deduction You will receive an immediate charitable deduction for a portion of your gift.  Income Tax Savings A portion of your payment may be a tax-free return of capital, excluding it from your taxable income until you reach your life expectancy.  Estate Tax Savings If you and/or your spouse are the only beneficiaries, you may be able to avoid estate taxes on the value of the annuity.  Capital Gains Tax Savings If you fund your annuity with appreciated securities, capital gains may be deferred.

Call Ohio State’s Office of Planned Giving today at (614) 292-2183 or (800) 327-7907 or e-mail [email protected]. More information is also available at www.giveto.osu.edu/annuity.

Karen Ickes — Senior Vice President, Human Resources, Wendy’s International Inc. • BA, 1975; MBA, 1979 Fisher College of Business • Member — Neil Legacy Society

facts & stats

Smart Money magazine recently ranked Ohio State 11th in return on tuition among all universities in the United States. In competitive research funding, Ohio State ranks second to duke university among U.S. universities for industry-sponsored research

U.S. News & World Report’s 2010 edition of “America’s Best Colleges” ranks Ohio State 18th among all public universities. OSU Medical Center ranks as one of “America’s Best Hospitals” in U.S. News & World Report for the 17th consecutive year. It’s among only 21 hospitals nationally named to the magazine’s elite Honor Roll with an excellent rating for at least six specialties.

G.I. Jobs magazine places Ohio State’s Columbus campus among the top 15 percent of colleges in the country for military-friendly policies and efforts to recruit and retain military and veteran students.

Points of Pride:

the 2010 Newsweek/ Kaplan College Guide, “Finding the Right College for You,” rates Ohio State as the best school for “Bold Applicants Eager to Try Everything.” The 25 featured colleges and universities are highlighted as good places for particular kinds of students.

Washington Monthly ranks schools based on what they are doing for the country by improving social mobility, producing research, and promoting public service. Ohio State comes in at 20th out of 258 public and private institutions. Best ratings: research expenditures, federal work-study funds spent on service, and science and engineering doctorates awarded.

Encore please... Selecting the best cover photo was not an easy job. We had so many good choices that we wanted to share a couple others. Thanks to our cover model, Todd Fessler. You can read more about him on page 7.

Volume 1 Issue 1 Autumn 2009 Editor Terri Stone Design Editor Nikia Reveal Contributors Janet Ciccone Amy Fair Jenny Grabmeier Kathleen Kennedy Cover Photo Karen S. Evans Contributing Photographers Ken Chamberlain Ed Crockett Alan Geho Brad Feinknopf Nikia Reveal Printer UniPrint Senior Vice President Peter Weiler Associate Vice President Brian Hastings Senior Director, Marketing Communications Vince McGrail Director, Marketing Services Katie Culbertson Our mission: Informing past, present, and future Ohio State donors about the farreaching impact of private support. Ohio State Impact is published three times a year in October, February, and June by The Ohio State University Office of University Development. Opinions expressed in Ohio State Impact do not necessarily reflect the opinions of editors or the policies of The Ohio State University.

The Ohio State University Office of University Development 1480 West Lane Avenue Columbus, OH 43221 giveto.osu.edu/ohiostateimpact Contact us at: (614) 292-8646 [email protected]

Ohio State Impact is printed with soy ink on FSC certified, 30% post-consumer stock. Please pass your Ohio State Impact along for others to enjoy.

Photos by Karen S. Evans, KISO Fotografia Ltd.

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opening remarks

Welcome inaugural ...of Ohio State Impact, which shares the stories of the people and discoveries touched by the generosity of Ohio State’s alumni and friends. One of the people you will meet in this issue is Todd Fessler, the freshman featured on our cover. Todd’s story is a wonderful example of what a scholarship really means to a student—particularly when you are the first recipient of the scholarship, and the scholarship donor is Ohio State President E. Gordon Gee. Since December, President Gee has led Ohio State in a university-wide effort called Students First, which is committed to helping our students stay in school despite economic challenges. It includes internal re-allocations where possible; negotiating with vendors for reasonable student loan rates; and, within University Development, a fundraising initiative called Students First, Students Now that is scheduled to run through June 30, 2011. Now more than ever, our students need college degrees, and private contributions are becoming increasingly critical to providing them access to higher education. Students First is more than just a commitment to students—it is a commitment to improving the economic and social well-being of the state of Ohio. Thank you for supporting the people and programs of Ohio State. I hope you enjoy reading how your contributions make excellence possible. Go Bucks!

Peter B. Weiler Senior Vice President, University Development President, The Ohio State University Foundation

contents

to the edition... Also in this issue

8 Putting Education Within Reach

5

Dreams Coming True in Coshocton Meet five Engle Scholars who are making the most of their educational opportunities.

6 Women Giving Together How three deserving programs put to good use their Women & Philanthropy awards.

7

Two students highlight why Students First, Students Now is a vital program.

11 A Gathering Place The library reopened with fanfare and fresh conveniences.

12 Changing Lives, One Smile at a Time The Postle family has been helping dental students for generations.

13 Fruit for Thought A gift helps to continue the study of berries and their link to human health.

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Making an Impact at 102

Race for Research and a Cure

Kathryn Reider still giving to benefit dairy research in Wooster.

Dr. Maura Gillison seeks link between infections and cancers.

14 A Redd Letter Day Michael Redd gives generously to new practice facility.

Practicing for Life Medical students fine-tune their interpersonal skills for better patient care.

1 2 4 17 18 18 19 21

Points of Pride Opening Remarks Recognition Societies Financial Impact Planned Giving Then & Now Corporate & Foundation Relations Happenings

16 Helping Diverse Children Thrive Economically challenged neighborhood benefits from highly trained students.

A Student of Many Firsts Todd Fessler shares how President Gee’s scholarship will change his life.

Kaci Harris, shown with her daughter, Kiera, wants her children to become whatever they would like to be in life.

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recognition societies

Giving You the Recognition You Deserve. The Ohio State University acknowledges the generous support of our donors in many ways. Four of the recognition opportunities are highlighted below. The Oval Society was established in 2009 to honor the treasured relationship between Ohio State and a select group of individuals whose philanthropic support has reached a cumulative $1 million during their lifetime. Named for Ohio State’s iconic Oval, the Oval Society recognizes both the financial and volunteer support of this visionary group of philanthropists and the transformational impact each has had on the university. Oval Society recognition celebrates relationships between Ohio State and individuals that span decades and, for some, across multiple generations.

More than 125 years ago, the Neil family gave 361 acres of farmland for what is now Ohio State. In the family’s honor, the Neil Legacy Society, founded in 1995, recognizes alumni and friends who make a commitment through a bequest, trust, or other planned gift. Today, realized planned gifts represent the legacy of donors who have made a lasting impact on the future of Ohio State through support for endowed scholarships, research programs, and educational facilities.

In 1963, the President’s Club began the tradition of donor recognition at Ohio State. Today, the President’s Club celebrates a common bond shared by longtime donors who represent the history of giving at Ohio State and donors who continue to make annual leadership gifts. Alumni and friends show their continued interest in the success of the university by making annual gifts of $2,500 or more to academics, health sciences, and the arts.

presidentsclub.osu.edu

Founded in 1977, the Buckeye Club serves as the sole fundraising arm of the Department of Athletics and supports the grant-in-aid and scholarship needs of student-athletes. Donors who participate in the Athletics annual giving and endowment programs receive recognition.

ohiostatebuckeyes.com/buckeyeclub

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student impact

Dreams Coming True in Coshocton Joe Engle, a member of Coshocton, Ohio, High School’s class of 1939, had a strong desire to go to college. At that time, in the midst of the Great Depression, his family faced limited financial resources and few options. Yet, despite the odds, he was able to attend Ohio State and graduate in 1943 with a bachelor’s degree in industrial engineering. He served in the U.S. Navy in World War II and earned an MBA from Harvard Business School in 1950. Joe and his wife, Elizabeth, now living in New York City, observed the job losses in Coshocton in recent years and wanted to offer some of the area’s top students a chance for a brighter future. “Good jobs in America today demand a higher level of education,” he said. With commitments totaling $13 million, the couple opened the door wide to possibilities for graduates of Coshocton County’s three high schools. The gift created multiple scholarships for first-year students with high academic honors and considerable financial need. To date, the Engles have had a direct impact on 16 students.

Elizabeth and Joe Engle

“Our goal is to make it possible for students to graduate from college without the worry about student loans and educational debt,” Joe said. “In this way, students are free to choose careers that may make an impact on society and, therefore, make this world a better place for all of us.”

Emily Cochran

Walhonding, Ohio Major: Political Science/ Pre-Law

“When I found out that I was awarded the Engle scholarship, my dreams and aspirations of being a Buckeye grew. I decided that after completing a bachelor’s degree in June, I will continue my studies by going on to law school. I would like to practice law in California, North Carolina, or Colorado and specialize in child and domestic law or corporate law. The Engles’ gift of a scholarship has allowed me to appreciate my college education so much more. My goal is to give to future students, just as the Engles did for me.”

Lindsay Kennard

Brittany Patterson

Stephanie Richcreek

Ty Stoffer

“The Engle scholarship has allowed me to attend one of the best public universities in the country. Attending Ohio State has always been a goal for me and, without the generosity of the Engles, I may not have been able to accomplish it. I’m now a junior and plan to graduate in biology, then go on to graduate school. I truly admire the enthusiasm the Engles have for higher education.”

“Without the Engles and the scholarship they gave me, I probably wouldn’t have been able to go to Ohio State. I have made great friends and really enjoy all of my psychology courses. I cannot express my appreciation enough for what the Engles have given to me.”

“I want to thank the Engles for all they have done for me. I have learned that I can accomplish a lot when I set my mind to it and am amazed at how far I’ve come this year. I am finishing up the pre-med sequence and interning at Ross Heart Hospital every week all year. I am now interested in cardiology and becoming a cardiothoracic surgeon.”

“The incredible gift that Mr. and Mrs. Engle have provided means more than words can say. Now that I’m a junior at Ohio State, I can assess what a blessing the scholarship has been to my family and me. I have a passion for psychology and have been able to focus on my studies rather than worry about financial aid and expenses. I hope that one day I can return the generosity of the Engles by giving to future students in need.”

Coshocton, Ohio Major: Biology/Pre-Med

Coshocton, Ohio Major: Psychology

Coshocton, Ohio Major: Biology/Pre-Med

Coshocton, Ohio Major: Psychology

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women & philanthropy

The Impact of Women Giving Together “Women like the idea of personalized giving, and we collectively decide how to use our resources. Without a doubt, our gifts are making an impact on the programs we support.” — Thekla Reese Shackelford, Co-Chair Women & Philanthropy

Women & Philanthropy at The Ohio State University inspires women to discover the collective power of giving. Since it began in 2006, Women & Philanthropy has awarded 14 grants totaling $295,000. When women come together to learn and share ideas, they uncover new opportunities and discover new solutions. Women & Philanthropy shares information with its members about areas of extraordinary excellence at the university. It involves them in the vibrant life on campus and encourages them to realize and celebrate their personal philanthropic abilities. Each member contributes at least $1,000 each year into a pooled fund. Members vote and funds are awarded according to the percentage of votes each received. Here’s a look at how three programs used their awards from Women & Philanthropy:

Going to Market Local farmers brought in fresh vegetables and fruits to sell. Shoppers from Columbus’ downtown and East Side neighborhoods came in record numbers to choose from among the nutritious offerings. The three-day event, held at Columbus Public Health, welcomed more than 3,000 people each day and offered the unique ability to pay with food stamps and payment vouchers from government-assisted programs. Thanks to a grant from Women & Philanthropy, Ohio State’s College of Public Health took part in the markets this summer and last. The college also offered financial assistance by means of 4,200 Women, Infants, and Children coupons and 442 coupon packets from LifeCare Alliance for those ages 60 and older. “Our faculty, staff, and graduate students serve as volunteers at the markets, so it’s been a great opportunity to perform community service and engage in community outreach as well,” said Mary Ellen WOMEN continued on page 20 

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(Top) The College of Public Health helped to bring fruits and vegetables to the community. (Bottom left) The College of Veterinary Medicine gives new cancer treatments to dogs, with the hope they will also work on pediatric cancers. (Bottom right) Megan Bracher received the 2008 Women & Philanthropy Scholarship.

cover feature

A Student of Many Firsts Putting Students First, Students Now President E. Gordon Gee is showing how strongly he believes in Ohio State by making a personal commitment of $1 million to support Ohio State students as part of Students First, Students Now, a new initiative created to provide emergency and long-term support to students in financial distress. “Ohio State changes lives, pure and simple,” Gee said. “Helping to extend opportunities to attend this great university is my honor and privilege. Now more than ever, we must assure that young people are able to pursue their dreams, earn a degree, and use their talents to enhance our economy, our state, and our world.” The impact on students’ lives will be far reaching. Gee’s gift will cover full in-state tuition and fees for one student for each class rank, with scholarships renewable for up to four years. To make the first award possible this fall, Gee also established a current-use scholarship that will be in place until the endowed scholarship is fully funded. The money will all go toward different academic disciplines, beginning with the arts and then dance. The first recipient is Todd Fessler, a music education major from Grove City, Ohio. “In his work, President Gee helps students every day. That he chooses to reach out directly on such a personal level is truly inspirational,” said Peter Weiler, senior vice president for University Development and president of The Ohio State University Foundation.

Todd Fessler A freshman and first in his family to attend college, Todd Fessler is the inaugural recipient of President Gee’s scholarship. How did you feel when you learned you were chosen to receive President Gee’s first scholarship? I was told of this honor during the rehearsal for my graduation from Grove City High School. To hear that I was the first ever to receive this new scholarship from President

Gee was unbelievable. I couldn’t believe I was receiving such a prestigious award. My parents and grandparents were excited as well. Having my college education paid for is an incredible gift and truly amazing to experience. I am quite a lucky individual to be able to go to Ohio State.

Attending Ohio State without President Gee’s scholarship would have been difficult for me. I’m grateful that I am not adding to the financial burden that my family faces. I am studying hard and taking advantage of the greater opportunities available to me because this scholarship has changed my life.

What impact has the scholarship had in your life? Would your plans have been different otherwise?

What are you studying? I am studying music and working for a STUDENTS FIRST continued on page 20 

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feature

Putting Education Within Reach Scholarships put education in reach for many students. They forever change lives for those who receive them and for those who make them possible. Now, more than ever, Ohio State is rallying behind its most important asset. These two student stories highlight why Students First, Students Now is vital to current and future Ohio State students.

“During this time of economic stress for so many, financial assistance becomes really meaningful to students and their families. It’s a vote of confidence that others want to invest in the abilities and count on them for the future of our state. Many of today’s students believe in paying it forward, with many planning to give back in the future.”

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—Tally Hart, Senior Advisor for Economic Access

27,500

$2,400

Number of undergraduate students on financial aid

Average annual scholarship assistance per student

$16,400

$11,500

Average debt from undergraduate loans upon graduation

Average annual need-based aid per student—includes loans, work-study, scholarships & grants

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Columbus campus costs:

$17,100 Tuition, Fees, Room & Board Ohio Residents

$30,700 Tuition, Fees, Room & Board Non-Residents

Rhonda Cline looks forward to a career in nursing.

Sara Smith with her younger brother, Alex.

Rhonda Cline, Columbus, Ohio

Sara Jolene Smith, Perrysburg, Ohio

In May 2000, Rhonda Cline decided she wanted to be a nurse. Although she was only 10, she could see her future before her. It was during this time that her mother collapsed while shopping and died a week later. A malignant brain tumor claimed her life on Mother’s Day, just three days before her 40th birthday.

Her mother works a physically challenging job as a food technician for Hormel Inc. Her father needed a series of back surgeries and now, unable to work, receives disability. Although money was often a challenge for the family while she was growing up, Sara Jolene Smith said her parents did a good job with what they had. Paying for college, however, stretched the budget too far.

Because of these early experiences, she has perspective and compassion well beyond her years. “I learned that family always comes first because they will be there for you when no one else is,” she said. “Life isn’t just about having fun and materialistic things. It’s about helping others and giving back to your family and the community. That’s why being a nurse is so important to me.”

“My family relies on each other for almost everything. If one of us needs something, we are there for one another. No questions asked.” Cline calls her two older sisters—Meredith, 25, and Allison, 23—her best friends and role models. Both followed their parents’ lead and graduated from Ohio State. Now their younger sister is working toward the same goal. With family finances a challenge at times, Cline was elated to receive the Farrell/Kessler Scholarship, established by Steven Farrell and Chad Kessler in support of a Columbus Public Schools graduate with academic promise and financial need. “This scholarship is such a help and to have my tuition paid is a relief,” she said. “I feel great knowing that some of the pressure is off my dad’s shoulders.” Cline describes her father—who suffers from a degenerative eye disease—as amazing and remembers her mother as passionate and kind. The day she received her College of Nursing acceptance was appropriate. “I learned that I made it into the program on the anniversary of my mother’s death. It is literally a dream come true,” she said.

Smith was originally an arts and sciences major and liked what she was learning. But it was during a volunteering experience with Wonders of Our World, an Ohio State science program for students in kindergarten through sixth grade, that she discovered her professional passion. “I realized that working with children is what really gets me up in the morning,” said Smith, who then changed her major to human development and family sciences. She plans to continue at Ohio State and earn a master’s degree in education to teach social studies and science to grades five through nine—preferably in Ohio. During her first two years at Ohio State, she completed the Free Application for Federal Student Aid and received assistance through a Parents Plus loan from the U. S. Department of Education. But when her mother was hospitalized for surgeries in 2008, the family fell behind on interest payments. This affected future federal student aid as well as private loans. “I really love Ohio State, and getting this far without being able to finish my degree would be absolutely heartbreaking,” Smith said. By working hard and improving her grade point average above 3.0, she earned a $1,000 Name and Seal Endowed Student Scholarship for this fall. She also applied to work at OSU Kid Corps, a 10-hour-per-week work-study position to help preschoolers develop the skills needed for school success. With this position, she will receive a scholarship to help complete her studies. She plans to graduate in December 2010. For more information on Access to Education, go to osu.edu/access. To learn more about Students First, Students Now, go to giveto.osu.edu/studentsfirst.

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2,350

$21 million

guests at the opening reception, hosted by Pat and Thom Robinson

raised in private support

$9 million

200+

support from the Department of Athletics

computers with Internet access

569,799

man-hours required for the 27-month construction project

12 a.m. closing time Sunday through Thursday

1,000,000 circulating volumes (books that can be checked out), with another 250,000 books in the Special Collections areas View a video feature about the library opening at osu.edu/features/2009/library/ 10

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A Gathering Place Students on campus this fall have a brand new place to get a coffee, use Wi-Fi, and read a million books. It’s the William Oxley Thompson Memorial Library. The renovation project that began in 2006 is now complete. Today, the library boasts a fresh array of conveniences and necessities for visitors in the 21st century.

“The library will be a true gathering place for the future. It’s student friendly and a bright shining star on campus. The incredible windows provide great light and a wonderful view from anywhere in the building. The best way we can describe the new facility is glorious. We are proud to support this incredible project.”

— Pat and Thom Robinson

3,000 pieces of insulated glass composing the library’s exterior

11,800 3,000

visiters, first day autumn quarter 2009 visiters, first day autumn quarter 2005

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percent of original limestone recycled for the renovation, with the rest of the limestone mined from the same quarry that outfitted the original library in 1913

1,800 seats available in the new library, compared with just 800 seats when it closed for renovation in 2006

Photography © Brad Feinknopf 2009

2,200

donors to library renovation autumn 2009

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dentistry

Changing Lives, One Smile at a Time For some people, giving is just a way of life, and that tradition of giving— and giving back—has been a Postle family commitment for generations. It actually began with Dr. Wendell D. Postle, an Ohio State dentistry graduate who became the dean of the College of Dentistry in 1938. An innovative leader, Dr. Postle implemented several new programs for the college, and he created the first Post College Assembly, which offered continuing education or “postgraduate courses” for the college’s alumni. Because of his extraordinary dedication and success, the building that houses the College of Dentistry—Postle Hall—was named in his honor in 1976.

Fulfilling wishes and goals Understanding the value and the costs of a dental education inspired the Postle family to make gifts that have helped generations of dentistry students. Dr. Postle and his wife, Helen, created The Wendell D. and Helen R. Postle Scholarship Fund to support students who need and deserve financial help. Dr. Postle’s son, Harry, and his wife, Margaret, also gave funds to create an endowed scholarship—The Harry H. and Margaret B. Postle Scholarship Fund—which has provided support to dentistry students for more than 30 years.

because it provides vital encouragement to become the best I can be, despite the difficulties of dental school.” Draney echoed that sentiment. “As a dental student with a wife and three small children, I’m trying to avoid having too much debt when I finish school, and it’s an enormous help to have some scholarship money,” he said. “It means a great deal to us that there are dentistry alumni and other donors who are generous enough to lend support to those of us who need it.” Margaret Postle agreed that giving back is vital for the future of the profession. “Dentistry students have all kinds of abilities, and scholarships give them an opportunity to use their talents and to achieve their dreams,” she said. “A lot of us wouldn’t be where we are now if we hadn’t been given help and an opportunity.” 

Interested in making a gift to the College of Dentistry? Go to giveto.osu.edu/dentistry.

College of Dentistry alumnus Dr. Herb Postle, who has a practice in Hilliard, Ohio, didn’t feel much pressure from either his grandfather or father to follow in the family tradition. Still, he’s pleased that he did. He said that although dental treatment has greatly advanced over the years, it’s the caring about patients and colleagues that hasn’t changed—and that makes him love what he does. Coming from a long line of Ohio State graduates, Dr. Herb Postle remembers his grandfather’s dedication to the students in the College of Dentistry. “Grandad’s big push was always for the dental students, to make sure they had a great education. Helping students succeed would have been his big wish,” Postle said. “Some individuals may not have the ability to obtain a dental education if scholarships aren’t available, and that’s why it’s so important to give back...so that the brightest and best talent can come to dental school.”

Impact on students’ lives Current dentistry students and Postle Scholarship recipients Cole Bryant and Jonathan Draney are among those whose lives have been changed by the Postle family’s generosity. “This scholarship lessened my dependence on loans,” Bryant said. “I’m thankful for this scholarship

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(Right) Dr. Wendell Postle created a scholarship that’s helped generations of students. (Above) Jonathan Draney, a current dental student benefiting from the family‘s generosity.

food, agricultural, and environmental sciences

Fruit for Thought Fruits come in terrific colors and flavors, but their real beauty lies inside. As great sources of many vitamins, minerals, and other natural substances, they help protect people from chronic diseases. At Ohio State, researchers are focusing on the link between eating berries and fighting degenerative diseases like cancer. Joe Scheerens of the Ohio Agricultural Research and Development Center (OARDC) in Wooster, Ohio, examines certain organic components of fruit and berry plants and how they promote human health. “Our major interest consists of how plant genetics and environment intersect to create these components, which are called phytonutrients,” he said. Black raspberries, strawberries, and specialty fruits such as cornelian cherries are part of the study. The presence of anthocyanins, chemicals that give plants their vibrant colors, gives the foods the ability to inhibit compounds that weaken the immune system and stimulate tissue inflammation. The darker the fruit, the more anthocyanins exist. With a strong interest in the berry-immunity link, A. Dewey Bond, a 1947 Ohio State graduate who majored in horticulture, has created a charitable lead trust to support fruit research and the study of anti-carcinogenic effects of certain berries. The gift is close to his heart, having grown black raspberries as a hobby and sold them to an upscale restaurant near his home in Great Falls, Va. Bond’s support enables Scheerens to take a more holistic approach to research, while training future researchers to keep the momentum going. “It’s sometimes difficult to get government grants for this particular use,” said Scheerens, who coordinates efforts with other areas of Ohio State, including the University Medical Center, food science and technology, human nutrition, chemistry, and dentistry, as well as researchers at other universities. There’s also an extra benefit as the OARDC research team analyzes culture, ripening, postharvest practices, heat, light, water, and other environmental stresses on antioxidants in black raspberries and other berries: Ohio farmers are enjoying a boost in sales as berries remain front and center for scientists—and for healthy consumers. 

To learn more about functional foods and how they can enhance health and quality of life, go to Ohio State’s Center for Advanced Functional Foods Research and Entrepreneurship at fst.osu.edu/caffre/ Interested in making a gift to the College of Food, Agricultural, and Environmental Sciences? Go to giveto.osu.edu/faes.

Kathryn Sanders Rieder and her late husband, Dale, shared a passion for giving to others.

Making an Impact at 102 In her 102 years, Kathryn Sanders Rieder has worked as an educator, music teacher, choir director, musician, and writer. Her late husband, Dale, enjoyed a lifelong passion for the dairy industry, working in sales at the Orrville Milk Company for 47 years and advocating for the industry and the value of farmers. The Rieders, who married in 1935, shared a strong belief in helping others, a commitment Kathryn continues nearly 40 years after Dale’s death. She created a fund in 1996 to support students involved in dairyrelated research projects at Ohio State’s Ohio Agricultural Research and Development Center in Wooster, Ohio. Since then, she has established additional funds and scholarships with charitable gift annuities. The Rieder funds benefit dairy cattle and milk research, which is fundamental to food safety and security. Students learn about the essential need for a food supply that is free from illness and the role of technological advances in reducing risk, particularly in the dairy industry. “I was always taught that when you can help, you help education because that is where the future is,” said Mrs. Rieder. “I’ve found that to be true because education is our main hope in life.” 

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athletics

A Redd Letter Day for Basketball A last-second winning basket at the buzzer does it every time: fans want more. Ohio State men’s and women’s basketball teams have scored their share of exhilarating wins over the years, earning titles and delighting fans. To remain competitive and recruit the best student-athletes, however, cutting-edge facilities must accompany winning records. Buckeye great, NBA All-Star, and 2008 Olympic gold medalist Michael Redd is doing his part to keep Ohio State at the top of its game. With a recent gift of $500,000, he is making an impressive down payment on a new $22 million practice facility for both the men’s and women’s basketball teams. To be located along the west side of the Jerome Schottenstein Center, the addition will be the only facility in the nation with two separate, dedicated practice gyms for each team and one of the few to have four full-length college basketball practice floors. “I’m giving to the basketball program because I want to see the program flourish with the state-of-the-art facility,” Redd said. “I got so much out of Ohio State. Everyone helped me in tremendous ways and gave me so many opportunities.” A Columbus native, Redd played basketball and football as a child and cheered for the

(Top left) Offering 40,000 square feet of space, the new basketball practice facility for men’s and women’s teams will include a Grand Lobby to celebrate the history and accomplishments of Ohio State basketball. (Bottom left) Beside James Redd are Michael, Athletics Director Gene Smith, and Thad Matta, head basketball coach. (Right) Michael Redd learned some of the game’s fine points from his father, James Redd (shown at left), who was also a standout basketball player with professional aspirations.

congregation—which had been meeting in the basement of a nearby church—purchase a

“It’s all about a legacy and setting the tone for future athletes…to be that example for younger student-athletes. You never forget where you came from and giving back is the way to say thank you.” Buckeyes. He graduated from West High School in 1997 and earned the honor of Big Ten Freshman of the Year in 1998. He helped lead Ohio State to the Final Four in 1999 before leaving for the 2000 NBA draft. Soon after he made his mark in the NBA, Redd began to share his good fortune. His first gift went to his father’s church to help the

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place to meet. He married his wife, Achea, in 2006, and together they created the Michael Redd Foundation to give youth both academic and practical tools to succeed in life. The foundation currently works primarily in the greater Columbus and Milwaukee metro areas. Thanks to Redd’s generosity with time and money, Ohio State is benefiting in major

ways as well. The new practice facility will transform team development, collaboration, and communication among coaches and student-athletes. “I just want the program to be successful. Ohio State is a part of my life,” said Redd, who is preparing for his 10th season with the Milwaukee Bucks. “It’s all about a legacy and setting the tone for future athletes...to be that example for younger student-athletes. You never forget where you came from, and giving back is the way to say thank you.”  To learn more about Ohio State athletics, go to ohiostatebuckeyes.com. To make a gift to the Department of Athletics, go to giveto.osu.edu/athletics.

college of medicine

Race for Research— and a Cure Today more than ever, we understand the direct impact that technology and research have on improving health care. Advances in the world of medical science—and cancer research in particular—make the difference in earlier detection and treatment, as well as living well and living longer. Dr. Maura Gillison wants to do her part to move cancer research forward. Earlier this year, she left Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine to join the Arthur G. James Cancer Hospital and Richard J. Solove Research Institute. A leading expert in the study of the human papilloma virus (HPV), she was the first to identify HPV as the cause of developing certain head and neck cancers and now considers risk factors associated with these cancers. Dr. Gillison, the first holder of the Jeg Coughlin Chair in Cancer Research, plans to develop a program focused on identifying links between infections and cancers. The American Society of Clinical Oncology named her research efforts as one of the six major clinical cancer advances of 2007.

Dr. Maura Gillison and Jeg Coughlin Sr.

RACE continued on page 19 

Practicing for Life A 50-year-old man complains of heartburn. A young woman copes with dizziness and fatigue. Health care professionals hear of these common ailments every day. However, medicine is constantly changing, and educators must continually identify new methods and tools for teaching and assessing students and residents. Strong interpersonal abilities go hand in hand with appropriate diagnosis and treatment of patients. The OSU Medical Center’s Clinical Skills Education and Assessment Center, located in the John Prior Health Sciences Library, uses simulation to help students and residents improve their technical skills and develop a successful bedside manner. As part of this training, Ohio State medical students listen to actors, or “standardized” patients, who share their aches and pains. Dr. LeRoy Essig of Fredericksburg, Va., knows the value of top-notch clinical training. A 1969 graduate of Ohio State’s College of Medicine and an oncologist in private practice, he said, “Most doctors in the United States are in the trenches like me. Those in research and teaching develop new procedures for us to use, but we need training to do them well. That’s where Ohio State excels.” To support this hands-on experience and to honor his late wife, Ann, a nurse and breast cancer survivor, Dr. Essig created an endowment that benefits the center’s Patient Simulation Learning Lab. “My wife was a real advocate of patient care, so my goal was to fund an area that has to do with the interaction of the physician and the patient,” he said.

Dr. LeRoy Essig and his late wife, Ann, who was a nurse and a strong advocate of patient care.

PRACTICE continued on page 19 

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education & human ecology

Schoenbaum Family Center Trains Students to Help Diverse Children Thrive Hundreds of highly trained students. Hope for parents seeking resources. New research-based tools to get struggling preschoolers ready to read. As the Schoenbaum Family Center at Weinland Park enters year three, these stellar results benefit people, the City of Columbus, and beyond. Corporate and private sponsors such as JPMorgan Chase, the P&G Fund, The Columbus Foundation, Betty Schoenbaum, and Linda and Frank Kass point with pride to their partnership with the College of Education and Human Ecology. Together and with community leaders, they created the nation’s first early childhood research laboratory in a neighborhood challenged by rundown housing, unemployment, and crime.

1,400 students trained Students from many majors train at the Schoenbaum Center. They observe behavior, practice teaching, conduct dental assessments, screen vision, and more. “Because we serve a diverse clientele from both Weinland Park and across Columbus, university students learn innovative strategies for working with a strong socioeconomic and cultural mix of children and families,” said Michele Sanderson, director of the early childhood program. “Students develop a flexible style that responds to what each child brings to the school experience.” Employers value this ability to work with diversity.

124 children gain top-quality educational experience The most touching evidence of impact comes from the families. Kaci Harris, a 24-year-old mother of four, has two children at the Schoenbaum Center and one who completed the program and now attends elementary school. Raised in the Weinland Park neighborhood, Harris credits the center with providing an overwhelming sense of relief and tremendous hope for the future for children and families like hers. “Education is the only way for my children to succeed,” Harris said. “The center offers the help people truly need.” All families at the center can consult a family advocate about resources for work, education, and family needs.

Ohio State senior Sarah Downing, who volunteers with Howard Goldstein and Sean Noe on the early reading intervention project, guides 4-year-old Evan. His feedback will help to perfect research materials before pilot testing.

Research shapes solutions for struggling learners Howard Goldstein, the center’s research director, leads a critical segment of a multi-university project to improve early reading success. Its unusual feature: no teacher is needed. The child navigates a customized picture book with accompanying CD. “After three sessions with our first intervention book, a preschooler who scored poorly on measures for kindergarten literacy skills learned the concepts and passed the test,” said Sean Noe, a PhD student working with Goldstein. “After three sessions with the second book, he scored well above the test requirements.” Twenty undergraduate students volunteered with the project last year. They learned valuable career skills while broadening their knowledge of early learning. Goldstein summed up the development research agenda at the Schoenbaum Center: “We are focused on developing approaches for ensuring children from challenged neighborhoods maximize their potential,” he said. “Our state-of-the-art center is attracting the resources to achieve this goal.” 

To learn more about the College of Education & Human Ecology, go to ehe.osu.edu. To make a gift, go to giveto.osu.edu/ehe.

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financial impact

Private Giving’s Lasting Difference Every year, Ohio State inspires alumni and friends to invest in premier programs that advance the university’s mission. Gifts of all types provide student scholarships, support outstanding teachers and researchers, fund new facilities, and sustain other pursuits. All endowed gifts are invested in the university’s Long-Term Investment Portfolio, managed by the Office of Investments.

Total Private Support by Fiscal Year

Total Private Support by Gift Type

July 1, 2004–June 30, 2009

July 1, 2008–June 30, 2009

$350 million

$150 million

$319.4 million

$301.1 million

$200 million

$254.4 million

$250 million

$284.2 million

$300 million

$326.4 million

Cash & Securities

$112,538,494

Gifts-in-Kind

$16,979,140

Irrevocable Trusts & Annuities

$889,335

Gifts from Bequests

$14,672,129

Grants Administered through Research Foundation

$91,973,239

Total Gift Receipts and Private Grants

$237,052,336

New Pledges

$43,850,129

Bequest Expectancies

$17,088,346

Trust Expectancies

$21,360,425

$100 million

$50 million

Total

$0 2005

2006

2007

2008

2009

Honoring Someone Special Celebrate a significant occasion, remember a loved one, commemorate a milestone, or recognize someone special with an honorary or memorial gift to Ohio State. • Memorial gifts are made in memory of family members, friends, and colleagues who have passed away. • Tribute gifts are made to show affection, admiration, or gratitude to someone special in your life. • Special occasion gifts celebrate an event in your life such as a birthday, wedding, or anniversary. You may encourage family members, friends, and colleagues to make donations to Ohio State instead of purchasing personal gifts. These gifts may be given by check or credit card and may be eligible for corporate

$319,351,236

Where am I?

matching. The person being honored or the family of the person being remembered will be notified of your gift. For more information about making a gift to honor someone special, please contact University Development: By phone: (614) 292-2141 By fax: (614) 247-6614 By mail:
 Office of University Development, 1480 W. Lane Ave., Columbus, OH 43221 By e-mail: [email protected]

To make a gift online, go to giveto.osu.edu, click the “Make a Gift Online” button, and search for the funds you would like to support. Then choose the option to make a gift in honor of or in memory of someone special to you.

Take a moment and look closely at the picture above. You can find this person, place, or thing somewhere on Ohio State’s Columbus or regional campuses. Does it look familiar to you? If it does, please share your response by e-mailing [email protected]. We will provide the correct answer in the next issue and identify the first reader who provides it. Good luck!

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planned giving

Creative Giving Strategy The Office of Planned Giving discusses the advantages of charitable gift annuities, an easy and popular way to receive income for life while making a gift to Ohio State. What is a charitable gift annuity? A charitable gift annuity is a simple agreement between you and The Ohio State University Foundation in which Ohio State agrees to pay one or two persons fixed annuity payments for life in exchange for your gift of cash or appreciated marketable securities with a value of at least $10,000. After the lifetime of the last annuitant, the remaining funds in your gift annuity become available for use by Ohio State. Are annuity payments provided for life? How is the payout rate determined?

Jim Hoobler is Ohio State’s senior director for planned giving and may be contacted at [email protected].

Payments are fixed and provided for life when the property is irrevocably transferred to The Ohio State University Foundation. The payout rate is based upon the annuitant’s age. The older you are at the time of the gift, the greater the fixed payment you receive. Does my gift qualify for an income tax deduction? Charitable gift annuity donors will qualify for an income tax charitable deduction. The deduction is equal to the amount the gift exceeds the present value of the annuity, subject to IRS rules.

The Office of Planned Giving will gladly provide a personalized illustration to you at no obligation. Learn more about planned giving at giveto.osu.edu/plannedgiving.

How are the payments taxed? It depends on the assets used. Typically, part of the annual payment from the annuity will be taxed as ordinary income and a portion will be a tax-free return of your investment. With appreciated stock, part of your annual payment will be taxed as long-term capital gains. Should I establish a charitable gift annuity today if I’m only 50? We would suggest you consider a deferred charitable gift annuity. By deferring your annuity payments for at least one year, you will receive a higher payout rate. A deferred charitable gift annuity is a good way to supplement the fixed income portion of your retirement portfolio and receive an income tax charitable deduction while you are, most likely, within a higher tax bracket. 

Then & Now

Wexner Center for the Arts

The Armory 18

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Built of French Feudal architecture for $115,000, the Armory opened on High Street in 1898 as a multipurpose facility for ROTC, physical education, athletics, large events, and graduation ceremonies that took place through 1915. The basement housed men’s and women’s swimming pools, with a mezzanine added for an indoor track. In 1958, a fire severely damaged the building, resulting in its demolition. At a cost of $43 million, the Wexner Center for the Arts, named in honor of renowned entrepreneur, Les Wexner, opened in 1989. It features a reconstructed red brick armory in tribute to the lost landmark, alongside a unique modern glass building wrapped in exposed-steel scaffolding. Private and public support maintain the center and its programs.

corporate & foundation relations

Coca-Cola’s Impact on Women and Ohio State The Coca-Cola Foundation has a generous history of giving to Ohio State. The foundation has made an impact on the university’s Critical Difference for Women (CDW) program that supports women seeking degrees who previously interrupted their education due to financial constraints and family obligations. With the collaboration that began in 1994, Coca-Cola’s giving to CDW tops $2.6 million with scholarships going to 428 women. Denise “Dinky” Youngsteadt of Columbus is one of many Denise “Dinky” Youngsteadt CDW success stories, having completed a bachelor’s degree in anthropology thanks to a scholarship during her senior year. A single parent most of her children’s lives, she describes the program as a lifesaver and said the assistance made the difference in helping her graduate by paying for a computer and printer, books, and rent. CDW began in 1986 to identify and help women obtain an education and enhance their professional lives. A campus-wide group of women identified three critical areas of need: re-entry scholarships for all degree levels; seed money for doctoral students, faculty, and staff members (both male and female) conducting research on gender and gender equity; and professional development grants. Recent Coca-Cola gifts to the CDW program focus on firstgeneration students, providing support and encouragement for these recipients to pursue their dreams and help entire families realize new possibilities. Ingrid Saunders Jones, chair of the Coca-Cola Foundation, praises Ohio State’s commitment to CDW. The foundation’s impact also extends to other areas of the university, including the Buckeye Kids Club and the 4-H program. 

 RACE continued from page 15

“My ultimate goal is to apply any of these discoveries to help prevent and treat the disease,” she said. “The Coughlins have made it possible for me to take my research into a much broader direction and to really think outside of the box.” The Coughlins are also known for their ingenuity. With a passion for drag racing that began in the 1950s, Jeg Coughlin Sr. shared the sport with his four sons—John, Troy, Mike, and Jeg Jr.—and now a third generation as well. In addition, the family runs a successful mail-order parts business for high-performance cars. In 2003, the Coughlins—with cancer affecting family, extended family, and friends—created the JEGS Foundation Racing for Cancer Research program, with all proceeds going to the James Cancer Hospital and Solove Research Institute. “The chair represents a legacy that will continue forever,” said Coughlin Sr.. “This is a dream come true for all of us.” 

Interested in making a gift to cancer research? Go to giveto.osu.edu/James.

 PRACTICE continued from page 15

To learn more about Coca-Cola’s impact, go to giveto.osu.edu/cfr.

Tell Us Your Story! What about Ohio State has made an impact on you? We would love to hear your stories. Please share a couple of paragraphs, as well as the best way to contact you for more information. With your permission, we may feature your story in a future issue. Please send details to [email protected].

Save the Date

Winter College 2010! giveto.osu.edu/wintercollege2010

Mark your calendar for Friday and Saturday, February 19-20. Featuring a theme of Healthy, Wealthy & Wise, Winter College 2010 will take place at the Ritz-Carlton in Naples, FL. For more information, contact us at (800) 678-6412 or [email protected].

His investment in the Clinical Skills Center, which offers a Patient Simulation Lab and a Procedures Lab, makes an impact on medical students and residents while improving the quality of patient care and patient safety. Dr. Essig, who has four children and five grandchildren, credits his father with lessons on sacrifice. His father grew up during the Depression era and, with only an eighth-grade education, saved to pay cash for nearly everything, including his son’s medical education. The Essigs’ son Dr. LeRoy Essig II, who’s on staff at the University Medical Center, brings the gift full circle: He will soon teach in the lab bearing his mother’s name. 

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 STUDENTS FIRST continued from page 7

 WOMEN continued from page 6

bachelor’s degree in music education. The Music Department really stood out to me because of its reputation. And with the financial help that Ohio State offered, the decision was an easy one. In the future, I see myself as a high school band director.

Wewers, associate dean for research for the College of Public Health. “Our students are particularly enthusiastic and appreciate the opportunity to apply public health principles taught in the classroom to our own community.”

Why do you want to pursue a career in music? My grandfather played the bugle when he was younger. Beginning in sixth grade, I played in the school orchestra. I rose up quickly to the top and became first chair. But then I had a setback in eighth grade when I got braces. Once they came off at the end of my freshman year, I attended a summer camp for music and quickly rose back up through the ranks. I liked both the music and the challenging aspects, which is why I joined the Grove City High School Marching Band. The experience taught me about leadership and dedication. In addition, I played in the Symphonic Band, Jazz Band, Columbus Symphony Youth Orchestra, and The Ohio State University Honor Band. Will you work during the school year? Yes, I’m planning to apply to be a lifeguard at the Recreation and Physical Activity Center. I’ll work when I’m not busy with the Marching Band, which I found out I made in September. Without the scholarship, I would have had to work longer hours, making study time tough to come by. 

For more information about Students First, Students Now or to make a gift, go to giveto.osu.edu/studentsfirst

The markets support Columbus Public Health’s mission of healthier and safer people because many chronic health conditions are related to poor nutrition. The markets also help to remove some of the barriers to accessing healthy food by bringing fresh fruits and vegetables directly to the community.

Veterinary Cancer Testing When an animal with cancer comes through the doors of Ohio State’s Veterinary Teaching Hospital, a multidisciplinary team of clinicians and support staff is ready to offer the best treatment available in veterinary medicine. To develop and fine-tune new types of diagnostic tests and emerging treatments, the College of Veterinary Medicine continually conducts studies, some of which may be helpful for treating children in the future. Dr. Cheryl A. London, associate professor of oncology, helps clinicians to design, execute, and evaluate veterinary clinical studies as director of the college’s Clinical Trials Office (CTO). She is grateful to the Women & Philanthropy program for providing a grant to help the CTO continue its work in discovering new surgical and treatment techniques for osteosarcoma, a bone cancer occurring in children and dogs that is similar at the biologic and molecular levels. “We have identified several new potential treatment approaches and are currently testing these in the laboratory,” said Dr. London. “Our hope is to move these new approaches into the clinical setting, first in dogs with bone cancer and then hopefully with children.”

Encouraging Education The members of Women & Philanthropy launched a scholarship in 2008 to provide financial assistance for a deserving Ohio State student. As financial issues remain a primary factor in students’ decisions about whether and where to attend college, the fund supports Ohio State’s foremost mission: to provide talented students access to a top-rate education. “We want deserving students to come to Ohio State, and the availability of scholarship assistance is essential to this charge,” said Martha Garland, vice provost and dean of the Office of Enrollment Services and Undergraduate Education. “We rely heavily on ongoing private support of scholarships and fellowships to be successful.” Administered by the Office of Student Financial Aid in consultation with Women & Philanthropy’s Scholarship Committee, the award is presented annually to one or more undergraduate or University Honors students as part of the Access Scholarship Initiative. 

“We engage women and encourage them to be proactive in Ohio State’s future. It’s been exciting to see their passion and commitment when they discover new ideas.” — Barbara Trueman, Co-C-hair Women & Philanthropy

To learn more or become a member of Women & Philanthropy, contact Midge Stulberg, Executive Director, at [email protected] or Sue Riley at [email protected] or (614) 247-7994. Visit Women & Philanthropy online at giveto.osu.edu/women.

Excited about making the marching band, Todd Fessler called his tryout experience “the most physically and mentally demanding time of my life.”

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happenings

2 1 3

5 4

6

1. Honda leadership poses with Brutus during a tour of the Woody Hayes Athletic Center. 2. President E. Gordon Gee makes a presentation to Hidenobu Iwata, president and CEO of Honda of America Mfg. Inc. 3. Members of the Neil Legacy Society listen to a student’s study-abroad experience during a spring 2009 gathering. 4. Celebrating at the Thompson library reopening: Athletic Director Gene Smith, President E. Gordon Gee, former library director Joe Branin, Archie Griffin and Kathy Bickel of the Alumni Association, and Coach Jim Tressel. 5. Joe and Anita Branin with Jan and Jack Creighton during a library luncheon at Pizzuti House, the university residence for the president. 6. Thom and Pat Robinson, longtime friends and supporters of Ohio State, near a new library wing that bears their name.

Pelotonia: Riders for Research World-famous cyclist, Tour de France champion, and cancer survivor Lance Armstrong was in Columbus to serve as honorary chair of Pelotonia, the first-ever cycling event with one mission: to end cancer.

campus to Athens, Ohio, and back, while others rode distances of 25, 50, or 100 miles. An additional 234 virtual riders—those not riding but committed to raising funds— joined the cause to end cancer as well.

This cycling tour, August 28 to 30, attracted 2,265 riders. Some rode the full two-day, 180-mile trek from Ohio State’s Columbus

Funds raised after the race stood at $4 million. Contributions are ongoing through October 31. Thanks to a $12.5 million gift

from NetJets, all money for Pelotonia, to be held annually, goes to cancer research at The Ohio State University Comprehensive Cancer Center— Arthur G. James Cancer Hospital and Richard J. Solove Research Institute.  To learn more, go to pelotonia.org

NON-PROFIT ORG US POSTAGE PAID COLUMBUS OH PERMIT NO 711

The Ohio State University Office of University Development 1480 West Lane Avenue Columbus, OH 43221

Because of the scholarship I receive, I am able to use my time outside of the classroom to engage in public interest work.

Priya Tamilarasan, a third-year student at the Moritz College of Law, is able to continue her studies at Ohio State, thanks to scholarship support. This enables her to concentrate on her challenging coursework and develop her legal skills through volunteer work. Priya worries that many of her peers are struggling and putting off law school because the money they need just isn’t available. And many choose career paths simply to make enough money to pay off their large loans. These students need your help to obtain the gift of an education.

Help Ohio State put Students First, Students Now by making a gift today at giveto.osu.edu/studentsfirst

Read Ohio State Impact online, search through thousands of funds, and find out more about the inspiring philanthropy happening at Ohio State by visiting

giveto.osu.edu