Ohio State's commitment: 'Students First, Students Now'

Ohio State University's top priority is students. And during these tough economic times, the university is dedicated to helping students enter and stay in school.

In December 2008, Ohio State, led by President E. Gordon Gee, introduced "Students First." This university-wide initiative ensures that students have continued access to education, and lets K–12 students and their parents know that higher education remains open to them even when the economic strain on families persists.

As part of this far-reaching commitment, a two-year fundraising initiative called "Students First, Students Now" began on January 1, 2009. Funds raised through this effort enable Ohio State to respond quickly to students who need immediate financial help by providing scholarships, loans, and emergency funds.

"Our profound commitment is to providing access to Ohio State's excellent educational opportunities," said President E. Gordon Gee. "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."

To make a gift to the "Students First, Students Now" campaign, visit http://www.giveto.osu.edu.

Campus Campaign

Special thanks to the faculty and staff of the College of Food, Agricultural, and Environmental Sciences and ATI for contributing $237,836.36 to the 2009–2010 Campus Campaign!

Campus Campaign is Ohio State's annual "I Believe in Ohio State" fundraising effort for faculty and staff. Since its beginnings in 1985, Campus Campaign has evolved into one of the most successful faculty and staff campaigns in the nation. By supporting the areas of the university that mean the most to them, faculty and staff make a significant impact on many of the projects, programs, research, and scholarship that make Ohio State such a great place to work, learn, and grow.

Elizabeth Shaw Long Scholarship Fund: A history of giving

In 1980, the late Harry Long, Jr. began giving to The Ohio State University. According to his daughters, Janice Long, Rebecca Long, and Nancy Hamilton, this one unselfish act started a storied history of giving, highlighted by the Elizabeth Shaw Long Scholarship Fund.

Mr. Long set up the fund to honor his mother, Elizabeth Shaw Long, for her contribution to his happy and successful life. She was also a strong figure in his education. "My mother never went on to higher education but always encouraged us to seek some," Mr. Long once said. "In helping us with our homework, she learned algebra, language, and science. She was a terrific learner. We felt it appropriate to honor her in a permanent way beyond our longevity."

For more than 20 years, the income from the fund has provided a need-based scholarship for a worthy student in the School of Environment and Natural Resources, Division of Forestry. It was important to Mr. Long that he contributed to the assistance of others, just as he was helped as a student. He often said, "The fund also provided an opportunity to return to the university and the lumber industry … some of the benefits they gave me and my family." The 2008–2009 scholarship winners are Benjamin Gombash and Michael Hall. Both are honors students in Forestry, Fisheries, and Wildlife.

Mr. Long also provided his time to students, often meeting them for coffee. His daughter Janice explained how it gave him so much joy to read the thank-you notes from the scholarship recipients. For instance, one student wrote, "I am currently spending the summer fighting forest fires in Montana with the Gallatin National Forest Initial Attack Crew, but I look forward to returning to school in the fall. And I look forward to my career serving the land and its resources. Again, thank you very much."

After retirement Mr. Long continued to give back to his community. He was involved in a group called the Service Corps of Retired Executives (SCORE) through which he counseled small businesses. He loved to discuss the lumber industry and business in general with these groups.

Many of Mr. Long's close friends and family members have contributed to the Elizabeth Shaw Long Scholarship Fund since its establishment, honoring his tradition of giving and helping to ensure that students will be helped by this scholarship for years to come.

--By Sarah Grafner

Ohio State's first green building now official

The Nationwide & Ohio Farm Bureau 4-H Center is now officially the first LEED (Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design) certified green building on The Ohio State University campus.

The medallion issued by the U.S. Green Building Council was unveiled at a ceremony preceding the Patterson Lecture on April 24. Attending were Jim and Nancy Patterson, who served on the steering committee for the center; Jack Fisher, University Trustee and Executive Vice President of the Ohio Farm Bureau; Karen Blickley, Nationwide Foundation representative; Joe Alutto, University Provost; Tom Archer, State 4-H Leader; and Bobby Moser, Dean of the College of Food, Agricultural, and Environmental Sciences.

The 46,000-square-foot center, the first of its kind on a university campus, features a geothermal heating and cooling system, plumbing fixtures designed to use 52 percent less water than conventional fixtures, extensive use of natural lighting and recycled materials, and highly reflective roofing materials. In its first full year of operation, the center has used 25 percent less energy to operate than a conventional building.

--By Bill McCleery