Today's Update: Friday, February 20, 2026

February 20, 2026

Dear Student Life team,

Happy High Five Friday!  

High Five to Buckeye Commons embedded counselor Darreon Greer for starting a new series to support students, Morning Connection. The program allows students to talk through challenges, celebrate personal and academic progress, and learn about campus resources. It will be offered twice next month, March 5 and March 26. 

Sorority and Fraternity Life wants to be sure Aliya Beavers, Julie Schnell, Liz Westrick, Brandon Horton, Lacey Gosnell and Teri Cugliari get High Fives for being Chapter of the Year judges.  Buckeye Love continues all month, and I’ve had fun stopping by for several of the events. More High Fives to come, but this week I want to give a High Five to North District Housekeeping Manager Sonia Romdhane and her team for enthusiastically attending both the card making and CrafterNoon events in the true spirit of Buckeye Love.  

High Five to the Student Wellness Center’s Kristen Hill for working with Risk and Emergency Management to help and support the Younkin Success Center’s severe weather drill. Practices like this make it easier to respond when there is an actual emergency. 

I read in Slice this morning that Off-Campus and Commuter Student Engagement won Volunteer Group of the Year from Keep Columbus Beautiful for their efforts in the University District. High Fives to Rachel DeMooy, Cece Albon and Jacob Glorioso as well as director Dilna Cama for their hard work and collaborative approach. 

High Five to Residence Life’s Kyle Moore for an above and beyond effort to support an international student who was a victim of a scam. Even better, Kyle helped her turn the experience into an educational engagement opportunity that she is sharing with others on campus. Through Kyle's support, the student is turning a very bad experience into a positive way to help others.  

Have a Scarlet and Great weekend, and as always, Go Bucks!  
 

Melissa S. Shivers, PhD 
Senior Vice President for Student Life  
The Ohio State University