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Liaison office helps industry gain access to OSU’s strengths

January 20, 2010

By Jeff McCallister

It couldn’t have been more obvious to Sharell Mikesell: Here was Ohio State’s Solar Decathlon team working to put together an energy-efficient house, needing the best insulation material possible in order to hold down heating and cooling costs.

The team had been leaning toward using foam  as the  insulation. But at about the same time, Mikesell, associate vice president in the Office of Research and head of the university’s Industry Liaison Office, had breakfast with John Hillenbrand, then the new vice president and chief innovation officer at Toledo-based Owens Corning, maker of one of the best and most popular insulation products in the world. Continue reading ‘Liaison office helps industry gain access to OSU’s strengths’

$2M gift honors Archie Griffin’s OSU ties

January 20, 2010

The ballroom at the new Ohio Union building at The Ohio State University will be named in honor of Archie Griffin to reflect the wishes of a private donor who has given $2 million to be split evenly between the Alumni Association and the construction of the university’s new Ohio Union. The gift was made to honor Griffin’s achievements as a student athlete as well as the inspiring leadership he has provided to the university throughout his career. In accordance with the donor’s wishes, his/her name is not being announced.

Griffin, president and CEO of Ohio State’s Alumni Association, earned a bachelor’s degree in business administration from The Ohio State University in 1976 and is college football’s only two-time Heisman Trophy Award winner. Before assuming the leadership of the Alumni Association in 2004, Griffin was associate athletic director and worked for 19 years in Ohio State’s athletics department. He also played professional football with the Cincinnati Bengals. A community leader who serves on many boards and supports various philanthropic causes, Griffin is a much sought-after public speaker and is highly regarded as an ambassador and advocate for Ohio State’s mission.

“I am deeply honored by this generous gift,” Griffin said. “The Ohio Union means so much to all members of the Ohio State family and has played an important role in university and community events for decades. I know that the new building will build on the Ohio Union legacy and provide future students with the kind of amazing activities and memories that I have from my student days.

“I am humbled to have my name associated with such a magnificent resource for the university and the Columbus community, and I am grateful to my friend who also loves Ohio State and made this possible.”

The 17,000-square-foot Archie M. Griffin Grand Ballroom will host many university and community events, including the 2010 OSU Football Appreciation Banquet, United Way Central Ohio’s Celebration of Excellence Awards Luncheon and the Ohio Historical Society’s Ohio History Day. The space is able to accommodate up to 1,700 guests and features hardwood flooring, three custom-made “Block “O” chandeliers, four balconies, six projection screens and rigging points that can bear weights up to three-quarters of a ton.

The new Ohio Union will open in spring 2010 and serve as the university’s center of student involvement, leadership, service and tradition. The facility also will be used by staff, faculty and the community, and will offer a variety of dining options, an on-site bank and a retail store.

The Ohio State University Alumni Association will staff a satellite office in the building, where it will initiate new programming and support for students, highlight alumni achievements through art displays and tell the stories of student involvement through the latest in multimedia technology.

Newsbriefs, 1/21/10

January 20, 2010

Battelle’s Kunz appointed to James Cancer Hospital Board
Barbara Kunz, Battelle’s president of Health and Life Sciences Global Business, was named one of nine public members to The Ohio State University’s James Cancer Hospital Board Jan. 7. The board also has six ex-officio members as established by OSU’s Board of Trustees for the oversight of strategic initiatives, patient care services and financial performance of the Arthur G. James Cancer Hospital and Richard J. Solove Research Institute.

Kunz joined six other new public members to the specialized board, which includes people with business and legal expertise, knowledge of healthcare delivery and the mission of the university’s academic medical center.

Kunz is accountable for Battelle’s portfolio of businesses and capabilities for government and commercial clients within the pharmaceutical, biotechnology, medical devices and diagnostics, public and environmental health and agri/food industries.

College of Social Work to raise funds for Haiti through March
The College of Social Work is spearheading a major fundraiser for the people of Haiti that will run until March, Social Work Month. Faculty, staff and students will be hosting fundraising events and accepting donations to be given to three organizations: The Red Cross, Americares and The Clinton Foundation. For more information or to make a donation, contact Lisa Durham at durham.49@osu.edu or 292-4026.

NECE Program services available for slow-developing infants, toddlers
Infants and toddlers showing delays in their development can receive services through the Nisonger Early Childhood Education Program. There is no fee.

Children under the age of three and qualified for early intervention services in Franklin County may receive therapy from an early intervention specialist during the course of their typical child care day. Itinerant services are provided through Nisonger at the OSU Child Care Center and include occupational therapy, physical therapy and speech therapy as needed. For information regarding openings, contact Nisonger ECE at 292-9605 or deborah.schenerlein@osumc.edu.

Forum empowers students with disabilities with leadership, advocacy skills
The Ohio Governor’s Council on People with Disabilities will host the 12th annual Ohio Youth Leadership Forum July 19-22 at the Embassy Suites Airport Hotel in Columbus. All high school juniors and seniors who have a disability are invited to apply for this exciting, interesting and empowering forum. The application deadline is Feb. 12 and are available at gcpd.ohio.gov/YLF/delegates_info.asp.

The Ohio Youth Leadership Forum is dedicated to teaching community leadership and disability advocacy to outstanding high school juniors and seniors.Throughout the four-day event, students from across Ohio will have the opportunity to explore career endeavors and education options, learn from adult mentors with disabilities and hear from Gov. Ted Strickland, key legislators and members of the disability community. The forum is an excellent opportunity for students to network with their peers and learn how the needs of people with a variety of disabilities are similar and different. For more information, contact Donna Foster-Sillanpaa at Donna.Foster@rsc.state.oh.us or 438-1394.

Edward F. Hayes Graduate Research Forum seeking faculty judges
Now in its 24th year, the Edward F. Hayes Graduate Research Forum is co-sponsored by the Council of Graduate Students, the Graduate School and the Office of Research. Students enrolled in any area of graduate study are invited to participate. Faculty judges are needed to serve on a blind panel to review abstracts during late February, and also to serve on judging panels for the forum presentations and posters on May 1. For more information, contact Danelle Wilbraham at wilbraham.1@osu.edu or visit cgs.osu.edu/funding/hayes.aspx.

Payroll Services now located in Blankenship Hall
Payroll Services has moved from the South Campus Gateway to Blankenship Hall, second floor, and is now under the Office of Business and Finance. The move consolidates all financial operations under one unit. All telephone numbers and e-mails to Payroll Services remain the same. Employees with payroll-specific questions should go to Blankenship Hall for assistance. More information is available at hr.osu.edu/payroll.

Center rings in new name with celebration
The University Center for the Advancement of Teaching (formerly Faculty & TA Development) will be hosting an open house from 1-2:30 p.m. Feb. 12 at the Younkin Success Center to celebrate its name change and to thank all of its partners in the complex enterprise that is supporting eminent teaching and learning at Ohio State.
Vice Provost Randy Smith will speak at 1:15 p.m. on current challenges and opportunities for advancing teaching. The center also will be recognizing a few of its exceptional partners as “Champions for Teaching.” For more information, visit ucat.osu.edu or e-mail ucat@osu.edu.

Wexner Center debuts ‘Transmissions’ radio show
“Transmissions,” a new, downloadable radio show produced by the Wexner Center, is now available (see wexarts.org/wexblog/?p=3497). The first bi-monthly show features a conversation between French artist Cyprien Gaillard and Wex Curator of Exhibitions Catharina Manchanda; an interview with OSU dance Professor David Covey, who worked with the Merce Cunningham Dance Company; and a segment with film curator Dave Filipi, who talks about the new partnership with the Gateway Film Center.

Bucks for Charity surpasses 2009 fundraising goal

January 20, 2010

By Adam King

The Ohio State employees who donate to the Bucks for Charity campaign do so repeatedly year after year. So it’s a telling statistic that although the number of donors did not significantly increase over 2008’s campaign, their generosity did.

OSU surpassed its goal of $1.225 million, setting a new record amount at a time when other public-sector charities in central Ohio are taking hits. Ohio State’s financial stability in an economic storm certainly contributed, but Bucks for Charity Chair Karen Bell, associate vice president for the arts initiative, said faculty and staff also recognize the campaign closely fits in with one of President Gordon Gee’s six goals to take the university from excellence to eminence: Supporting our surrounding communities. Continue reading ‘Bucks for Charity surpasses 2009 fundraising goal’

Study reveals how nutrient protects brain after stroke

January 19, 2010

By Emily Caldwell, Research Communications

Blocking the function of an enzyme in the brain with a specific kind of vitamin E can prevent nerve cells from dying after a stroke, new research suggests.

In a study using mouse brain cells, scientists found that the tocotrienol form of vitamin E, an alternative to the popular drugstore supplement, stopped the enzyme from releasing fatty acids that eventually kill neurons. Continue reading ‘Study reveals how nutrient protects brain after stroke’

Top 3 on 2, 1/21/10

January 19, 2010

Why did you choose to work at Ohio State?
Ohio State employees have the opportunity to gain professional experience while also pursuing a degree (or two) and remaining engaged in the community. These opportunities are invaluable to me. Plus, OSU acknowledges and supports my partner just like my colleagues’ spouses.

What do you like about your job?
Every day I am surrounded by caring, thoughtful people who share my commitment to service and social justice. I also appreciate the college’s connectedness to communities off campus. For instance, at the organization where I volunteer weekly, Kaleidoscope Youth Center, social work students regularly intern and social work faculty conduct research. These connections enrich my experience at OSU because I know my work has an impact on the wider community.

If you weren’t working at Ohio State, what would you be doing?
I would like to practice as a social worker part-time in a community setting such as a settlement house (think Hull House and Jane Addams) and focus the rest of my time on raising my future children.

What would you improve at Ohio State?
I would like to see Ohio State do more to encourage faculty and staff to get involved in service to the community. For example, OSU could agree to make a small annual donation to an organization where an employee volunteers at least one hour per week throughout the year.

What is your favorite activity outside of work?
I’ve always been a dancer and it’s something that brings me great joy. Dancing lets me express how I feel in a beautiful and fun way. And, by dancing on a team, I have met many good friends.

Of what honor or recognition are you most proud?
I am proud to have earned two master’s degrees from OSU. My first degree empowered me to secure a rewarding job in the College of Social Work. My second degree enabled me to practice as a social worker and thereby make a tangible difference in our world.

Who is your hero?
I really look up to my dad. He is a great parent and I hope to be an equally good parent one day.

What are you going to do when you retire?
I hope to relish spending lots of time with my wife and our eventual family. I also will stay engaged in service to the community in any way I can. And, hopefully, I’ll still be dancing.

If you were the university president for a day, what would you do?
I would invest in further partnerships with inner-city and rural high schools to provide more educational connections and resources to young people in struggling districts. Ohio State has the resources to help overcome the historic problem of differential educational opportunities for black, Latino and Appalachian youth that will open more doors to higher education for these students. Our investment can help achieve this goal.

To nominate a staff member for an upcoming issue, e-mail oncampus@osu.edu.

A free medical clinic for economically challenged families opened Jan. 20 at Ohio State. The clinic, operated by Muslim physicians and health care professionals, is open to all faiths from 5-9 p.m. each Wednesday evening on the university campus in the Rardin Family Practice Center,  2231 N. High St.

The clinic is staffed by physicians, health care professionals and medical students from The Ohio State University College of Medicine and is affiliated with the Muslim Clinic of Ohio, which also has free clinics in Cincinnati and Dayton.

The university also provides space and other resources at the Rardin location for three additional free clinics. The Ohio Latino Health Clinic, the Asian Health Initiative and the Columbus Free Clinic meet on alternating days. For a complete schedule, go to medicalcenter.osu.edu/aboutus/community_benefits/community_health_services/Pages/index.aspx. For appointments to the Muslim clinic, call 516-3075.

Opening doors across the globe

August 24, 2009

India trip helps affirm strong partnership potential for OSU

By Jeff McCallister

A substantial part of President Gordon Gee’s plan to move Ohio State from excellence to eminence is an increased focus on the university’s global activities.

That focus has been affirmed by the Board of Trustees, and the President’s and Provost’s Council on Strategic Internationalization has developed a set of specific strategies to enhance Ohio State’s already-substantial presence around the world.

And Gee has wasted little time getting to work to implement the council’s strategies, which it presented to him in June.

He recently returned from a 12-day trip to India, one of the countries in which the council advised an increased focus.

“We are taking an overall look at broadening our engagement in certain specific areas of the world,” Gee said. “Clearly, opportunities abound in several regions and countries, and the purpose of this trip was to see if the focus on India made sense.”

He said he was not disappointed.

“Indeed, from my point of view, a focus that includes India makes tremendous sense,” he said. “It is a vast country with incredible intellectual resources and is becoming increasingly welcoming to Americans in higher education and business and industry.”

Ohio State already has significant numbers of students coming from India – more than 700 last year – as well as a fairly large number of Indian-born faculty. Further, the university has several existing relationships that provide the basis for expanded collaborations.

Ohio State faculty, for example, began working with two agricultural universities in northwest India more than 50 years ago, assisting in the development of greatly increased crop yields. Other recent partnerships include a newly established graduate school of business that several faculty members from the Fisher College of Business have helped to found.

“We already have a longstanding set of relationships in India, so we decided to try to make a determination whether this is an area where we would want to commit considerable time and energy, and the determination is absolutely to move forward aggressively in building upon these relationships.”

Some highlights of the visit:

* Introducing Professor Rattan Lal as Lal was awarded the prestigious M.S. Swaminathan Award for his contributions to agriculture. “It was very moving to see that Prof. Lal has near hero status in India,” Gee said. “He is one of the foremost soil scientists in the world and his work in many ways has had as much impact as any of our faculty in its ability to improve people’s lives.”

* Meeting with Indian President Pratibha Patil and ministers Kapil Sibal (education) and Prithviraj Chavan (science and technology) as well as US Ambassador Timothy Roemer. Gee also signed a memorandum of agreement that encourages cooperation between Ohio State and the Indian government.

* Presenting The Ohio State University Ambassador Medal to Indian businessman Ratan Tata, head of Tata Sons, one of the most expansive and successful companies in the world. Tata also is a former member of the Ohio State University Foundation Board of Directors.

“He holds a great affection for The Ohio State University and has demonstrated his willingness to be a great ambassador for the university in that part of the world,” Gee said. “I was very impressed with him – very thoughtful, very unassuming, and someone who has used his own success as a powerful tool for good.”

* Holding a series of “family dinners” with groups of current students and their parents, alumni and friends in Mumbai, Hyderabad and New Delhi. “We have a very strong group of alumni, wherever they find themselves around the world,” Gee said. “They came and visited with each other as well as with us. They asked a lot of questions. All three evenings were very much appreciated by them and by us.”

* Delivering a lecture to India’s National Academy of Agricultural Sciences in which he highlighted the unique role of agriculture research and higher education and explained Ohio State’s mission as a land-grant university. He also called for accelerated partnerships to solve shared global problems.

* Hosting a lunch with counselors, faculty, and leaders in private secondary schools, as requested by the Ohio Department of Development.

Gee termed the trip an overwhelming success, in part because of the stature of the university and the reputation of individual faculty members such as Rattan Lal.

“There are not many who could go to India and meet with the president and some of the senior ministers of the government and heads of business,” Gee said. “It shows we obviously have a remarkable institution that opens up a lot of doors.”

Joining him for part of the trip were William Brustein, Ohio State’s new vice provost for global strategies and international affairs, as well as vice presidents Peter Weiler (development) and Bobby Moser (agricultural administration).

And Gee said the trip was good not only for the university, but for the entire state.

“This trip was about Ohio State as an instrument for opportunity for the entire state of Ohio. In fact, Ohio is one of the world’s largest economies, so we have great interest as a state in developing business, technology and agricultural interests in India. Battelle just recently opened a center in Pune, and other Ohio companies are seeking strategic ties as well.”

The next step, according to Gee, will be for Brustein to take the ball and run with it.

“He will now take the responsibility for developing a specific strategy along with faculty members who have interests in India and then we will pursue that strategy,” Gee said. “I believe without a doubt we are committed to a long-term relationship with India that goes much deeper than just a once-in-a-lifetime trip.”

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