May 8, 2001                                                                                    Contact: Shannon Wingard (614) 247-6821

Ohio State’s Mount Scholars lend hand to community

Service projects are in honor of first dean of students

COLUMBUS – As a volunteer at a local hospital when he was younger, Charles Thomas knew he wanted to make a difference in others’ lives.  When he joined Ohio State’s Mount Leadership Society, Thomas said he found students who shared his same desire.

“The person I am now is what the community has made me,” said Thomas, a Mount Scholar and a physical therapy major from New Orleans, La.  Thomas said he enjoys the Mount Leadership Society, a Scholars program designed to encourage community service and leadership, because he is encouraged to “become a better person” by participating in outreach projects.

Outreach projects are the purpose of Mount Legacy Week, May 7 through 20.  Student groups from the Mount Leadership Society will focus on community service projects, from raising awareness of HIV/AIDS to lending the homeless a helping hand.

Students in the Mount Leadership Society divided themselves into separate teams to take part in a variety of community projects, which are designed and organized by students.

“Mount Legacy Week is an important time for Ohio State students because it connects us with resources, enabling us to get involved with community service throughout Columbus,” said Courtney Brown, a ­­­­Mount Scholar and undecided major.  

In its second year, the Mount Leadership Society is a scholars’ program at Ohio State, designed to show students the value of leadership, problem-solving and community action.  The community service events planned during Mount Legacy Week are intended to honor Ruth Weimer Mount.

Mount joined Ohio State in 1953 as the assistant to the dean of women.  She became the first dean of students in 1968.  During her career, she also served as president of National Mortar Board, Inc., the Association of College Honor Societies, and the National Association of Women Deans, Administrators and Counselors.  Mount frequently volunteered in the Ohio State and Columbus community to help improve the quality of life for others. 

Among the events that occur during Mount Legacy Week are as follows:

MAY 11-12 -- The Children and Families team will sponsor events for Columbus school children.  Both events are full of activities and games for children and their families. 

-- Beach Bonanza, 3 to 7 p.m., Friday (5/11), Medary Elementary School, 2500 Medary Ave. 

              -- Spring Celebration, 1 to 3 p.m., Saturday (5/12), Raney Commons, 47 Curl Drive.  

MAY 7, 8 and 10 -- The HIV/AIDS team will host educational speakers from the Columbus AIDS Task Force at various locations on Ohio State’s campus.  Free AIDS testing, provided by the Columbus Health Department, and information about protection and prevention will be offered to students.  The times and locations of the speeches are as follows:

 -- 7 to 8:30 p.m., Monday (5/7), Morrill Tower, 1900 Cannon Drive.

             -- 7 to 8:30 p.m., Tuesday (5/8), Siebert Hall lobby, 184 W. 11^th Ave.

-- 7 to 8:30 p.m., Thursday (5/10), Halloran House lobby, 23 Curl Drive.                           

MAY 8 -- The Hunger and Food project is hosting a lasagna dinner for about 200 people from the Columbus area, 10:30 a.m. to 12:30 p.m., Holy Family Church Soup Kitchen, 584 W. Broad St.

MAY 14 -- The Homelessness service team has coordinated a fair for the campus area’s homeless people, providing them with refreshments and needed supplies, 5:30 p.m., Buckeye Suite C/D/E, Ohio Union, 1739 N. High St.      

MAY 9 and 16, The Animal Rights team is hosting two pet therapy sessions, which will take place on Ohio State’s campus.  Students can take study break with furry friends from the Humane Society.  Times and locations for the sessions are as follows:

-- 6 p.m., Wednesday (5/9), in the courtyard on North Campus between Halloran, Barrett and Houck Houses.     

             -- 6 p.m., Wednesday (5/16), in front of Drackett Tower, 161 Curl Drive.    

MAY 14, 15, 16 and, 18 -- The Political Action team has organized a week-long series of speakers and events. The schedule for the activities is as follows:

-- Debate between College Democrats, College Republicans and the Green Party, 

                8 p.m., Monday (5/14), Baker Hall East, 93 W. 12^th Ave.

-- Undergraduate Student Government President Ryan Robinson and President -- elect Eddie Pauline will speak,

8 p.m., Tuesday (5/15), Park Hall, 110 W. 11^th Ave.

-- Martha Garland, vice provost and dean for undergraduate studies, will speak about the

    proposed   tuition hike and other issues, 8 p.m., Wednesday (5/16), lobby of Halloran House, 23 Curl Drive.

-- Political Action Fair featuring political action student groups, 3 to 5 p.m., Friday

   (5/18), Stecker Lounge, 3^rd Floor, Ohio Union, 1739 N. High St.

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