OHIO STATE HOSTS PREMIER BLACK COLLEGE EVENT IN MIDWEST--through May 14.Several thousand African-American college students from across the Midwest are gathering on campus for the five-day (5/9-14) Heritage Festival 2000: "In Unity There is Strength." The Heritage Fest is an important networking event for Black college students in and around Ohio. Among the remaining events: a Step Show today (5/12) at 7 p.m. in Mershon Auditorium, 1871 N. High St.; The Fest tomorrow (5/13) on the Oval; followed by an After-Fest Party, 10:30 p.m.-3 a.m. at French Field House, 460 Woody Hayes Drive. SPECIAL TRAFFIC NOTE: Due to expected heavy traffic, motorists are urged to avoid the campus area if possible. Those attending festival events are encouraged to come early, park and walk to events. In the event that traffic backs up on High Street, the southbound lanes between 5th and Lane avenues will be closed to create a route for emergency vehicles. Southbound traffic will be redirected west or east onto Lane Avenue, which will be restricted to eastbound traffic during times of congestion. There will be no parking on 12th Avenue between High and Summit streets. Police officers will direct festival-goers to available parking from and provide directions. Parking will be available on a first-come, first-served basis in all campus parking lots and garages. A complete festival schedule is at http://www.osuheritagefestival.com/ Contact: Lesley Deaderick, University Relations, 292-0569, or pager 250-1048. Ohio State Heritage Festival Command Center, operational from noon Friday through noon Sunday, is 247-7474.

SPRING CLEANING FOR YOUR CANINE--May 13. Get your dog washed at Ohio State this weekend, at the OTS/Iams Charity Dog Wash, Saturday (5/13) from 9 a.m.-2 p.m. at Veterinary Hospital Large Animal Clinic, 601 Vernon Tharp St. The cost is $8 for a small dog and $10 for large (over 40 lbs.) pups. The price includes a bath, a goodie bag and bandana. Proceeds benefit the Capital Area Humane Society. Contact: Kristine McComis, College of Veterinary Medicine, 688-3517.

WHAT A WEEK TO BE A GREEK--May 15-19. Greek Week 2000 brings together students involved in fraternities and sororities at Ohio State. Activities include a blood drive throughout the week and a Greek Week "Tug" on Tuesday (5/16) at 6 p.m. in French Field House. Thursday (5/18) brings Ohio State Vice President David Williams' Volleyball Challenge at 4:30 p.m. on the South Oval followed by Greek Games at 6:30 p.m. The Newport Music Hall hosts the Greek Week Variety Show on Friday (5/19) at 8 p.m. Contact: Melanie Bell Cruz, Office of Student Activities, 292-8763.

STUDENTS HELP TO SOLVE PROBLEMS IN UNIVERSITY NEIGHBORHOOD--May 18. "Strengthening Neighborhoods from the Inside Out" is the theme at the new Human Ecology House as it hosts an open house on Thursday(5/18) at 4:30 p.m. Located at 1621 N. 4th Street, the Human Ecology House allows students, faculty and staff to work with community partners on complex human problems such as decreasing juvenile crime and improving nutrition choices. Students and faculty will operate programs including the African-American Family Strengthening Program and a nutrition education needs assessment project. Contact: Janet Ciccone, College of Human Ecology, 292-5338.

ROBERT RAUSCHENBERG TO RECEIVE WEXNER PRIZE --Visual artist Robert Rauschenberg will visit campus to accept the Wexner Prize, which honors his lifetime of achievements. In addition to the private award ceremonies, the Wexner Center offers many public events celebrating Rauschenberg and his work.

The person listed as the contact for each item will have the best information about the story. Call our media relations staff for help with these or other Ohio State news stories--Elizabeth Conlisk, 292-3040; Amy Murray, 292-8385; Lesley Deaderick, 292-0569; Melinda Sadar, 292-8298; and Karissa Shivley, 292-8295.

Compiled by Amy Murray, University Relations, (Murray-Goedde.1@osu.edu)