Photos by Jo McCulty Graduates bounce around a plastic Christmas ornament.

University shines with pride during autumn commencement

On graduation day, it's easy to imagine the University glowing with pride, shining a little brighter as it reflects on the accomplishments of its progeny.

For one engineering graduate, that pride took the form of a Block O, created with red holiday lights that twinkled on his black cap.

That happy student was one of 1,766 graduates who took their seats on the floor of St. John Arena on Dec. 8 to participate in Ohio State's 354th commencement. Other students expressed their pride with caps decorated with poinsettias and notes of thanks to Mom and Dad. A few grads even carried cell phones, providing a play-by-play of the ceremony to friends or family.

President William E. Kirwan encouraged the graduates to stay in touch with their alma mater.

"Among this University's points of pride is that it has one of the nation's most spirited and supportive alumni," he said, referring to the University's 500,000 graduates. "You now join these ranks. We are counting on you to continue this tradition."

Ohio House Speaker Jo Ann Davidson addresses the commencement audience.

Commencement speaker Jo Ann Davidson, speaker of the Ohio House of Representatives, was granted an honorary Doctor of Public Administration.

She encouraged graduates to become involved in their communities, to embrace change and to work hard.

"Keep trying to have only a few 'If Onlys' in your life. Take the challenges and the risks. Be confident in your talents and abilities," she said. "Keep trying to determine what success you want in your life -- success in your career, in your personal life, financially. And always try to determine if those successes are what you really want and what will really bring you happiness."

Kirwan pointed out the accomplishments and stories of several students, including Joel Rice, who earned a B.S. in zoology, and his brother Ron, who earned a B.A. in economics and Spanish.

Joel was diagnosed with leukemia during his sophomore year and began treatment at the James Cancer Hospital and Solove Research Institute. Joel's odds for remission were not high, Kirwan related, but with a bone marrow transplant, he had a 50-50 chance. Against amazing odds, Joel's brother Ron was a perfect donor match, and the transplant took place. After six years, Joel is healthy, in remission, and preparing to enter Ohio State's College of Medicine and Public Health.

Honorary doctorates, in addition to Davidson, were given to William H. Form, professor emeritus of sociology at Ohio State; Michael Murray, world-renowned organist; and Frank Wobst, chairman and chief executive officer of Huntington Bancshares Inc. in Columbus.

Distinguished Service Awards were presented to Theodore B. Myers, emeritus faculty and former assistant director of community relations and development for Ohio State's Marion campus, and, in absentia, to Everett B. Laybourne, alumnus and friend of the University.

Benjamin Hsien-Peng Hwang talks to his friends on a two-way radio during commencement.

Buckeyes to co-host rounds of 2004 NCAA basketball tournament

The Ohio State Department of Athletics, along with Nationwide Arena and the Greater Columbus Convention & Visitors Bureau, has been selected to host the 2004 National Collegiate Athletic Association Men's Basketball First and Second Rounds, the NCAA has announced.

Ohio State will serve as the host institution for the 2004 Midwest Region early round contests. The games will be played at Nationwide Arena March 19 and 21, 2004.

Andy Geiger, director of athletics, looks forward to hosting one of the most recognizable annual sporting events in the country.

"We are absolutely thrilled that the NCAA has selected The Ohio State University, Nationwide Arena and Greater Columbus Convention & Visitors Bureau partnership to host the NCAA First and Second rounds of the men's basketball tournament," Geiger said. "We look forward to working with the entire Columbus community and hosting teams and fans from throughout the nation."

Richelle Simonson, Ohio State associate athletics director for ticketing and event management, said Ohio State has a rare and exciting opportunity to be part of the popular NCAA men's basketball tournament.

"Ohio State is making continuous efforts to host as many NCAA Championships as possible. We have remarkable facilities on our campus and within the city of Columbus to host championships of this caliber." The Jerome Schottenstein Center is not available at the time of the 2004 tournament.

Ohio State already is scheduled to host the NCAA Men's Gymnastics Championships April 5-7, 2001, the NCAA College Cup final four for Division I men's soccer in December 2001, the NCAA men's Golf Championships in June 2002, and the NCAA Frozen Four for men's ice hockey in April 2005.

Free somatic pilot program begins for faculty and staff

A new complimentary health initiative pilot, the OSU Somatic Education Program, will begin winter quarter. The program is operated by a partnership between the Faculty and Staff Wellness Program and the Cultural Studies/Somatic Studies program in the School of Educational Policy and Leadership.

The OSU Somatic Education Program will offer a holistic approach to body/mind/spiritual well-being. The pilot project is designed to integrate practices and experiences in movement awareness, breathing, yoga, stress reduction and mindfulness.

Three campus locations will host the sessions, which will take place for four weeks at each site. Weekly themes will be explored, beginning with mindfulness and awareness the first week, followed by breathing and relaxation, stretching and flexibility, and movement and spiritual dimension in subsequent weeks.

At Longaberger Alumni House, sessions will be held from noon to 1 p.m. on Jan. 17, 24 and 31 and Feb. 7 in Sanders Grand Lounge. For more information, contact Kym Bartran at 688-3808 or bartram@alumni-osu.org.

At the College of Dentistry, sessions will be held from noon to 1 p.m. Jan. 23 and 30 and Feb. 6 and 13. The room is to be announced. For more information, contact Kelly Scheiderer at 292-3016 or scheiderer.19@osu.edu.

At the College of Nursing, sessions will be held from noon to 1 p.m. Feb. 1, 8, 15 and 22. The room is to be announced. Contact Sharon Hatem at 292-0596 or hatem.15@osu.edu for more information.