Retirementmatters
booktalk
- Alexandra Salerno, Department of English
- Mary-Katherine Ramsey, College of Arts and Sciences
Mary-Katherine Ramsey, College of Arts and Sciences
- Alexandra Salerno, Department of English
asktheexpert
- Boyce Lancaster, WOSU Public Media
- Erik Nisbet, School of Communication
Erik Nisbet, School of Communication
- Boyce Lancaster, WOSU Public Media
Right now on the Board:
Top 3 on 2, 11/03/11
November 2, 2011
What do you like about your job? In general, I manage the office. The clinics assist law students who try cases like a real law firm, so I help the students with office activities, filing cases and with general classes, as well as filing cases for attorneys downtown. Of course I have great colleagues, and the professors are wonderful, but what I like most is working with the students. We have mock trials in the department, and it’s fun to see what the students have learned through the semester. It’s a very diverse job, and I get to see a lot of things.
What are some staff-oriented activities you participate in? Moritz College of Law always has a Christmas party. We also have an end-of-the-year celebration, Halloween parties and Beat Michigan parties. During the annual bar tests that the students take, we volunteer for a bar tailgate. The staff members go down to Veteran’s Memorial during lunchtime, and we serve them lunch. It’s a very serious time for them, and I think it helps them to relax and see familiar faces.
If you weren’t working at Ohio State, what would you rather be doing? It’s a regret that I have that I didn’t go to college, because if I had, I would be doing something in zoology and something with animals. I used to volunteer at Citizens for Humane Action and am always helping to find animals new homes.
Who is your hero? My father is a World War II Pearl Harbor survivor. Since July I put a fundraiser together on Facebook to send him back to Hawaii for the 70th anniversary in December. So far we’ve raised $2,881 and had his flight donated. I’m also in the process of getting gift cards donated for his meals. When we surprised him with the tickets, he was speechless, which is rare for him. So it’s a big accomplishment to actually have him go on this trip and participate in all of the memorial activities for that week.
Of what honor or recognition are you most proud?
I have what I call my student board in the office. When students send me e-mails or cards, such as thank-you cards, I put them on this student appreciation board. In order to get on the board, you have to have a picture taken with me. Most students come in at the beginning of the year and say they want to be on it by the end of the semester. I’m very proud of that board, and I love becoming friends with and getting to know the students.
If you were the university president for a day, what would you do? I would make a permanent change and get rid of A and B parking passes and only have staff/faculty passes and student passes.
To nominate a staff member for an upcoming issue, e-mail oncampus@osu.edu.
An Ohio State scientist, whose research and discoveries are respected around the world, has been named to the prestigious Institute of Medicine of the National Academies, one of the highest honors in the field of health and medicine.
Carlo Croce, chair of the Department of Molecular Virology, Immunology and Medical Genetics and director of the Medical Center’s Institute of Genetics, was named a member of the IOM in Washington, DC.
Croce also is the John W. Wolfe Chair in Human Cancer Genetics and director of the human cancer genetics program in The Ohio State University Comprehensive Cancer Center.
E. Gordon Gee, president of Ohio State, said Croce’s achievements are well documented around the world. “Dr. Croce’s research has greatly enhanced worldwide understanding of the genes and genetic mechanisms involved in human cancer,” said Gee. “Through his work in the laboratory, Dr. Croce is taking the fight against cancer to a molecular and personalized level, and countless patients and their families will be the beneficiaries of his remarkable work.”
The Institute of Medicine announced the names of 65 new members and five foreign associates in conjunction with its 41st annual meeting. Election to the IOM recognizes individuals who have demonstrated outstanding professional achievement and commitment to service. New members are elected by current active members through a highly selective process that recognizes individuals who have made major contributions to the advancement of the medical sciences, health care and public health.
Croce’s renowned career in research has uncovered early events involved in the pathogenesis of leukemia, lymphoma, lung, nasopharyngeal, head and neck, esophageal, gastrointestinal and breast cancers. More recently, he discovered the novel role of microRNAs in the genesis of various cancers.
Jon Woods, who has directed the Ohio State Marching Band for the past 25 years and announced he will retire at the end of the 2011-12 school year, was the co-grand marshal of OSU’s Homecoming Parade on Oct. 29. Later that night, he directed The Best Damn Band in the Land through Script Ohio, which is celebrating its 75th anniversary.
Top 3 on 2, 10/6/11
October 5, 2011
Why did you choose to work at Ohio State? I felt working at Ohio State would be the best transition and use for my qualifications after serving in the USAF for 25 years. I also grew up just down the road in Fairfield County and had the OSU fight song memorized by the time I was 5, so this was a dream opportunity.
What do you like about your job? Helping people, making their day just a little better and the high sense of accomplishment that occurs from it.
What is the greatest life challenge you’ve overcome? Keeping my son Joshua in my life.
How do you apply the ‘One University’ concept? I try to live by and instill in my employees that there is always something we can do to fix or remedy the situation, and we never tell our customers that it’s not our job.
If you weren’t working at Ohio State, what would you rather be doing? Farming!! It’s something that I love; the smell of the fresh-worked soil in the spring, the crops popping up through the ground, the sight of a new-born calf and most of all the smell of harvest on a crisp autumn day. The home farm has been in my family for 140 years, and I’m very proud of that.
Who is your hero? Several, but to name a few: Del Barr, my high school teacher; Jim Reed, who taught me the love of history; Brian Randolph, who had the most integrity of anyone I’ve ever met — and because of him I try to instill that integrity in what I do and who I meet — and my brother, Mike, who always knew what he wanted and made sacrifices to achieve it. Because of his sacrifices I can now live my dream.
What is your favorite activity outside of work? Working on the farm, going to all the fairs and festivals Ohio has to offer (the Fairfield County Fair is Oct. 9-15) and going to Weldon’s Ice Cream. I love spending time with my wife and children.
What are you going to do when you retire? I am retired! You mean my second retirement. But I will probably never really retire, I just have different paths I follow. But when I finish this path, I would like to travel and work on old tractors and cars more.
If you were the university president for a day, what would you do? Let’s put it this way…Gordon Gee is doing a fine job, and since he came to Millersport to eat Weldon’s Ice Cream, he’s got my vote and can just keep my presidency for the day.
To nominate a staff member for an upcoming issue, e-mail oncampus@osu.edu.
In response to the growing need for an educational and research source for issues related to Ohio’s developing shale energy industry, Ohio State announced the creation of the Ohio State Subsurface Energy Resource Center. The center, with faculty experts in the areas of economics, law and policy; earth science; engineering; energy and environmental science; extension and community development; and public health, will conduct relevant research and serve as a resource to subsurface energy stakeholders.
The center was established in response to recent technical advances that are leading to the expansion of horizontal drilling for hydrocarbon-bearing shale and other resources across Ohio. Ohio State has a wealth of expertise to contribute to subsurface energy development and its associated environmental issues.
The Electroscience Lab’s new 40,580-square-foot building on Kinnear Road is a partnership with SciTech to increase research space and continue to grow a program that has been at Ohio State since 1942. Dubbed the Wireless Communication/Radio Frequency Resarch Building, it houses 100 faculty, staff and students and offers space to companies seeking research partnerships with the ESL.
Top 3 on 2, 9/22/11
September 21, 2011
Why did you choose to work at Ohio State? I worked here as a student and never wanted to leave OSU after graduation. I loved being a Buckeye as a student and have loved working here.
What do you like about your job? I like being able to work with and learn from such professional and talented people. Everyday I feel challenged and rewarded with learning new things to support the university.
What is the greatest life challenge you’ve overcome? I think that learning how to deal with day-to-day challenges is what life is about. Once I realized that change is constant and life is about overcoming obstacles, I think you can tackle what life throws your way.
How do you apply the ‘One University’ concept? It is exciting to see all the separate and valuable resources at Ohio State working closely together. I am looking forward to being a part of all the changes in the future.
If you weren’t working at Ohio State, what would you rather be doing? I would love a job that would allow me to travel.
Of what honor or recognition are you most proud? I worked hard when I was a student at OSU. Whenever I made it to the dean’s list, I was always very proud.
Who is your hero? My parents are my role models. They have shaped me into the person I am today. I work every day to provide the same guidance to my children.
What is your favorite activity outside of work? I love to spend time with family and friends. I like watching sports and going to all Buckeye games as much as possible. When weather and time permits, I enjoy a round of golf as well.
What are you going to do when you retire? I hope to travel, spend time on a beach with warm weather and have more time with family.
If you were the university president for a day, what would you do? Don a sweater vest and institute Jim Tressel Day.
To nominate a staff member for an upcoming issue, e-mail oncampus@osu.edu.
The Ohio State University has climbed in the latest US News & World Report 2012 edition of America’s Best Colleges. The publication ranks Ohio State 17th among the nation’s public universities and the best in Ohio.
In addition, Ohio State is recognized for having several programs that help students succeed, with honorable mentions for First-Year Experience, Learning Communities and Service Learning.
Among all 280 national institutions rated, both public and private, Ohio State ranked 55th overall, up from 56th last year. Among public institutions, Ohio State improved to 17th, up from 18th last year.
Also ranked among both private and public universities, Ohio State’s Fisher College of Business was rated 14th in the nation, and sixth among public universities.
Former Ohio State football and New England Patriots great Mike Vrabel, now the Buckeyes’ linebackers coach, worked the crowd at the University Staff Advisory Committee Staff Pep Rally at the Ohio Union Sept. 2. The annual rally included free food and cornhole and visits by university President E. Gordon Gee, the OSU band, cheerleaders and Brutus Buckeye.
Top 3 on 2, 8/11/11
August 10, 2011
Why did you choose to work at Ohio State? I chose Ohio State for the rich professional environment coupled with the many additional resources I am able to explore here.
What do you like about your job? The best part of my job is the ability to help people — I love to see them succeed. I have the good fortune of being able to provide resources to my colleagues in the areas of organizational development, skilled trades apprenticeship programs and health and wellness programs.
What is the greatest life challenge you’ve overcome? Vietnam, 1968-69. It was hazardous to your health.
How do you apply the ‘One University’ concept?
I try to facilitate collaborative/cross-organizational programs with other areas within Administration and Planning (parent organization) and other OSU departments.
If you weren’t working at Ohio State, what would you rather be doing?
I would probably be a high school teacher/coach.
Of what honor or recognition are you most proud? Marrying “Saint” Karen on
Aug. 12, 1967.
Who is your hero? My heroine is my wife. She has so many skill sets — wife, mother, registered nurse, counselor and consoler. It is mind boggling all the ground that she can cover with our family and friends.
What is your favorite activity outside of work? Golf is my favorite activity outside of work. I really enjoy the camaraderie, the outdoors and the pursuit of the game. I have met many wonderful people through golf, especially at the OSU Golf Club.
What are you going to do when you retire? I plan to play golf, attend Project 60 classes, volunteer and learn to cook specialty dishes.
If you were the university president for a day, what would you do? I would continue to champion the “excellence to eminence” concept. It is the future of the university and the state of Ohio.
To nominate a staff member for an upcoming issue, e-mail oncampus@osu.edu.
Approximately 1,900 students will receive degrees at the ceremony, which begins at 1 p.m. Aug. 28 at the Jerome Schottenstein Center.
Frantz joined the university in 1968 and is a noted expert on the Renaissance era and author of Festum Voluptatis: A Study of Renaissance Erotica and of articles on Renaissance culture, Spenser and the relationship of Italy and England in the Renaissance.
Frantz rose through departmental ranks and also held a number of administrative posts. Most notably, he served as secretary of the Board of Trustees from 2002-11 — the first faculty member to ever hold the position. During that time, the board’s membership expanded from nine to 18, which kept Frantz busy managing the calendar and workload for members.
Frantz also served as associate (and for a year, acting) dean of the College of Humanities (1988-93). He twice chaired the University’s Athletic Council (1990 and again in 2000) and he has served on two presidential search committees and one head football coach search. He also served as the academic liaison with the Department of Athletics (2001-03).
For his work in the English department, he was honored with the Department of English Undergraduate Professor of the Year (2002), Arts and Sciences Honors Faculty Service Award (2000) and Faculty Award for Distinguished University Service (1998), and the Alumni Distinguished Teaching Award (1975).
Frantz earned his bachelor’s degree at Princeton University, his master’s degree at the University of Michigan and his doctoral degree from the University of Pennsylvania in 1968. He officially retired from the university in June after more than 40 years of service.
During the commencement ceremony, Ohio State will award the honorary Doctor of Fine Arts to Lino Tagliapietra, an Italian glass artist.
Researchers in SCARLET, better known as the Science Center for Advanced Research on Lasers and Engineered Targets, conduct an experiment in their laser lab. The researchers are members of the Ohio State High Energy Density Physics Group, which participates in a national consortium that conducts experiments on the largest laser systems in the world. This leading-edge science will ultimately have applications in cancer therapies, clean energy and national security. For more information, visit hedp.osu.edu.
Top 3 on 2, 7/14/11
July 13, 2011
Why did you choose to work at Ohio State? I chose Ohio State for the many opportunities to learn and grow professionally.
What is the greatest life challenge you’ve overcome? When my college career was interrupted at age 19, I did not know if I would ever be able to obtain a degree. I’m forever grateful to Otterbein College’s Adult Nighttime Degree Program for offering courses that allowed me to complete my bachelor’s degree while working full time and raising a family. When I finally graduated after eight years of night classes, I was eight months pregnant with my fourth child.
How do you apply the ‘One University’ concept? The OSU Comprehensive Cancer Center offers me the opportunity to work with a diverse group of researchers throughout the university who submit collaborative research grant proposals. It has been a wonderful chance to meet and support people from other colleges and institutions.
If you weren’t working at Ohio State, what would you rather be doing?
I would like to work with a free clinic offering health care to people who cannot afford or do not have access to regular medical care. In fact, I’ve thought about going back to school to obtain a nursing degree so that I could pursue this goal.
What are you going to do when you retire? I hope to travel to sacred sites throughout the world, such as Machu Picchu, Stonehenge and the Great Pyramid of Giza.
Who is your hero? Everyone has heard of Mother Teresa and Albert Schweitzer. These two are at the top of my list. Both were humanitarians who had a vision and passion to help others. However, one of my personal heroes also is an OSU graduate. During my high school years, I had the honor of working with Lillian Bernhagen, the Worthington Schools’ nurse. She taught me the basics of first aid and inspired my interest in health and healing. I’m still inspired by her active engagement in health and wellness. At nearly 95, she is managing editor for the Holistic Discoveries quarterly magazine.
What is your favorite activity outside of work? One of my favorite activities is participating in book study groups. I belong to two groups studying metaphysical and spiritual literature. At church, I also am a member of the Adult Learning Council Program Committee, planning and participating in spiritual topic discussion groups.
If you were the university president for a day, what would you do? I would offer a one-day, free clinic to residents in the central Ohio area.
To nominate a staff member for an upcoming issue, e-mail oncampus@osu.edu.
Kathleen McCutcheon has built a career on bringing disparate organizations with little in common under a “one human resources” umbrella. Ohio State deemed her skill set invaluable as it continues its own culture transformation and hired McCutcheon to be vice president and chief human resources officer.
In her new role, McCutcheon will oversee a staff of more than 150 professionals — along with a dotted-line reporting relationship with human resources leaders in colleges and vice presidential units — who maintain the human resource functions for more than 27,000 faculty and staff.
McCutcheon, who last worked as senior vice president, human resources for American International Group’s Retirement Services (AIGRS), began her appointment June 27.
“With more than 25 years of experience leading the human resources efforts of large organizations, Kathleen will bring particular expertise to Ohio State’s ongoing commitment to supporting our academic mission, enhancing our culture, simplifying and streamlining our processes and systems and refining and implementing our talent strategy,” said Ohio State President E. Gordon Gee, who added McCutcheon was hired after conducting a national search.
McCutcheon said she is thrilled with the opportunity to help a world-class university reach a preeminent level.
“There is always a component of excitement and the unknown when a new leader comes into the organization, and I’m looking forward to meeting each person in the Office of Human Resources, understanding what they do, listening to their ideas and making the university a great place to work, not only in human resources but overall,” she said. “I am honored to be able to lead a human resources team of the quality of Ohio State’s, and the sky’s the limit.”
Read the full story at oncampus.osu.edu/2011/06/osu-hires-new-hr-leader.
KitchenAid demonstration specialist Margaret Bortner applauds Ohio State President Gordon Gee’s culinary prowess as he proudly shows off the apple dumplings they created. Gee’s stop in Greenvile in Darke County was part of his annual summer pilgrimage to 44 of Ohio’s 88 counties. He spreads the message of how Ohio State is helping build a better Ohio both economically and intellectually.
Top 3 on 2, 6/16/11
June 15, 2011
Why did you choose to work at Ohio State? I came to Ohio State because of the many benefits available.
What do you like about your job? I like everything about my job. The people I work with are great, and I have the best group of faculty on campus. My job responsibilities include HR, finance and grants management, so I can switch it up if I need a change.
How do you apply the ‘One University’ concept? I treat all units that I work with as part of this one team called Ohio State. My position is in an interdisciplinary center, where our faculty are split between Arts and Sciences, Pharmacy and Medicine. We can’t help but cross lines to collaborate.
What honor or recognition are you most proud of? I was nominated for the Outstanding Staff Award, which was an honor for me. That nomination told me that people appreciate what I do here.
If you weren’t working at Ohio State, what would you rather be doing?
I would be working for the IRS. I think taxes are interesting and the rules change all the time, so there is always something to learn.
What are you going to do when you retire?
A through-hike of the Appalachian Trail. After sitting behind a desk for so many years, it will be nice to take a long walk in the woods.
Who is your hero? Those who serve in our Armed Forces. We would not have our freedom if not for them.
What is your favorite activity outside of work? During nice weather I enjoy biking on the Rails-to-Trails with my husband and my sister and brother-in-law. It’s a great chance to get some exercise and spend time with family.
If you were the university president for a day, what would you do? I would change our schedule to a four-day work week. I think people would be more productive with less time because they would be more rested.
To nominate a staff member for an upcoming issue, e-mail oncampus@osu.edu.
This pilot program is a first for WiredOut. Please feel free to share the news with other OSU departments. If the program is popular, WiredOut might expand the offerings.
The first step is to e-mail wiredout@osu.edu to sign up for the program. A maximum of two iPads can be borrowed. The loan will be good for two weeks with no renewals. If the program becomes more popular, the loan duration might be adjusted at a later date.
After signing up, each department will receive instructions from WiredOut with availability dates and restrictions. An eRequest for the cost of the iPad will need to be filed with WiredOut in case there is any damage, theft or loss of the iPad. The eRequest will not be finalized by WiredOut unless it becomes necessary.
There are two ways to receive a loaner iPad. The iPad can be picked up by a member of a department’s staff, who will receive a one-on-one demo in the store. Or a WiredOut staff member will deliver the iPad and will stay to demo the product as well as help set it up. Each department should check with its local IT staff for approval and/or admin rights prior to delivery.
At two weeks time, a WiredOut staff member will come to your office to pick up the iPad(s) at a time agreed upon prior to delivery.
Creativity is not lost among the Ohio State students receiving degrees during the June 12 Spring Commencement at Ohio Stadium. This colorful duo were part of the 9,700 students receiving diplomas, a new record for Ohio State in a single commencement. Though not every student was at the ceremony, those who were walked across the stage and received an individual diploma. The entire procession took just over three hours to complete despite the large increase in graduates — 1,048 more than the 2010 spring graduating class.
Top 3 on 2, 6/2/11
June 2, 2011
Why did you choose to work at Ohio State? Ohio State chose me! As I was working to complete my PhD, the position in my department was being taught on a rotation basis. My department asked for me to take the class over and make it a more cohesive class.
What do you like about your job? I have the best of both worlds. I get to interact with undergrad students through my teaching appointment on a regular basis, which is just so much fun. I get to teach others about something that I have a lot of passion about. As I am trying to finish up my PhD now, I also get to do research about trees, and anyone who knows me knows I am crazy about trees.
What is the greatest life challenge you’ve overcome? As it relates to OSU, I wondered if I could even get a college education. I started at OSU with no advanced education at 31 years old and four children still needing my care. I was not a great student in my younger years, so I did not know if I had the skills necessary to complete a bachelor’s degree. I ended up graduating summa cum laude and going on to graduate school.
How do you apply the ‘One University’ concept? I have been blessed to work with an amazing group of people to try and get our campus certified as a Tree Campus USA. In order to do this, our group has to work with administration, FOD, the campus landscape architect, along with people from Plant Pathology, Natural Resources, Horticulture and Crop Science and groups including Chadwick Arboretum, Students for a Sustainable Campus … I am leaving so many out, but you get the picture. This effort has brought together so many diverse groups from many departments to work toward a common goal.
If you weren’t working at Ohio State, what would you rather be doing?
Being a vineyard owner and winemaker. I love the process that goes into making a great wine. I’d still be using my education and I just think it would be an interesting thing to do.
What is your favorite activity outside of work? Working in my own garden. I call it “Adris’ Arboretum.” I can get lost in my own world during this time. I also enjoy drawing and painting, although I wish I had more time for this. I am inspired by the world around me and it really gets the creative juices going.
If you were the university president for a day, what would you do? I would promote my own agenda, which would be to encourage the addition of more trees on campus to beautify and enhance our own urban forest. I would do that by making sure all departments have the day free to participate in a campus-wide tree planting and beatification activity. Then we would all go out when we are done and share a really good glass of wine!
To nominate a staff member for an upcoming issue, e-mail oncampus@osu.edu.
The Office of the Chief Information Officer is launching a new website, my.osu.edu, which will require faculty, staff and students with an OSU username (name.#) to reset their password every 90 days. The site will encourage stronger passwords and allow forgotten passswords to be reset without having to call the IT Service Desk.
There will be minimal disruption as the new standards are implemented and the OCIO will provide extensive support. For more information about the changes, visit BuckeyeSecure at buckeyesecure.osu.edu/Passwords/Passwords.
Students Joe Polly, in chair, and Jackson Maust demonstrate the off-road wheelchair they and fellow team members Danny Brandel, Amber Douglas, Andrew Garcia, Elizabeth Gaydos, Evan Kohler and Claire Parker developed as part of the Engineering Education Innovation Center’s 4th annual Engineering Capstone Design Showcase. Their project was one of 47 on display May 26 in the Archie Griffin Ballroom in the Ohio Union.
Top 3 on 2, 5/19/11
May 18, 2011
Why did you choose to work at Ohio State? I love working in an academic environment with students. I wouldn’t want to work anywhere else.
What do you like about your job? I love all the cool students (staff and faculty too!) that I’ve gotten to meet over the years. I enjoy talking with them about their research as well as more ordinary conversation. The culture in our college is relaxed, family friendly and allows for some flexibility — that makes life so much easier.
What is the greatest life challenge you’ve overcome? The reality check that good health is not a given and aging is inevitable. I had a couple of health events a few years ago. I was already beginning to exercise and improve my eating habits, but the experience reinforced the importance of consciously focusing on my health.
How do you apply the ‘One University’ concept? “One University” is a matter of understanding and valuing our interconnectedness as well as working to adapt our business processes with the demands of changing technology in fair and appropriate ways. Most of us must work with others at OSU who work outside our hiring unit. Building and caring about those relationships as well as creating and participating in OSU activities outside our hiring unit is a start.
If you weren’t working at Ohio State, what would you rather be doing?
I would like to try my hand at being a writer, perhaps creative non-fiction or fiction. I’m most inspired by Frank McCourt’s memoir trilogy — Angela’s Ashes, T’is, and Teacher Man. He wrote the way he felt and experienced life. Getting into someone’s thoughts and feelings is what I think the art of writing can do better than any other.
What are you going to do when you retire? What I would love to do more than anything is travel. I’m particularly interested in Asia, perhaps Korea, Vietnam and Thailand. I have connections to Japan and have been there many times, but I would like to visit Hokkaido and Okinawa as I haven’t been to those islands.
Who is your hero? If I think of “hero” as a public inspirational figure, it would be Martin Luther King Jr. His message and his means were in harmony. As I see him, he worked to bring moral harmony to American society by uplifting our spirits and sense of self worth and helping us to appreciate the worth and dignity of everyone.
To nominate a staff member for an upcoming issue, e-mail oncampus@osu.edu.
The Emeralds are presented annually by the Solid Waste Authority of Central Ohio (SWACO) and are considered the premier green awards program in Central Ohio.
Ohio State was presented with SWACO’s Chairman of the Board Award in recognition of its commitment, contribution and innovations in the field of sustainability. The other special award, the Board of Trustees Award, went to Nationwide Children’s Hospital for reducing waste during its expansion.
Ohio State was honored for its silver LEED-certified Ohio Union as well as this fall’s move to turning Ohio Stadium into a “zero-waste” stadium (see story, page 14). Green construction of the new Ohio Union began with the recycling and reuse of much of the old union. Today, the new Ohio Union has incorporated features like a food pulper to reduce and recycle organic wastes, bicycle storage that encourages alternative forms of transportation, water efficient landscaping and virtual bulletin boards.
“I believe the stories our Emerald recipients have to share will act as catalysts that demonstrate what it takes to make a difference when it comes to contributing to our quality of life on this planet,” said SWACO Executive Director Ron Mills. “We, and they, are convinced that what we are doing is both important and inspiring. It is for this reason that SWACO established the Emeralds.
The Wexner Center for Arts, which aims to bring fresh, locally grown food to OSU, hosts a farmers’ market on its plaza every Thursday through Oct. 27. Above, Market Coordinator Jaime Moore from Wayward Seed Farm advises Karen Simonian, program director for the Wexner, on different types of tomato plants. The plants were given away to the first 100 customers at the Market at 15th and High.
Top 3 on 2, 4/21/11
April 20, 2011
Why did you choose to work at Ohio State? I wanted to be a part of this great institution, and I also wanted to further my education.
What do you like about your job? I enjoy the opportunity to meet faculty, staff and students across the university, learning about novel research from various disciplines and helping people through the human subjects protection process.
What is the greatest life challenge you’ve overcome? I suppose it would be a bad supervisor experience I had during school; it taught me that some folks just won’t like you no matter what you do, and you can’t take it personally. I decided to succeed in spite of it. “But still, like air, I’ll rise.”
How do you apply the “One University” concept? Remembering there is no “they;” we are all on the same team (i.e., “us” is the university, not just our department).
If you weren’t working at Ohio State, what would you rather be doing? My first higher education experience was at Columbus State, and it was so positive, it turned me on to lifelong learning. If I weren’t here, I’d probably help them out, like assisting their graduates with continuing their studies here and with students’ career goals.
Who is your hero? The late Robert Lee Colvin, my father. I miss his humor and lust for life. My dad never met a stranger.
What are you going to do when you retire? If Program 60 is still around, I’ll probably take classes here at OSU!
If you were the university president for a day, what would you do? I would look into evaluating and expanding Your Plan for Health, our preventive employee wellness program. I would like to incorporate more educational programs, deeper discounts for gyms and fitness classes throughout areas employees live in and provide more training for the volunteer Wellness Ambassadors (like me) so that we can be utilized more often by employees in our respective areas.
A highly successful Operation Feed campaign at Ohio State last year netted a new record of giving: 115,000 meals raised for the Mid-Ohio Foodbank — an 8.5 percent increase over 2009.
This year Ohio State is aiming for 120,000 meals. Every year of the campaign OSU has increased its donation to help feed the more than 40,000 people in central Ohio who go to a soup kitchen, food pantry or shelter each week for emergency food assistance.
Coordinators in each college or unit will be directing faculty and staff in how to give, but Operation Feed also has a virtual drive online to make giving easy. Donors may visit fooddrive.midohiofoodbank.org/goto/OSU and give any amount. The campaign contiues through May 20.
Overall the Mid-Ohio Foodbank is aiming to raise 5 million meals.
For more information, contact Michele Bondurant at bondurant.11@osu.edu or 292-0641.
Ohio State history Professor David Stiegerwald opened the university’s 75th anniversary celebration of Olympian Jesse Owens with an April 14 discussion in the Thompson Library entitled, “Jesse Owens: Running between Race.” Also in the library, through May 4, is a display of Owen’s lifetime memorabilia. For more information on the celebration, visit osu.edu/jesseowens.
Top 3 on 2, 4/7/11
April 6, 2011
Why did you choose to work at Ohio State? My mom was having surgery at The Ohio State Medical Center. During my mother’s stay at the hospital I took several walks throughout the hallways there. I noticed a bulletin board with a job posting for the childcare program. I mentioned to my father that there was a job opening at the childcare program and he strongly encouraged me to apply. I never imagined that I would ever work for the university. I decided to apply for the position and see what happens. Luckily, all went well and I got the assistant teaching position I applied for.
What do you like about your job? I really enjoy having the same group of children for the first two years they’re enrolled at the program. Being able to have the same children and parents is great because we all grow, face challenges, and learn new things together.
How do you apply the “One University” concept? I apply this concept by providing an essential service for the parents and students. In order for a family to become part of the child care family at least one parent must be affiliated with the university. They can be an employee of the university or student.
Who is your hero and why? My parents without a doubt are my heroes. They are very loving and caring. There isn’t anything that I can’t ask them to help me. Both of my parents have always been very supportive of me and are my biggest cheerleaders.
If you weren’t working at Ohio State, what would you rather be doing and why? I would love to have my own shop, making chocolates and baked goods with my parents.
What is your favorite activity outside of work and why? Spending time with my mom, dad, and our dog Lucky.
If you were the university president for a day, what would you do? I would recognize all of the different areas of the university because each department plays an important role.
Faculty and staff can learn about many of the benefits of working at Ohio State at the Hidden Benefits Fair from 11 a.m.-2 p.m. April 14 at the Ohio Union.
OSU units and organizations highlight goods and services that sometimes fly under the radar at such a large university, and outside vendors often provide substantial OSU-only discounts or specials; the fair is one way they let employees know about their offers.
While at the event, employees are encouraged to schedule a free 20-minute biometric screening from Your Plan for Health (YP4H). To schedule a screening, visit yourplanforhealth.com and click on “Biometric Health Campus Screenings” on the right.
Ohio Gov. John Kasich visited the Ohio State University Medical Center March 22 to discuss technology licensing, charter universities and many other issues affecting higher education in the state. In mentioning OSU’s potential charter status, Kasich called Ohio State “a giant that ought to have freedom and flexibility” to deal with many of its own issues.
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