June 2, 2000

Story Tips

This and every University Relations news release is available at www.osu.edu

HIGHLIGHTS: Stephanie Spielman Offers Inspirational Message--June 3.

One Stop--Two Stories--June 6
Commencement is June 9 on the Oval

STEPHANIE SPIELMAN OFFERS INSPIRATIONAL MESSAGE--June 3. Cancer survivor Stephanie Spielman is the keynote speaker at the annual awards ceremony of the College of Human Ecology Alumni Society. Spielman will talk about the importance of family, nutrition and a positive attitude toward health at 1 p.m., June 3, in the Sanders Grand Lounge of the Longaberger Alumni House.Contact: Janet Ciccone, College of Human Ecology, 292-5338.

TWO FOR ONE SPECIAL--TWO MEDIA OPPORTUNITIES IN ONE AFTERNOON:

· 30,000 CHAIRS SET UP ON THE OVAL--June 6. Spring commencement will be held on the Oval this year while Ohio Stadium is renovated. Preparations for the ceremony begin early in the week as workers set up chairs for graduates and their guests, construct the speaker's platform and install a sound system. Key commencement planners will be available for media interviews on Tuesday (6/6) from 1-2 p.m. on the Oval. Preparations will be interesting to watch, and this is the only time that all key officials are guaranteed to be available to reporters. Graduates will rehearse the ceremony on Thursday (6/8) at 9:30 a.m., providing another photo opportunity. Contact: Amy Murray, University Relations, 292-8385.

· SUPERMARKET FOR STUDENT SUCCESS OPENS--June 6. Media may tour the university's new Younkin Student Success Center 2:30-4:30 p.m., Tuesday (6/6), prior to a 5:15 p.m. dedication ceremony. The center, located at 1640 Neil Ave. consolidates several student -- and some faculty -- services under one roof. Student Athlete Support Services, Counseling and Consultation Service, the Career Connection office, Faculty and TA Development, the new Academic Learning Lab and a media resource suite are all located in the new center. The dedication ceremony recognizes the family of the late Floyd Younkin of Columbus, which contributed $2 million to the project. Contact: Karissa Shivley, University Relations, 292-8295.

CHAMPION OF UNDERGRADUATE ISSUES SPEAKS AT HUMANITIES BACCALAUREATE --June 8. Martha Garland, vice provost and dean of undergraduate studies at Ohio State, will deliver the keynote speech at the College of Humanities Baccalaureate on Thursday (6/8). The annual celebration of the achievements of students, faculty, staff and alumni begins at 3:30 p.m. in the Wexner Center for the Arts Film Video Theatre, 1871 North High St. An alumna of the College of Humanities, Garland oversees all academic aspects of undergraduate education. She also leads Ohio State's efforts to improve undergraduate teaching and to increase student retention and graduation rates.Contact: Shari Lorbach, College of Humanities, 292-1882.

CONGRESSMAN IS COMMENCEMENT SPEAKER AS UNIVERSITY AWARDS 500,000th DIPLOMA--June 9. U.S. Rep. J.C. Watts Jr., R-Oklahoma, will deliver the commencement address during Ohio State's spring graduation ceremony on June 9. Approximately 4,700 graduates will receive degrees during the event on the Oval. Commencement begins at 9:30 a.m. A dynamic speaker, Watts supports balancing the budget, providing tax relief, protecting Social Security, and strengthening the nation's defense. He also supports cultural renewal and stronger families.

During the ceremony, one student will receive the 500,000th diploma awarded by the university since it's first graduation in 1878. Contact: Amy Murray, University Relations, 292-8385.

The person listed as Contact will have the best information about the story. Call on our media relations staff for help with any Ohio State story--Reggie Anglen, 292-8423; 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)