97-10-10 President Gee is Autumn Commencement Speaker

E. GORDON GEE TO ADDRESS AUTUMN QUARTER COMMENCEMENT

     COLUMBUS -- E. Gordon Gee, whose seven-year presidency of
The Ohio State University ends this year, will deliver the autumn
quarter commencement address Dec. 12 in St. John Arena. 
Approximately 1,400 degrees will be awarded in the ceremony,
which begins at 9:30 a.m.

     The ceremony will be Gee’s final commencement at Ohio State.
He will become president of Brown University in Providence, R.I.,
on Jan. 1, 1998.  Gee drew a standing ovation when he first
addressed spring quarter graduates in Ohio Stadium in 1991,
standing in as commencement speaker when President George Bush
declined Ohio State’s invitation at the last minute.

     Gee joined the university on Sept. 1, 1990.  As the 11th
president of Ohio State, he set the standard for public
universities in America.

     “Gordon Gee’s dynamic presidency has played a great role in
elevating the university’s reputation for academic excellence,
which is partially reflected in the quality of our students,”
said Richard Sisson, senior vice president and provost.

     “It is quite fitting that Gordon will take the podium one
last time to address the outstanding graduates of Ohio State,”
Sisson said.  “Long after commencement, he will be remembered for
the tremendous impact he has had on everyone associated with this
university and, indeed, on public higher education in Ohio and
across the country.”

     Sisson chairs a six-person transition advisory team that
recommended Gee as commencement speaker.

     An outspoken and tireless advocate for higher education, Gee
has focused his energy on furthering Ohio State’s teaching,
research and service missions.  Initiatives implemented under his
leadership include streamlining academic organization, improving
the student experience inside and outside the classroom,
implementing an ambitious program to increase Ohio State’s
national standing among top universities, emphasizing university
outreach and engagement throughout Ohio, and launching the $850
million “Affirm Thy Friendship” fund-raising campaign.

     Gee also launched a comprehensive planning and restructuring
plan to set institutional priorities for education in the 21st
century.

     Board of Trustees Chair Alex Shumate has credited Gee with
leading Ohio State on “the path toward even greater academic
excellence” and helping to make the university “a leader among
leaders.”

     “Dr. Gee has made a mark on The Ohio State University,”
Shumate said, “and has earned the respect and love of the
students, faculty, staff and alumni, as well as the community.
He has brought out the best in us all.”

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Contact: Tracy Turner, University Communications, (614) 688-3682.


[Submitted by: Von Vargas  (vargas.12@osu.edu)
               
Fri, 10 Oct 1997 12:47:21 -0400 (EDT)]
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