David Steigerwald, professor of history at The Ohio State University, has been selected to speak at Ohio State’s 2014 autumn commencement. Approximately 3,200 degrees will be conferred at the ceremony, which begins at 2 p.m. on Sunday, Dec. 21, at the Jerome Schottenstein Center.
Steigerwald teaches 20th century American history at the university’s Marion and Columbus campuses. He is a nationally-recognized leader in the history of post-World War II America and American intellectual history.
He grew up in Dayton, and as a first-generation college student, earned his bachelor’s in history from Ohio State in 1982. After earning his master’s and doctorate from the University of Rochester, he returned to Ohio State, where he has taught in the history department since 1991.
“We are honored to welcome Ohio State alumnus and esteemed history professor David Steigerwald as our upcoming commencement speaker,” said President Michael V. Drake. “Widely recognized as a distinguished scholar and teacher, Professor Steigerwald will share his perspective on American history and how our graduates can be successful in an ever-changing global future.”
Steigerwald is the recipient of a number of teaching awards, including the university’s highest recognition for teaching excellence, the Alumni Distinguished Teaching Award (2009). He is currently the director of the Department of History World War II Study Abroad Program.
Steigerwald is the author or co-author of several books, including The Destiny of Choice: New Directions in Consumer History (2013), Debating the 1960s: Liberal, Conservative, and Radical Perspectives (2007), Culture’s Vanities: The Paradox of Cultural Diversity in A Globalized World (2004), The Sixties and the End of Modern America (1995) and Wilsonian Idealism in America (1994).
He is completing a study of American thought in the Age of Affluence, which will appear as Lost in the Land of Plenty: Affluence and Alienation in Post-War America, 1945-2001.
He is also author of many essays, including Walter Reuther, the UAW, and the Dilemmas of Automation (2010), which was recognized as the year’s best essay in American labor history by the journal Labor History.
In addition, Ohio State will present Distinguished Service Awards to Martha M. Garland, who built a storied career as a senior administrator and prominent advocate for Ohio State students, and Robert J. Weiler, chairman of the board of the Robert Weiler Company, who earned two degrees from Ohio State.
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