Today's Update: High Five Friday
October 23, 2026
Dear Student Life team,
Happy High Five Friday!
The Willie J. Young, Sr. Off-Campus and Commuter Student Engagement team gives a High Five to Abby Hertzfeld and the Dining Services team for their collaboration in promoting the 2026 Fall Off-Campus Living Expo. “We appreciate your willingness to brainstorm and bring ideas to reality. Thank you for helping make the Expo a great success!”
High Five to Jenny Speas from Student Life Disability Services for completing the Organizational and Leadership Effectiveness Boost Leader Program. “Jenny dedicated five weeks to developing her leadership, coaching and communication skills, further strengthening an already thoughtful and collaborative leadership approach. Congratulations, Jenny, on this accomplishment and your continued commitment to growth!”
Student Life Development gives a High Five to colleagues who helped steward donors visiting campus in early October. Morgan Vibbert, Madi Barnes, Jordyn Sikula, Jenn Irwin, Micky Sharma, Ryan Lovell, Annie Maxwell, Kristen Rupert Davis and Stacy Smith helped roll out the red carpet for a family over Homecoming weekend; Tracy Stuck, Kristen Rupert Davis, Julie Schnell and Hannah Warner helped close and steward a significant gift for this year’s Homecoming; and Dave DeAngelo, Domonique Dunn, Women’s Club Soccer coaches Rachel Ernst and Joe Winiecki, and Men’s Club Soccer coach Zach Arefi attended the Men’s Soccer Alumni Game on October 16, where we announced the newly endowed Dr. Eugene and Cynthia Yang Memorial Scholarship alongside their sons, Keegan and Kyle. The development group says, “Donor engagement is a team sport, and we are grateful for your time, energy and partnership. Thank you!”
On Saturday, October 10 Parent and Family Relations welcomed more than 4,400 students, parents and family members to the South Oval for the annual Buckeye Family Tailgate. High Fives to everyone involved in making their largest event of the year a huge success, including Adam Specht, Matt Couch, Ryan Lovell, Leah Fetters, Annette Misenko, John Faul, Jamie Steinbock, Kate Brody, Katherine Wenrick, Gabrielle Arehart, Julie Schultz, Gabi Bockelman, Stacey Renker, Rachel Conners, Christy Muhoberac, Kierra Hampton and Christian Manning.
An additional High Five to Adam Specht, Matt Couch, Ryan Lovell, Kait Hester and Jordan Rutherford for their help with the Parent and Family Roundtable Welcome Brunch on Sunday.
Risk and Emergency Management gives a High Five to Amber Morse and the entire Scott Traditions breakfast crew who were gracious to host several university stakeholders and the Columbus Fire Department in their facility.
Finally, High Five to E’nid Patterson, who will retire next Friday, October 30, after an amazing 41 years of service to the university. We are grateful for her years of dedication and the many contributions she has made throughout her career. Please take a moment to celebrate E’nid and wish her the very best as she begins a new chapter focused on family, grandbabies and enjoying a little more time to relax.
Have a Scarlet and Great weekend and even though it’s a bye week: Go Bucks!
Melissa S. Shivers, PhD
Senior Vice President for Student Life
The Ohio State University