Today's Update: Friday, October 24, 2025
October 24, 2025
Dear Student Life team,
Happy High Five Friday!
I had a wonderful and enlightening time at the Big Table discussion this week. High Five to Tracy Stuck for organizing it, High Five to my co-host, Dr. John Warner, CEO of the Wexner Medical Center, and High Fives to those who helped make it possible, including Kellie Uhrig, Molly Chandra, Lori Green, Candyce Williams, Stacy Smith, Dave Isaacs, Jen Vandemark, Tyler Wynkoop, Sean Stewart, Aubrie Smith, Chris Nesler, Matthew Swearingen, Julianna Logan, Trinity Patterson, Chef Roger Garland and the University Catering staff and Zia Ahmed for his “pen” demonstration (you can ask him about it!).
High Five to the Student Wellness Center’s Brandon Horton, who was just named the Society of Public Health Education’s 2025 Emerging Leader Award Recipient. The honor came during this week’s Higher Education Center for Alcohol and Drug Misuse Prevention and Recovery’s National Meeting. High Fives as well for those who helped plan the meeting, including Jim Lange, Cindy Clouner, Logan Davis, Anthony Gonzalez, Elizabeth Branham, Paige Carter, Ahmed Hosni, Kelsey Schmuhl and Michael Broman. And a High Five to Maya Bygrave from Events and Conferences for all her help behind the scenes to put on such a major event.
Cortney Brewer of Student Conduct gets a High Five for working with the Office of International Affairs on an important and time-sensitive project which helps streamline some new federal reporting requirements. Colleagues say Cortney is always thoughtful and helpful in her approach, considering all offices that may be impacted and determining the most efficient path forward.
High Five to Jennifer Lang of Counseling and Consultation Service. The stepmom of a student in urgent need let us know that she has attended Jennifer Lang’s Parent workshop three times and absolutely loves it. She spoke with deep appreciation and respect, not just for the content but for how empowering and approachable the experience was. She was able to support her student and assist in linking her Buckeye with appropriate resources in an effort to keep her stepdaughter enrolled.
The latest University Staff Advisory Committee (USAC) Staff in the Spotlight honoree is Aubrie Smith. They said, “Aubrie Smith represents the very best of Ohio State. Her influence reaches far beyond her official duties, making her a deserving recipient of the USAC Award."
You get a High Five if you’ve provided your feedback for the Student Life strategic plan. If not, you have until a week from today to answer a few questions online at https://go.osu.edu/slplanstafffeedback to help shape the future of Student Life.
High Five to our marketing team’s Debbie Wakefield for stepping up to assist with a Dining Services project. Her attentiveness, quick work, suggestions and edits were greatly appreciated.
Rosalyn Ruiz of Student Health Services gets a High Five for going above and beyond to help a student who lost her engagement ring during a recent visit. Rosalyn found the ring, kept it safe and returned it to the grateful student. We’re saving lives and marriages at SHS!
Have a Scarlet and Great weekend, and of course, Go Bucks!
Melissa S. Shivers, PhD
Senior Vice President for Student Life
The Ohio State University