Today's Update: High Five Friday
August 7, 2026
Dear Student Life team,
Happy High Five Friday!
You can feel the energy on campus starting to pick up, and that means more activity and more opportunities for Scarlet and Gratefulness as we prepare for the start of the new academic year.
Our Student Life Technology Services Hosting Services team gets a High Five for their relentless hard work, especially during recent outages, tackling invisible issues behind the scenes to keep our systems running smoothly.
Speaking of SLTS, High Five to Michael Loomis. Laura Lewis of the Suicide Prevention Program let me know that MIchael reached out to her after they both attended one of my recent Virtual Office Hours sessions. Part of the discussion that hour involved technology and Laura shared the importance of the SPP's tech use. She says the next day Michael messaged her offering to talk about "how technology can help with what you mentioned yesterday." HIs kindness and support was very appreciated.
High Five to Mindy Clagg from Risk and Emergency Management and OSUPD's Lt. Bruce Allen for presenting, "A Collaborative Approach to Managing Campus Demonstrations" at the recent Big Ten Emergency Management and Special Events conference in Chicago. The lessons they shared were so greatly valued by their peers that they have been asked to visit a few campuses to share the info.
Housing and Residence Education's Julie Sanzone and Chrisse Edmunds in the Center for the Study of Student Life get High Fives for completing the Connect Leader Program Endorsement through Ohio State Human Resources. The program focuses on leadership for employee well-being, talent development, leading high-performing teams and enhanced communication.
High Five to all who helped get the Ohio Union elevators back up and running before Move-In starts, including Mark Hoy and Colleen Hoffman.
Counseling and Consultation's Micky Sharma gets a High Five for providing an excellent and meaningful presentation on grit and resilience for the team in Student Conduct.
High Five to Hall Director Cat Singerman for being honored with the Robert and Charlotte Hullinger Award at the 40th Annual National Conference for Parents of Murdered Children. Cat and her sister Jade were recognized for their volunteer efforts on behalf of the organization.
Lauren Meng and Tyree Watson on our Facilities team get High Fives for their great job running the Southside and Northside residence halls. Colleagues say Lauren helps everyone on campus with whatever they need and Tyree works with his team to turn the camp rooms and floor work at the same time.
High Five to Sabra Hickey in Payroll for her help and clear explanations that helped a team member through a very complicated Workday absence and timekeeping situation. Said a colleague, "I am always grateful for her ability to make complex things make sense!"
Parent and Family Relations wants to be sure that Annette Misenko and John Faul from Dining Services and Leah Fetters from Events and Conferences get High Fives for being "such incredible partners on the Buckeye Family Tailgate—and for making the planning meetings truly delightful."
Aubrie Smith and Jenn Miller get High Fives for quickly getting Off-Campus and Commuter Student Engagement (OCCSE) - and their vehicle! - out of a pickle recently.
You have to love anything called the "Razzle Dazzle team." It's a group in OCCSE that takes supporting, recognizing and celebrating team members to a whole new level, making every team member feel cared for and special. What a wonderful way to live our Appreciation Culture Commitment. High Five!
Have a Scarlet and Great weekend and Go Bucks!
Melissa S. Shivers, PhD
Senior Vice President for Student Life
The Ohio State University