Today's Update: Friday, February 14, 2025
February 14, 2025
Dear Student Life team,
Happy High Five Friday on this #BuckeyeLove week!
A massive High Five to everyone involved in the BuckeyeThon Dance Marathon this past weekend. They raised $853,710.13 for the kids at Nationwide Children’s Hospital this year, a significant increase over last year. It was a truly inspiring weekend, and I loved having the opportunity to attend. High Fives to Felix Alonso, Jayden Messer and Kristen Van Gundy for their leadership, and of course to the students for their extraordinary work. It takes a village to accomplish something this special, and there is no way I can name everyone who had a hand in BuckeyeThon’s success, but I will High Five a number of people who worked directly with Student Philanthropy on pre-planning and day of logistics for the Dance Marathon, including, Kristen Rupert Davis, Danny Glassmann, Kellie Uhrig, Jen Vandemark, Tracy Stuck, Stacey Renker, Stacy Smith, Candyce Williams, Jeff Pelletier, Aisha Echols, Kierra Hampton, Christian Manning, Anita McCoy, Dave Isaacs, Rachel Conners, Courtney Griggs, Natalie Hornback, Colleen Lins, Sean Reynolds, Chris Nesler, Sarah Rensko, Brittany Crall, Elizabeth Rowles, Kathie Serif, Lori Green, Adrienne Gladish, Mindy Clagg, Jaylen Lindsey, Maya Bygrave, Jamia Ray and Gabe Simms.
One more thing. If you want to Join the Movement to help raise even more next year, registration is already open for the 2026 Dance Marathon and is discounted for the rest of spring semester. Visit https://go.osu.edu/BT26 to learn more and register today.
High Fives to two Student Life colleagues who won prestigious awards this week from OCPA (Ohio College Personnel Association). As you saw in Slice this morning, Sorority and Fraternity Life’s Gabi Nunez won the OCPA New Professional Award. And Cheryl Lyons of Disability Services was honored with the OCPA Service Award for her contributions as a board member, not to mention running the conference silent auction.
High Five to Nancy Thompson for presenting on a panel at the Inter-University Council’s Military Connected Student Symposium at the Ohio Statehouse this week. The event gathered lawmakers, experts and leaders in higher education to discuss the best ways to support the students who served in the military and their families. I also had the opportunity to participate on a panel, and it was such a joy to talk about the ways and importance of helping students find a sense of belonging at Ohio State.
Ashley Richardson of Dining Services gets a High Five for being chosen as the Buckeye Wellness Innovator of the Month. She was praised for creating monthly newsletters that highlight resources and wellness events on campus and planned wellness walks and activity days, including crafts and puzzles for staff, a festive sweater contest and hot chocolate social.
High Five to Mollie Workman from Buckeye Careers for, as a colleague put it, “Being a data whiz with all things Handshake and always being willing to help out a partner.”
Have a Scarlet and Great weekend, and, you know the rest. But here’s a hint: Go Bucks!
Melissa S. Shivers, PhD
Senior Vice President for Student Life
The Ohio State University