STORY TIPS

This and every University Communications news release is available 
on the Internet and World Wide Web.  Our Web address is 
www.acs.ohio-state.edu.

UNIVERSITY TAKES STEPS TO CONSERVE AND GENERATE ELECTRICITY--With 
temperatures hovering in the 90s, students, faculty and staff at 
Ohio State will likely be warmer-but not in the dark-if they follow 
recommended electricity conservation methods.  American Electric 
Power is asking Ohio State to do everything it possible to decrease 
demand and generate additional power.  To avoid brownouts or 
rolling blackouts, campus utility officials are asking users to 
turn off corridor lighting, and electrical equipment such as laser 
printers, copiers or personal computers when not in use.  All 
building users are asked to set thermostats at 75 degrees or 
higher.  Some building air conditioning units will be turned off 
periodically.  Major users of steam, such as the Chemistry 
Department, University Medical Center and food processing are being 
asked to conserve as much steam as possible.  Steam can be diverted 
to generate electricity at the university's McCracken Power Plant, 
which generates eight to 10 percent of the electricity that the 
campus uses each day.
CONTACT: David Sweet, Physical Facilities, 292-2377 or 646-7190 (24-
hour numeric pager).

SPECIAL OLYMPIANS TO COMPETE AT OHIO STATE--June 26-28. Some 2,600 
Special Olympians along with thousands of their coaches, family 
members and supporters will gather on campus to participate and 
support the 30th annual Ohio Special Olympics Summer Games.  The 
athletes represent 134 local organizations from 78 of Ohio's 88 
counties.  The games get underway today (6/26) at 2:30 p.m. with 
competition in track and bowling.  Opening Ceremonies begin at 6:30 
p.m. in Ohio Stadium with a parade of the athletes, reciting of the 
athlete's oath and the lighting of the "Flame of Hope."  The flame 
began its journey earlier in the week from Astabula, Athens, 
Cincinnati, Cleveland, Marietta and Toledo.  Law enforcement 
officials conducted a relay of torch as both a fund raiser and a 
public awareness to support the Special Olympics.  Competition will 
be in 11 sports, with thousands of ribbons awarded in recognition 
of the efforts of the athletes.  All events are free and open to 
the public. CONTACT: Mike Randolph, 292-2100. 

CAMPUS WELCOMES NEW PRESIDENT--July 1. William E. Kirwan officially 
becomes the 12th president of The Ohio State University on July 1.  
A welcoming event is planned for his arrival at Bricker Hall at 8 
a.m.  The program will take place on the sidewalk and steps on the 
17th Ave. side of Bricker Hall.  Along with university students, 
faculty and staff, the welcoming group will include Trustees Chair 
Ted Celeste and Columbus Mayor Greg Lashutka.  Brief remarks will 
be made by student leaders, Celeste, Lashutka and Richard Sisson, 
who has been serving as interim president since Dec. 15.  Kirwan 
will also speak for a few minutes.  The Men's Glee Club will 
provide music.  At the conclusion of the event, Kirwan will take 
questions from reporters for about 10 minutes.  
CONTACT: Ruth Gerstner, University Communications, 292-8424. 

The person listed as the contact for each item will have the best 
information about the story.  Feel free to call on our news services 
staff for assistance with these or other Ohio State news stories--
Amy Murray, 292-8385; Ruth Gerstner, 292-8424; Tracy Turner, 688-
3682; and Emily Caldwell, 292-8309.
**Compiled by Amy Murray, University Communications, (Murray-
Goedde.1@osu.edu).