Media Advisory

SEPTEMBER 21, 2000

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

CONTACT: Elizabeth Conlisk (614) 292-3040

THOUSANDS WILL GATHER TO CELEBRATE SUCCESS OF 'AFFIRM THY FRIENDSHIP' CAMPAIGN

More than 1,000 Ohio State supporters, including faculty, staff and alumni, will gather at Mershon Auditorium Friday night (9/22) to celebrate the completion of the university's five-year "Affirm Thy Friendship" fund-raising campaign.

The public phase of the campaign began in 1995 with an ambitious goal of $850 million. In September 1998, Ohio State President William E. Kirwan raised the goal to $1 billion to fund existing and emerging priorities. The new goal was met and exceeded in September 1999, making Ohio State one of only a handful of public institutions to raise more than a billion dollars during a single campaign.

WHAT:Celebration of "Affirm Thy Friendship" campaign's final tally

WHEN:7 to 8:30 p.m. Friday, September 22

WHERE:Mershon Auditorium

WHY: To honor the university's dedicated family of faculty, staff, students, donors and alumni who contributed so much to the university's development campaign.

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