97-03-07 Trustees: Police Dept Bldg Named for Blankenship

TRUSTEES NAME POLICE HEADQUARTERS FOR SLAIN OFFICER

     COLUMBUS -- The Ohio State University Board of Trustees on 
Friday (3/7) voted unanimously to name a new police headquarters 
in honor of Michael Blankenship, a University Police officer who 
was shot and killed Feb. 10 in the line of duty.

     President Gordon Gee and the trustees, some dabbing tears 
from their eyes, recalled Blankenship, who was well-known around 
the campus for his self-defense and crime-prevention training 
activities, for being a teacher in the truest sense of the 
university.

     Student Trustee Holly Smith introduced the resolution, which 
was initiated by leaders of the Undergraduate Student Government, 
and presented a copy to Blankenship's wife, Chris, and daughters, 
Dianne and Jennifer.

     "It's a wonderful commentary on our university family that 
the students suggested this resolution and organized a 
candlelight vigil to honor Mike," Gee said. "The depth and 
breadth of everyone's expressions of support throughout this 
tragedy showed the strength and renewed commitment of our 
community."

     In remarks after the vote, Trustee Chairman Leslie H. Wexner 
recalled the university's alma mater, Carmen Ohio, and its 
lyrics, "How firm thy friendship."

     "It is at times like these that those words take on a 
special meaning," he said.

     The new police headquarters will be named Michael 
Blankenship Hall in memory of the officer. The department will 
move into the building, at 2090 Kenny Road, this summer.

     The former headquarters on Millikin Road will be torn down 
later this year to make way for an extension of a neighboring 
parking garage.

                            #

Contact:     Ruth Gerstner, University Communications,
          (614) 292-8424

Written by David Bhaerman, University Communications,
          (614) 292-8422


[Submitted by: Von Vargas  (vargas.12@osu.edu)
               
Fri, 7 Mar 1997 16:24:09 -0500 (EST)]
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