Today's Update: Friday, January 31, 2025

January 31, 2025

Dear Student Life team,

Happy High Five Friday. 

I’m still basking in the glow of the National Championship football game, and in the spirit and fellowship of everyone who traveled on or helped with our post season tours and service projects. High Fives to everyone who made it all such a success, including Tracy Stuck, Isaac Wilson, Isabel Biasella, Gabi Cicerini, Cherrelle Rowser, Anita McCoy, Daren Lehman, Dave DeAngelo, Jen Nelson, John Cronin, Brandon Horton, Aisha Echols, Akua Nelson, Noah Gilbert, Laura Lewis, Dan Hausman, Sean Stewart, Jen Vandemark, Christian Manning, Candyce Williams, Tanya McDay, John Link, Adam Smith, Matthew Swearingen, Lori Green, Dave Isaacs, Travis Barnhart, Zia Ahmed, Adrienne Gladish, Dave Wiseley, Tiffany Quattlebaum, Michelle Blackstone, Hannah Warner, Kellie Uhrig, Stacy Smith and Rachel Connors. 

This week I presented to the university Board of Trustees Academic Affairs and Student Life committee on the work of Off-Campus and Commuter Student Engagement. High Five to Rochelle Toth for sharing her knowledge and expertise in helping me prepare for the session, and also to third-year student, Ava Estep, who shared about her experience as a student employee supporting the Off-Campus Housing Network.  

High Five to Alex Green of the Center for the Study of Student Life for providing ongoing assistance with generating data reports. A colleague in Counseling and Consultation says, “His patience and expertise have been invaluable, and he is always a pleasure to work with.”

I love it when others across the university recognize what an amazing team we have. I got a note from the College of Dentistry that says, “We would like to extend a High Five to Risk and Emergency Management for a quick response to a concern in Postle Hall and for providing us with excellent resources.”  

In case you missed it, check out this morning’s Slice for an item about Nabil Shehata of Student Life Facilities in a special online story from Ohio State Human Resources. You won’t want to miss reading it, and High Five, Nabil!  

One last note: Tomorrow is the first day of February which is the official start of Buckeye Love month. We have a special event next Thursday (2/6), Cookies and Cards with Cheryl Lyons. The following day is National Make a Card for a Friend Day, so Cheryl (fun fact: she’s a really talented card maker) will be hosting this session so you can show kindness to others. It will be in the Ohio Union’s Great Hall Meeting Room #3 and you can show up any time between noon and 2 p.m. Register online.  

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