Ohio State Newark Welcomes Students with Convocation

Ethan Zohn, actor and activist, addresses new students

September 25, 2006- Newark, OH- On Tuesday, September 19, The Ohio State University at Newark began its annual Welcome Week events with Convocation.  The ceremony took place in the Reese Center and welcomed new students and their parents to the University community.  The keynote speaker was Ethan Zohn, winner of Survivor: Africa, actor, and founder of Grassroots Soccer, a nonprofit organization “whose mission is to mobilize the global soccer community in the fight against HIV/AIDS.”

Zohn, an engaging speaker, told the audience of nearly 300 that the "power of example means more than example of power."  He said that the hardest choice he has had to make was deciding what to do with the million dollars he won in Survivor: Africa. His decision was to start Grassroots Soccer and try to make a difference in the lives of others.  Zohn encouraged the audience to "make a difference for yourself by making a difference for others."

Other speakers included Dr. William L. MacDonald, Dean and Director; Joshua Maccombs, Student Trustee; Timeka Rashid, Assistant Director of Student Affairs; Dr. Paul Sanders, Associate Dean; and John Berry, Director of Student Affairs.

MacDonald told the incoming students that “to be a Buckeye is to use the knowledge you gain from your university education to contribute to improving the communities to which you belong—communities ranging from the campus community to the global community.”  Sanders gave a brief talk about the history of Carmen Ohio, the Ohio State University alma mater, and then led the group in a rousing rendition of the song.

Following the ceremony, new students and their families were invited to attend a picnic with current students, faculty and staff, where they enjoyed a picnic lunch and mingled on the lawn near the Reese Center.  The picnic was broadcast live by radio station CD101.1, who hosted a games and prizes booth.

According to Ann Donahue, Director of Enrollment for the campus, the university expects “the largest number of new students ever” this quarter, “including freshmen, transfer and graduate students.”  She said that the admissions office expects about 1,100 new students.  The largest number of new students historically was 931 in 2004. 

More information about Ohio State Newark news, events and programs can be found at www.newark.osu.edu