North Columbus News

A contingent of students, faculty, and staff from The Ohio State University recently spent two days engaging with northeast Ohio partners and learning about the university’s impact in the region. The tour included community service with the Cleveland Cavaliers and an inside look at one of North America's largest greenhouse operations.

Ohio State President Walter “Ted” Carter Jr. led the state tour, which included stops in Cleveland, Oberlin, and Medina. The initiative aims to connect university representatives with business leaders, community members, and alumni outside Columbus to highlight shared connections in Ohio.

Carter, accompanied by Ohio State First Lady Lynda Carter, spoke at Green Circle Growers, an expansive greenhouse operation with workforce and research partnerships with the College of Food, Agricultural and Environmental Sciences. “Lynda and I just couldn’t be more excited to be here along with some of our faculty and, most importantly, these phenomenal students that came up to be with us here on a two-day tour visit of northeast Ohio,” Carter said. He emphasized the importance of agriculture in Ohio's economy: “One in eight people in the state of Ohio work in the ag and food industry. It’s an industry that has over $124 billion in economic impact.”

The tour also included visits to Patterson Fruit Farm and Sandridge Crafted Foods, both family-owned companies led by Ohio State alumni with embedded university research partnerships.

Community engagement was another focal point. The Office of Student Life collaborated with staff from the Cavaliers, Coca-Cola representatives, and members of the National Association of Collegiate Directors of Athletics to support the Children’s Hunger Alliance. At Rocket Mortgage Fieldhouse, they packed 2,300 weekend meal boxes for distribution across the state. Anthony Koulianos, a fourth-year neuroscience major, remarked on his experience: “Honestly, it was amazing, just being a part of a cause that was bigger than all of us.”

On day two, the university helped open the Lake County Fair's 169th year. The event celebrated regional agricultural roots supported by Ohio State University Extension in Lake County and university-backed 4-H programs. Carter and his team toured livestock areas and participated in leading the national anthem.

The tour also focused on future connections through a pep rally hosted by the Office of Strategic Enrollment Management at Mentor High School. About 200 attendees included current Mentor students and prospective students from area high schools. Members of the Ohio State Marching Band celebrated incoming students from the region while Carter discussed college affordability and opportunities within Ohio.

Kimmara Yarbrough, a fifth-year nursing major, reflected on her experience: “I think Ohio State has the craziest school spirit I’ve ever seen in my life,” she said. She noted how community enthusiasm for Ohio State drives what they do.