Today's Update: Friday, February 21, 2025

February 21, 2025

Dear Student Life team,

Happy High Five Friday. 

One of the best things about our Student Life team is how we work together and appreciate each other across the whole unit. Willie J. Young Sr. Off-Campus and Commuter Student Engagement (OCCSE) has several nominees for High Fives this week that I'm happy to pass along. They are Scarlet and Grateful to the Student Life Marketing team for their flexibility and quick turnaround in support of materials for next month’s spring Off-Campus Living Expo, saying, “Their support has been invaluable!” OCCSE also High Fives their partners who signed up to host a table at the Living Expo including Dining Services, The Office of Institutional Equity, Student Legal Services and Nike U Move. Finally, OCCSE High Fives the Joint Patrol of Columbus and Ohio State Police for their “incredible dedication and support” in the University District.  

Buckeye Love month is winding down, and we’ve had a fun and rewarding time showing kindness to others. From Cooking for Good classes (one more still to come on Monday night) to passing out cookies and Nike gear to surprising classes with random acts of pizza kindness, Student Life has helped prove that showing kindness is good for everyone involved. A massive High Five to Tracy Stuck for leading this effort, and to those who helped throughout the month, including Daren Lehman, Sean Stewart, Morgan Hammonds, Zia Ahmed, Joel Sedziol, Kim Traverse, Thyrone Henderson, Jenn Miller, John Cronin, Joe Hast, Drew Stark, Spencer Litzenberger, Dave DeAngelo, Stacy Smith, Ryan Lovell, Tonya Dawson, Matthew D’Oyly, Ben Flores, Kathie Serif, Patrick Ionno, Madi Wires, Alex Jimenez, Andre Love, Jeff Pelletier, Jacob Armstrong, Cherrelle Rowser and the Sloopy’s staff, Mary Beth Baker and the Student Health Services Pharmacy team, Risk and Emergency Management, who provided the Ohio Union Building Managers with a Buckeye Love surprise, Adrienne Gladish, Travis Barnhart, Anita McCoy, Dave Isaacs, Chris Nesler and Hannah Warner. High Five as well to Delanie Householder for, in addition to her duties as a graphic designer in Student Life Marketing, pitched in to take some excellent photos during the Buckeye Love Backpack Project.  

Remember that kindness is important not just this month, but 365 days a year, and be sure to check out the kudos section and other activities on our kind.osu.edu website.  

High Fives to Madi Barnes, Justin Khol, Akua Nelson, Elise Nelson, Meagen Rinard, Julie Schnell and Liz Westrick for serving as judges for the Sorority and Fraternity Life Chapter of the Year Showcase. If you’re interested in reviewing other award applications, feel free to email Cristina vega.165@osu.edu. I’m sure she’d be happy to get you a few applications to read!  

Have a Scarlet and Great weekend, and, naturally, Go Bucks!  

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