Student Life Honors Veterans

November 6, 2025

The Ohio State University has a long history of supporting and honoring the U.S. military dating back to the school’s earliest days. More than 150 years later, Ohio State is still honoring the students who served our country valiantly representing our university with distinction.

This commitment is especially evident in the North Residential District of the Columbus campus, where the residence halls and other buildings are a standing memorial to these students.

The original buildings in the North District were constructed to accommodate the veterans returning from World War II. In April 1962, the university decided to commemorate those who died serving their country. The Board of Trustees unanimously approved a proposal that the nine low-rise student housing units then under construction in the north campus area be named in memory of students who died in World Wars I and II and the Korean Conflict.

It was from 1963 to 1966 that a number of new residence halls and other buildings were constructed, each carrying the name of an Ohio State student who lost their life in battle. For example, Archer House was named in honor of John F. Archer, the first Ohio State student to die in the Korean War. Barrett House was named for Thomas W. Barrett, the first Ohio State student who died in World War I.

When Ohio State began embarking on a new residential transformation and expansion project a decade ago, it was determined that the district would carry on the tradition of honoring Ohio State students who served in the miliary. The new building names would honor students who served in one of the wars since the Korean War.

The Office of Student Life, in conjunction with the Office of Military and Veteran Services and a number of students, identified a group of former Ohio State students from all military branches and backgrounds who served with distinction in the military in the years since the Korean Conflict. These veterans would represent and honor all students who have served in wars and conflicts.

The North District of The Ohio State University stands as an on-going and living memorial to the sacrifices and stories of our students who served their country in the armed forces.