OSU President to Visit Marion for Community Meeting on the Future of OSUM

Ohio State Marion is inviting the public to find out about future building plans, a new road, new majors, and even the recreational opportunities along a re-aligned creek on Friday, March 29, 2013 when Ohio State President, Dr. E. Gordon Gee visits Ohio State Marion.

As Dr. Gee is updated on these major initiatives, the community is invited to participate in a public meeting in Morrill Hall Auditorium from 10:00 to 11:00 a.m.  Those arriving by 9:30 a.m. can help welcome President Gee to Marion.  Dr. Gee will meet informally with those gathered in the lobby outside Morrill Hall Auditorium.  He will then be an active participant in the progress report to follow.

Members of the public, faculty, staff, students, and alumni are invited to attend and participate in the discussion with Dr. Gee, Dean and Director Dr. Greg Rose, and the resource people involved with the specific topics outlined below.

Topics to be covered include:

• Framework Plan—a fifty-year growth projection for the Marion campus.  Where will new buildings and new roads go?  How will the campus grow.  Laura Shinn and Brenda Slack of the Ohio State Physical Planning and Real Estate office will discuss the plan.
• University Drive—Phil Wright with the Marion County Engineer’s office will provide an update on construction of the connection between SR 529 and SR 95 through the campus.
• Grave Creek—A plan is being prepared to re-align the creek that flows through the campus to a more natural course, providing recreational and study opportunities.  Planner Tony Eyerman will provide the update.
• Student Housing—As the university builds housing in Columbus, what are the plans for Marion and the other smaller campuses of Ohio State?  How can private sector developers and the university work together?  Dean Rose and President Gee discuss progress on housing.
• Engineering Program—Ohio State’s engineering program is flourishing in Marion.  With over 200 students enrolled, what new directions might the engineering program take?  Engineering instructor Dr. Gary Maul details growth the engineering program at Ohio State Marion.
• Science/Engineering Building—With over half the resources in place build a new science and engineering building on campus, where are plans to turn dirt on this important project?  Dean Rose and President Gee look at progress on a new science/engineering building.
• GOBUCK$–This unique tuition voucher program is being expanded into the Marion County schools.  How has it been received in the Marion City Schools since it was launched in 2010?  How many students have come to Ohio State because of it?  Don Gliebe, Principal at River Valley Middle School; Leah Filiater, Principal at Harrison Elementary; and Ann Lowe, GOBUCK$ donor report on progress to date.
• Research—Ohio State Marion faculty are involved in significant research.  Dr. Tracy Tylka will report on her research on body image and eating behavior and its application at the Marion YMCA.
• Service Learning—Ohio State Marion professors and students are engaging with community organizations through their coursework on a regular basis.  Details from English professor, Dr. Stuart Lishan.

Immediately following the Ohio State Marion progress report, the public is also invited to help Dr. Gee cut the ribbon on a new disc golf course being established on the campus.

Throughout the rest of the day, Dr. Gee will meet with students, faculty, staff, and the local Ohio State Marion Board of Trustees in his tour of Ohio State’s Marion campus.