97-03-20 New Student Trustee: Soraya Rofagha

GOVERNOR NAMES POWELL STUDENT TO OHIO STATE BOARD OF TRUSTEES

     COLUMBUS -- Soraya Rofagha has not strayed too far from The 
Ohio State University in her 18 years.

     This month, Gov. George V. Voinovich named Rofagha to a two-
year term as a student representative on the university's Board 
of Trustees.  Eighteen years ago, she came into the world at 
University Hospitals.

     Rofagha, an honors student who will replace Holly A. Smith 
as the undergraduate trustee in May, is a first-year student at 
Ohio State working toward a B.A. degree in molecular genetics and 
international studies with a minor in political science. She is a 
student research assistant in a chemistry laboratory.

     "Soraya Rofagha is an active undergraduate who cares deeply 
about the quality of the educational experience," said President 
E. Gordon Gee.  "She has already exhibited those leadership 
qualities that have served our student trustees so well."

     Rofagha is a member of the American Medical Student 
Organization, Ohio Staters Inc. and the Iranian Cultural Society 
of Central Ohio. She also serves in several volunteer capacities.

     "I'm very pleased to have this opportunity," Rofagha said. 
"It's a great honor but a great responsibility. I'm looking 
forward to helping make sure that the issues students face are 
included among the issues that the Trustees examine," she said.

     "I would like to help the Trustees forge a new culture of 
learning for students that is both cutting edge and modern while 
still honoring the great tradition and history of this 
University. The future of the University needs student 
involvement and support.  I believe students are eager and 
willing to be active in these issues."

     Rofagha is a National Merit Distinguished Scholar who 
graduated in 1996 from Columbus School for Girls.  She is the 
daughter of Asghar Rofagha and Sedi Keyhani-Rofagha, a professor 
of pathology in the College of Medicine.  Her sister, Rana, is a 
pre-med student at Ohio State.

                             #

Contact:       William J. Napier, Ohio State Board of Trustees,
               (614) 292-2424.

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


[Submitted by: Von Vargas  (vargas.12@osu.edu)
               
Thu, 20 Mar 1997 11:46:23 -0500 (EST)]
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