$785,299
Amount Raised
1,534
Gifts Received
Buckeye Funder
Make an impact by supporting your choice of the many students, colleges, innovative programs or exciting initiatives that are making an impact at Ohio State and around the world.
The Ohio State University’s Buckeye Funder platform operates in compliance with applicable university policies, laws and regulations. Buckeye Funder projects must be open to all — organizers, participants and beneficiaries may not be limited based on protected class status. All fundraising and scholarship opportunities facilitated through Buckeye Funder are accessible to anyone who meets the published eligibility criteria.
Projects
43 Projects
Kuhn House 100th Anniversary Restorations
By The Ohio State University
Your support will allow Kuhn House to continue evolving.
Your support will allow Kuhn House to continue evolving. For 100 years, Kuhn House has stood as a beloved landmark in Ohio State’s Mirror Lake District. With your support, we can honor its history while modernizing its spaces for the next generation of Buckeyes.
<strong>History</strong>
Kuhn House was built in 1926 as the university president’s second residence before transitioning to serve as the home for the <strong>University Honors and Scholars Center</strong>, <strong>Undergraduate Research & Creative Inquiry</strong>, and the <strong>Undergraduate Fellowship Office</strong>. Spaces throughout the house are home to quiet study areas and play host to community events for several student groups.
<strong>Recent Renovations</strong>
In 2025, Kuhn House completed a full renovation of its communal kitchen, blending Tudor-style charm with modern functionality. Collaboration and community-building was at the heart of the renovation planning. The kitchen plays host to many events, from cultural exploration through cuisine or de-stressing by baking together. Now, the kitchen once again makes Kuhn House feel like home.
<strong>Planned Renovations</strong>
Your support will allow Kuhn House to continue evolving. Your gift can help:<ul><li><strong>Create a new student-centered collaboration room</strong>, transforming the basement into an additional area for meetings, study sessions and student activities.</li><li><strong>Restore the iconic first-floor fireplace</strong>, a signature feature once central to Kuhn House's storied Fireside Chats.</li><li><strong>Enable future updates</strong>, from refreshing furniture to restoring Tudor-style details throughout the building and enhancing the second-floor classroom.</li></ul>
7%
Funded
60
Donors
11
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School of Music – Name a Seat
By School of Music
Name a Chair. Leave a Legacy.
Name a Chair. Leave a Legacy. School of Music In 1925, the Ohio State University School of Music began with a handful of passionate students and borrowed rehearsal spaces—including a former livestock pavilion. From those humble beginnings, the school has grown into a nationally recognized institution, shaping generations of musicians, educators, and innovators.
Now, as we have celebrated our 100th anniversary, you have a unique opportunity to become part of this legacy.
With a gift of $2,500, you can name a seat in the New School of Music Recital Hall, honoring your personal connection to Ohio State or commemorating someone who inspired your musical journey. Each named chair is a lasting tribute to the artistry, resilience, and community that have defined our school for a century.
This is more than a donation—it’s a chance to take your place in our history and help ensure the next 100 years of music at Ohio State are even more extraordinary.
<a href="https://buckeyefunder.osu.edu/project/47304/donate"><strong>Name Your Seat Today!</strong></a><em>(Limited availability—secure your seat in history now. Only 190 seats available)</em>
We will recognize your $2,500 donation with a plaque, and you will receive an email confirmation with instructions on how to name your seat within two weeks. <em>Please </em><em>be sure to update your Ohio State <a href="https://connect1.osu.edu/alumni/osuaa-login">contact information</a>.</em>
<em>Questions? Call our Engagement Center at <a>(614) 292-2281</a> or reach out to Ellen Huggins (<a href="mailto:huggins.79@osu.edu">huggins.79@osu.edu</a>) if you have chair naming questions.</em>
<em>Your gift may be eligible for a corporate match! Check if your company has a matching gift policy </em><a href="https://osu.edu/giving/ways-to-give/matching-gifts"><em>here</em></a><em>.</em>
<em>How and where you choose to make your philanthropic impact is a very personal decision. Contact Katie Culler </em>(<a href="mailto:culler.64@osu.edu">culler.64@osu.edu</a>) <em>to explore giving opportunities that match your interests, legacy giving, or endowment funds. </em>
22%
Participation
42
Donors
0
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Horseshoes at the Ralph Rogan Equine Performance Evaluation Arena
By College of Veterinary Medicine
Create a legacy at the Ralph Rogan Equine Performance Evaluation Arena by purchasing a horseshoe.
Create a legacy at the Ralph Rogan Equine Performance Evaluation Arena by purchasing a horseshoe. College of Veterinary Medicine Purchasing a horseshoe as part of the Ralph Rogan Equine Performance Evaluation Arena Horseshoes Program provides the remarkable opportunity to honor the unique bond shared between horses and their human companions. Honor your loved ones by hanging a horseshoe in the new Equine Arena—a lasting memorial for pets, friends and family members. These horseshoes ensure that the memories of your loved ones endure forever within The Ohio State University Veterinary Medical Center.
To order your horseshoe, click the <strong>Claim </strong>button to get started.
<strong>Timeline</strong>
After purchasing your horseshoe, you can expect the following estimated timeline. We will keep you informed and guide you through each step.
<em>Please note that this schedule is subject to vendor timelines and should be considered an approximate estimate.</em>
<strong>1-4 Weeks after purchase: Customization confirmation</strong><ul><li>The college will contact you to confirm the spelling and character count for your engraving.</li></ul>
<strong>2-3 Months after purchase: Personalization process</strong><ul><li>The college will work closely with the engraver to personalize your horseshoes according to your specifications.</li><li>You will be notified once the engraver receives your inscription.</li></ul>
<strong>1-3 Months after vendor receives inscription: Installation</strong><ul><li>The horseshoes will be skillfully installed in the arena.</li><li>The college will provide updates on this step.</li></ul>
<strong>2-6 Weeks after installation: Final notification</strong><ul><li>Once the installation is complete, you will be informed and provided with a picture of the installed horseshoe.</li></ul>
<strong>Frequently Asked Questions:</strong>
<strong>1. What will my horseshoe look like?</strong>
The horseshoes measure approximately 5"x5". They can be inscribed with both uppercase and lowercase letters, as well as numbers. Each line can contain up to 30 characters, including punctuation and spaces, with a maximum of three lines. Please ensure that your inscription fits within these limits to expedite your order.
<em>NOTE: All inscriptions are subject to review and approval by The Ohio State University Veterinary Medical Center. </em>
<strong>2. Where are the horseshoes located?</strong>
The horseshoes will be located in the Ralph Rogan Equine Performance Evaluation Arena across from the evaluation stalls.
<strong>3. Can I purchase a horseshoe in honor of someone else?</strong>
Yes, you can purchase a horseshoe in honor of someone. Please fill out the form appropriately and include the individual’s name in the “comments” section. Our staff will then coordinate next steps with you.
<strong>4. How many horseshoes can I purchase?</strong>
You can purchase as many horseshoes as you like. However, you will need to fill out the form for each purchase, as only one horseshoe can be ordered at a time.
<strong>5. I prefer to mail in my gift. Is that an option?</strong>
Due to limited space available for horseshoes on the display, we cannot guarantee that orders placed via mail will arrive in time or that the desired horseshoes will be available. Therefore, we can only accept orders placed through this website.
<em>For any additional questions, please contact the college at 614-247-8157 or <a href="mailto:cvmadvancement@osu.edu">cvmadvancement@osu.edu</a>.</em>
8%
Participation
7
Horseshoes
91
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Support ALS Research at Ohio State
By The Ohio State University
Join me in raising funds for ALS research
Join me in raising funds for ALS research This past St. Patrick’s Day, we hit the 3-year milestone of Lori’s ALS diagnosis. Progression has been continuous, as expected with this dreadful disease. While there remains no cure, both primary doctors for Lori’s care (Dr. Stephen Kolb at The Ohio State University and Dr. Merit Cudkowicz at Massachusetts General Hospital) believe that there will be one day. It is their research efforts that have the potential. And it is targeted philanthropy that can directly accelerate progress.
To those who donated last year: your donation allowed Dr. Kolb to map presymptomatic gene expression profiles in motor neurons in an animal model of motor neuron degeneration. Today, we kick off phase 2 of our efforts to support additional targeted research in Dr. Kolb’s lab. This new research is novel and potentially a game changer in the fight to stop ALS.
In a recent sit down with Dr. Kolb at his lab, he shared a potentially breakthrough unfunded laboratory experiment using a unique piglet model of motor neuron degeneration. This work aims to identify gene expression changes in motor neurons <em>before</em> degeneration occurs, a critical but poorly understood phase of ALS. The experiment uses advanced spatial transcriptomics techniques (ie. measurement of expression levels of genes) to pinpoint early molecular signals that could become future therapeutic targets. A philanthropic contribution of at least <strong>$15,000</strong> would enable this experiment to move forward by generating essential preliminary data. These results would significantly strengthen future applications for larger NIH grants, helping sustain and expand ALS research during a period of uncertain federal funding.
With your help, research could begin shortly after funds are received, with meaningful progress within 6 months and full results expected within a year. Every dollar donated goes directly to Dr. Kolb’s efforts. No monies are taken by credit card fees or by the University. Direct dollars having direct impact.
Early-stage support can play a decisive role in advancing ALS research and bridging critical funding gaps. Lori fights each day with grace and strength. Regardless of outcome, we will make a difference for others. Thanks for being there with us on this journey.
144%
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66
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Planetarium: Dedicate a Star Today!
By The Ohio State University
Support the Planetarium
Support the Planetarium The Arne Slettebak Planetarium at Ohio State has been operating since 1968 and serves the University and central-Ohio communities with breathtaking educational programs in Astronomy and beyond. Come see a show today!
<strong>We need your help. Your donation will support:</strong><ul><li>Grade school classroom trips to the planetarium.</li><li>New equipment to keep the planetarium operational.</li><li>Students learning science communication to present in the planetarium.</li></ul>
<strong>Support the Planetarium today and receive a special gift for your generosity</strong>.<ul><li><a href="https://buckeyefunder.osu.edu/project/48860/donate"><strong>Dedicate a Star - Donate $15</strong></a><ul><li>Receive a fun, personalized star dedication certificate for yourself or someone else, along with instructions on how to see your star in the night sky.</li></ul></li><li><a href="https://buckeyefunder.osu.edu/project/48860/donate"><strong>Sponsor a Star Classroom - Donate $150</strong></a><ul><li>Be a supergiant star and sponsor a grade-school classroom's visit the planetarium.</li><li>An amazing learning opportunity for youth that wouldn't be possible without your support!</li><li>Receive a personalized star dedication certificate for yourself or someone else, along with instructions on how to see your star in the night sky.</li><li>Also receive first access to exclusive events.</li></ul></li><li><a href="https://buckeyefunder.osu.edu/project/48860/donate"><strong>Name a Seat in the Planetarium - Donate $1500</strong></a><ul><li>Shine like a quasar across the universe and name a seat inside the Planetarium. Quasars are the brightest objects in the universe.</li><li>Name a seat and receive a personalized plaque inside the Planetarium for yourself or in honor of someone!<ul><li>Hurry - limited seats available (33).</li></ul></li><li>Also receive first access to exclusive events.</li></ul></li></ul>
<strong>Certificate & Plaque Information:</strong><ul><li>On the donation page please indicate the name you wish to have on the star certificate or plaque.</li><li>The star certificate will be sent to the email provided on the donation form, in addition to any planetarium first access information. </li><li>If you have any questions, contact Ellen Huggins (huggins.79@osu.edu). </li></ul>
<em><strong>Questions?</strong> Call our Engagement Center at <a>(614) 292-2281</a> and please </em><em>be sure to update your Ohio State <a href="https://connect1.osu.edu/alumni/osuaa-login">contact information</a>.</em>
<em><strong>Your gift may be eligible for a corporate match!</strong> Check if your company has a matching gift policy </em><a href="https://osu.edu/giving/ways-to-give/matching-gifts"><em>here</em></a><em>.</em>
<em>How and where you choose to make your philanthropic impact is a very personal decision. Contact Rick Harrison (<a href="mailto:precise.2@osu.edu">harrison.736@osu.edu</a>) to explore giving opportunities that match your interests, legacy giving, or endowment funds. </em>
54%
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54
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239
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Tick Research, Education, and Testing
By The Ohio State University
Provide funding for low-cost tick-borne pathogen testing for the general public as well as funds for tick research, education, and public outreach.
Provide funding for low-cost tick-borne pathogen testing for the general public as well as funds for tick research, education, and public outreach. Buckeye Tick Test is a public service that protects Ohio communities by identifying ticks and detecting the diseases they carry. As ticks continue to expand their range and transmit emerging pathogens, timely and accurate surveillance is essential for understanding risk and guiding public health response.
Each tick submitted contributes to a growing statewide surveillance effort while providing hands‑on laboratory training for students who play a direct role in real‑world public health research.
<strong>Public Health Impact</strong>
<strong>Tick surveillance—the systematic collection and analysis of ticks—is critical to protecting public health, animal health, and agricultural systems.</strong>
Ticks transmit diseases that affect <strong>people, pets, livestock, and wildlife</strong>, creating risks that extend beyond individual exposure and into veterinary care, food production, and ecosystem health. Every tick identified and tested adds to a statewide dataset that helps researchers and public health professionals understand where ticks are spreading and what diseases they carry.
This work supports:<ul><li>Monitoring the spread of tick species across Ohio</li><li>Identifying disease‑causing pathogens earlier</li><li>Tracking changes in pathogen prevalence over time</li></ul><ul><li>Informing public health, veterinary, and agricultural outreach and prevention efforts</li></ul>
To date, <strong>Buckeye Tick Test has processed more than 5,000 ticks</strong>, with <strong>nearly 800 testing positive for disease‑causing pathogens</strong>. This data is essential for identifying emerging threats and helping protect Ohio communities, animals, and agricultural systems.
<strong>Buckeye Tick Test is a fee‑for‑service program available to the general public</strong>, providing accessible tick identification and disease testing while supporting statewide surveillance efforts.
<strong>Student Training and Real-World Experience </strong>
<strong>Students are a vital part of the Buckeye Tick Test laboratory.</strong> Through their work in the lab, students gain hands‑on experience by contributing directly to diagnostic and surveillance activities that support Ohio’s public health infrastructure.
In the Buckeye Tick Test lab, students:<ul><li>Assist with tick identification and processing</li><li>Learn laboratory testing and pathogen detection techniques</li><li>Contribute to data used in statewide surveillance</li><li>Gain experience translating research into public health action</li></ul>
This immersive training prepares students for careers in public health, laboratory science, veterinary medicine, and related fields — while allowing them to contribute meaningfully to work that matters beyond the classroom.<blockquote>
<strong>Student Perspective</strong><em>"By working at Buckeye Tick Test, I got to apply what I learned in my classes to the bigger picture, connecting my lab skills to the real world. I also feel like I am contributing to significant public health efforts through my work." </em>
Zara Syed, Ohio State University Class of 2026
BS Microbiology</blockquote>
<strong>How Your Support Helps</strong>
Donor support helps sustain both the public health service and the student training that make Buckeye Tick Test possible, including:<ul><li>Laboratory supplies and testing materials</li><li>Training and supervision for student researchers</li><li>Data analysis and reporting for statewide surveillance</li><li>Continued operation of a public health resource serving Ohio residents</li></ul>
88%
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10
Donors
91
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ROTC Scholarship Challenge
By The Ohio State University
Invest in the next generation of military leaders.
Invest in the next generation of military leaders. <p><span><span><span>Celebrate America’s legacy and help shape its future by supporting Ohio State ROTC student scholarships.</span></span></span></p> Double your impact! Now through September 15th, thanks to three generous donors. Each ROTC fund has a matching pool of $25,000.
As we honor this historic moment, we invite you to invest in the next generation of military leaders by supporting Ohio State ROTC student scholarships. <strong>The first 250 donors will receive the Ohio State Commemorative Challenge Coin.</strong>
This campaign brings together Air Force, Army and Navy/Marine ROTC alumni societies to support cadets and midshipmen pursuing lives of service and leadership. The campaign is chaired by Lt Col, Tom Calhoun and is dedicated to strengthening scholarship support across all ROTC programs, with a collective goal of raising $250,000 across all units.
“It is an honor to be this year’s Chair for the ROTC Scholarships fundraising campaign. Preparing our future leaders in this ever-changing warfare environment and advancing technologies is essential. Financially assisting the cadets will allow them more time to concentrate on their commitments in obtaining their degree and their development as an officer. Thank you in advance!”
— Lt Col, Tom Calhoun, Campaign Chair
“Scholarships for Ohio State ROTC cadets and midshipmen are far more than financial support — they are a powerful investment in the next generation of leaders who will serve our nation with honor. By easing the cost of attendance, these gifts allow ROTC students to fully engage in their academic pursuits, leadership development and military training. For our alumni, this is a meaningful way to carry forward the Buckeye legacy of service. For our corporate partners, it represents a commitment to developing disciplined, resilient leaders prepared for complex challenges. And for those who have worn the uniform, it is an opportunity to give back and strengthen the future of our force. Every contribution helps cultivate principled leaders who will carry the values of Ohio State and the Buckeye community into service around the world.”
— Kevin Cullen, Assistant Vice Provost/Director Military and Veterans Services, EdD, Colonel, USAF Retired
Your generosity empowers Buckeyes who are preparing to serve, lead and protect our nation.
<strong>Make a meaningful difference for the ROTC student community — please give today. And if you’d like to help amplify this effort, you can also spread the word by using our <a href="https://buckeyemailosu-my.sharepoint.com/:w:/g/personal/greene_1112_osu_edu/IQCEjkhMW5MgQ71rKT4b6rEnAbb5veqhNrJM7HLEUDXzqoQ?e=xG333Z">campaign toolkit</a>.</strong>
74%
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104
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New Experiences of the Middle East
By The Ohio State University
None
With war and strife spreading out from the impacts of Gaza and Iran, it is timely to showcase, educate, and celebrate the rich cultural heritage and practices of a vibrant Middle East. The Middle East Studies Center is the hub for all things Middle East at Ohio State University. By “Middle East,” we mean the countries and regions of Southwest Asia, North Africa, and Türkiye (Turkey). Even as our faculty, students and next generation are not able to experience the Middle East in person, we seek to augment and uplift the cultural encounters and heritage experiences for students and all Buckeyes.
We are raising $20,000 to bring in expert artists, academics doing fieldwork in the region, authors from the region, and others who will create experiences that bring the cultural context of the Middle East to a wide audience. We will be able to offer intercultural learning opportunities through the arts such as concerts, performances, movie screenings, hands-on workshops with Chefs and Master Calligraphers, staged readings, and the like.
Community members, help us amplify the rich artistic heritage and cultural practices of the Middle East. Your contribution will make it possible for our students and members of the local community to engage personally with special guests and to learn from our faculty about related histories, cultures, and places in the Middle East.
In the past we have commissioned plays, co-hosted international conferences, facilitated discussions with film makers, organized conversations with hip hop artists, co-sponsored Arabic calligraphy workshops. Your funds will allow us to bring in prominent artists and experts and let them use their creative freedom to engage at the human level of the arts.
Goals: Increasing Visibility and Relevance
Our Center brings together scholars from across the university to support public programs, language learning opportunities, and community conversations that highlight both everyday life and major events in the Middle East. We want to make these opportunities more visible to the local community by hosting prominent artists and scholars who will draw a crowd.
We have an educational mission to make learning about the Middle East more accessible to our local community and that prioritizes youth. Visible activities build excitement and help us to form communities around topics of interest. Our goal is to serve these communities with more of the opportunities and resources they are seeking, and to fill those events so that we have the resources to sustain the activities.
Images
The main image is from "House of Flesh," a play the Middle East Studies Center produced in collaboration with members of the Department of Theatre in 2011. You will also see Master Calligrapher, Muhammad Habib's, Calligraphy on a chalkboard he created for the Calligraphy Workshop we co-host with Near Eastern and Saouth Asian Languages and Cultures (NESA), with support from the Center for Languages Literatures and Cultures. The picture of our team was taken at the Clintonville Farmers Market, showing our community outreach and education. We also included recent podcast episodes about Medieval Islamic Agriculture with Professor Rattan Lal, and the field of Persian Archeology with Kyle Olsen. You'll find much more on our website: <a href="http://mesc.osu.edu">mesc.osu.edu</a>
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12
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31
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The Aviation Management Organization, AAAE 26-27
By The Ohio State University
None
<strong>WHAT IS AMO?</strong>
<strong>The Aviation Management Organization is The Ohio State University’s student chapter of The American Association of Airport Executives. AMO prides itself on being the leading student organization for aviation and business students. The chapter was established in 1989.</strong>
<strong>WHAT WE DO: </strong>
AMO prepares Buckeyes for careers in aviation by connecting them with industry leaders through guest speakers, tours, social events, and professional development opportunities. <ul><li>Last school year (24-25), AMO hosted 17 guest speakers from airlines, airports, aircraft manufactures, and more! These meetings are a great way for students to connect with industry professionals</li><li>Members recently toured airports and companies such as: CMH, ORD, MDW, DTW, CVG, CAK, NetJets, United’s NOC, FlexJet, and ATSG</li><li>AMO created and co-hosted the first ever Aviation Career Exploration Night, offers a mentorship program for students, attends the National AAAE Conference, and contributes to Aviation Industry Week at OSU</li><li>AMO works closely with offices and organizations in The Fisher College of Business and Center for Aviation Studies</li></ul>
<strong>WHO MAKES UP AMO?</strong>
For the 2025-2026 school year, AMO has 100+ members. Membership is available to any Ohio State student, regardless of age or major. We are proud to have no interview or selection process; anyone is welcome to join. Many of our students are majoring in Aviation Management/Business, Aviation Engineering, or Air Transportation, with some being on the pilot track. However, plenty of students are other Business majors (Finance, Accounting, Marketing, etc), Engineers, and more. Anyone interested in aviation is encouraged to join the club!
<strong>WHAT IS OUR MISSION?</strong>
AMO has two big goals for this year: <ol><li>Make our Annual Immersion Trip as affordable as possible<ul><li>Each year, members take a weekend trip to explore a new city and tour airports and companies. 2024 was Washington D.C. and 2025 was Chicago. 2026 was Atlanta. Students must pay their own way for food, transportation, and lodging. AMO uses most of its yearly budget to offset these costs</li></ul></li><li>Host more out of town speakers:<ul><li>Our mission is to bring in speakers from all around the country (and world). Travel and lodging costs are a major obstacle in meeting this goal</li></ul></li></ol>
<strong>CONTRIBUTIONS TO PROGRAMMING</strong>
<strong>Do</strong><strong> you have the desire to speak about your journeys to the students? Are you apart of a company/airport that hosts tours? Feel free to reach out and we would love to connect with you!</strong>
<strong>CONTACT & CONNECT</strong>
<strong><a href="mailto:amo.osu@zohomail.com">amo.osu@zohomail.com</a></strong>
<a href="https://www.instagram.com/amo.osu/"><strong>Instagram</strong></a><strong> | <a href="https://www.linkedin.com/company/amoosu/">LinkedIn </a></strong>
<strong>MAXIMIZE YOUR IMPACT WITH A MATCHING GIFT</strong>
<a href="https://urldefense.com/v3/__http:/url4542.email1.scalefunder.com/ls/click?upn=u001.vlC1C91bYwkHFF3-2B5nRSPilDGLjk4GBM5gte0Sx8i-2BDUpO17Ah-2FUY0JoxgdGODweDIhn5R1FmuDwdEz0PM2mdJwGFVpa6fnxDwCEyST6ENg-3Dr2xL_E2hEE3NwIJKeMeKsiPiE35Yl-2FAytTiUJk-2FLdpeQ6qMM630bdEygrv-2FFeyldajKoz95kjZe2uaoqE8OKrTU6z-2BFUK9UMBAnsvBt1xz0UspDq6i25Z-2FYAbiOd2w-2BdG9NzsUDN5hawUx4mkPgS0a-2BNtiqNjavRPnh9HAyeVhbN-2BXI3Sm475wMZNMMpuViOxLYsdJwu4QgxWWG56S2Iit4RD47XNELU3PVGhKYCeQi0gZhI0L6qRLQJ0dJZ0LhZCh-2FVb__;!!KGKeukY!yqDSE01mzPRfzp6_Hi3oe466RY7k5luvC9K2cTKefE_h4jG23jOsOFfTjILi0RbrgafHPZtglNrz6l2eQIctjcUA0mMzpg$"><strong>Find out if you qualify for a matching gift from your company</strong></a><strong>.</strong>
108%
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4
Donors
242
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Ohio State's African Youth League
By The Ohio State University
Support African Youth League's cultural events, student programming, and community impact initiatives!
Support African Youth League's cultural events, student programming, and community impact initiatives! <strong>African Youth League – Who We Are</strong>
The African Youth League (AYL) is the oldest and largest African student organization at The Ohio State University, founded in 1994 with a mission to celebrate, share, and preserve African culture on campus. Over the past 30 years, we have built a lasting legacy through <strong>three annual signature events</strong> — <strong>African Night, Up-A-Bae, and the African Distinction Gala</strong> — as well as weekly General Body Meetings every Wednesday from 7–9 PM that consistently draw students from across the university.
<strong>Why We're Fundraising</strong>
Like many student organizations, AYL has been impacted by recent funding cuts that threaten our ability to deliver the programming our community depends on. This makes it difficult to host highly-anticipated events like African Night and puts a real strain on our executive board — a group of students already balancing AYL alongside demanding academic and personal responsibilities. Financial hardship makes it exceedingly difficult to deliver the high-quality experiences our community loves and deserves.
Our three signature events draw remarkable attendance each year — African Night (1,000+), Up-A-Bae (500+), and the African Distinction Gala (200+) — but funding cuts have made it increasingly hard to accommodate audiences of that size while maintaining the quality they expect. Beyond the celebrations themselves, these events also serve a greater purpose: we use them as platforms for community service and to fundraise for causes directly impacting communities across Africa. What we do extends far beyond campus.
Every dollar raised goes directly toward keeping our events, meetings, and initiatives running for the hundreds of students we serve — and toward the broader mission of giving back that has always been at the heart of AYL.
We've sustained this community for over three decades, and with your support, we can keep it going. Any contribution, big or small, means the world to us. Thank you for standing with AYL.
5%
Funded
5
Donors
123
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The Columbus Mac & Cheese Festival 2026
By OSUCCC-James NextGen Society
Learn about and support this event benefitting adolescent and young adult (AYA) cancer research at the OSUCCC – James.
Learn about and support this event benefitting adolescent and young adult (AYA) cancer research at the OSUCCC – James. OSUCCC-James NextGen Society The 9th Columbus Mac & Cheese Festival will take place Friday September 25, 2026 to benefit the Adolescent and Young Adult (AYA) cancer program at The Ohio State University Comprehensive Cancer Center – Arthur G. James Cancer Hospital and Richard J. Solove Research Institute (OSUCCC – James). <strong>This year, with your support, we hope to raise over $100,000!</strong>
Community support for the AYA cancer program is crucial. <strong>Cancer remains the leading cause of death from disease</strong> for women ages 15 to 39 and the second-leading cause for young men, according to the American Cancer Society. So far, the Mac and Cheese Festival community has <strong>raised almost half a million dollars</strong> to help change this story.
These funds have supported targeted research studies, vital and encouraging survivorship programming and enhanced spaces for AYA patients at the OSUCCC – James. The need for cancer research still exists, and we invite you to continue your support of the Columbus Mac and Cheese Festival.
<strong>Your support of events like the Mac & Cheese Festival truly make an impact</strong>. Investing in the cancer experts at the OSUCCC – James fuels groundbreaking discoveries that will lead to our ultimate goal of a cancer-free world. Please join the NextGen James Ambassadors by making a gift. On behalf of the world-class doctors, researchers, friends and caregivers at the OSUCCC – James, we greatly appreciate any support you are able to provide. We thank you for your consideration in joining us in this important cause.
<em>If you have any event specific questions, please reach out to Cherai Morris at <a href="mailto:fundraising.events@osumc.edu">fundraising.events@osumc.edu</a> or call <a>(614) 247-9996</a>.</em>
75%
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35
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7
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Support the Best Damn Band in the Land
By The Ohio State University
Gifts to The Ohio State University Marching Band directly support the operations of the band as well as our world-class students.
Gifts to The Ohio State University Marching Band directly support the operations of the band as well as our world-class students. Imagine the electrifying moment when Script Ohio unfolds, each precise movement reflecting tradition and excellence. This is the magic of The Ohio State University Marching Band.
<a href="https://buckeyefunder.osu.edu/project/49915/donate"><strong>Today, this legacy needs your support.</strong><strong> </strong></a>
We invite you to make a donation to help the Band continue its storied tradition of excellence. Your gift will help us purchase instruments and equipment and award scholarships to our talented students.
<strong>Every little bit helps</strong><strong> The Best Damn Band In The Land.</strong>
Every gift you give, no matter the size, brings us one step closer to achieving our goals. Please consider a donation to support The Ohio State University Marching Band.
“Growing up I always dreamed of being in The Ohio State University Marching Band. It has been a core part of my time at Ohio State, and I could not be more thankful.” - Brady Phillips
<em>Questions? Call our Engagement Center at <a><em>(614) 292-2281</em></a> and please be sure to update your Ohio State <a href="https://connect1.osu.edu/alumni/osuaa-login">contact information</a>. </em><em>Your gift may be eligible for a corporate match! </em><em>Check if your company has a matching gift policy <a href="https://osu.edu/giving/ways-to-give/matching-gifts"><em>here</em></a>. </em>
<em>How and where you choose to make your philanthropic impact is a very personal decision. Contact Katie Culler </em>(<a href="mailto:culler.64@osu.edu">culler.64@osu.edu</a>) <em>to explore giving opportunities that match your interests, legacy giving or endowment funds. </em>
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ATI Golf Scholarship Outing
By The Ohio State University
Support the ATI Golf Scholarship Outing by registering to participate or becoming a sponsor.
Support the ATI Golf Scholarship Outing by registering to participate or becoming a sponsor. <strong>Welcome to the 2026 OSU ATI Turfgrass Scholarship Golf Outing event page. </strong>
Here you can claim your sponsorship levels, register your team or player, and support the event in many other ways.
<strong>2026 Event Details</strong>
Monday, October 5
Portage Country Club
240 N Portage Path, Akron, OH 44303
<strong>Registration</strong>: 9:30 a.m.
<strong>Shotgun Start:</strong> 10:30 a.m.
Boxed lunch and water will be provided.
Dinner and prizes starting at 3:15
<strong>Be part of a tradition that has raised over $100,000 since 2016</strong>
Games, skins, student events, and many more activities throughout the day. Come enjoy a great day, supporting a great cause!
For questions, contact Ed Nangle (330-287-1259)
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Support Political Science Students
By The Ohio State University
Support students and advance innovative research.
Support students and advance innovative research. For more than a century, the Department of Political Science at The Ohio State University has helped students and scholars make sense of the political world. <strong>Your support has been essential to that mission.</strong>
Today, your generosity is needed more than ever. As higher education faces increasing financial pressures and reductions in federal research support, your gift provides the flexibility to invest where the <strong>need is greatest.</strong>
Right now, your gift can have twice the impact. Thanks to the generosity of Political Science Advisory Board members Michael Cavanaugh, Michal Nelson and Paul Perry, <a href="https://buckeyefunder.osu.edu/project/49941/donate"><strong>every gift will be matched dollar for dollar</strong></a><strong>, until we reach $25,000, doubling the total impact to $50,000.</strong>
Housed in Derby Hall, the Department of Political Science brings together diverse perspectives on politics, united by a commitment to rigorous research, outstanding teaching, and preparing students to understand the forces shaping contemporary political life.
<strong>Your support helps us:</strong>
<ul><li><strong>Invest in Students. </strong>Expand internship opportunities and provide financial support so talented students can pursue meaningful experiential learning regardless of their financial circumstances.</li><li><strong>Advance Innovative Research</strong>. Support forward-looking teaching and scholarship in emerging areas, ensuring Ohio State remains competitive while preparing students with the analytical skills needed for today's data-driven and civic life.</li><li><strong>Strengthen the Department's Future.</strong> Respond quickly to strategic opportunities, recruit exceptional faculty and invest in initiatives that keep the department at the forefront of the discipline.</li></ul>
<strong>Every gift—of any size—makes a difference. </strong>And thanks to this matching challenge, your generosity will go twice as far in strengthening Political Science at Ohio State.
<blockquote>
“As a rising senior at The Ohio State University, I was incredibly grateful to receive an internship for the summer of 2026. Without donor support, I would not have been able to take an internship in DC. It’s already been amazing, and my family and I are so grateful.” - Luke Grissinger</blockquote>
<a href="https://buckeyefunder.osu.edu/project/49941/donate"><strong>Please make your gift today</strong></a><strong> and have it matched up to $25,000 while this opportunity lasts.</strong>
Questions? Call our Engagement Center at <a><em>(614) 292-2281</em></a> and please be sure to update your Ohio State <a href="https://connect1.osu.edu/alumni/osuaa-login">contact information</a>.
<em>Your gift may be eligible for a corporate match! Check if your company has a matching gift policy </em><a href="https://osu.edu/giving/ways-to-give/matching-gifts"><em>here</em></a><em>.</em>
<em>How and where you choose to make your philanthropic impact is a very personal decision. Contact Tammy Parker</em> (<a href="mailto:parker.465@osu.edu">parker.465@osu.edu</a>) <em>to explore giving opportunities that match your interests, legacy giving or endowment funds. </em>
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Support Economics
By The Ohio State University
Support Economics today and help students, research, and innovation thrive.
Support Economics today and help students, research, and innovation thrive. Economics is widely regarded as a core discipline in higher education and has always been a sought-after skill set by employers. The department celebrated its 100th anniversary in 2022. Demand for undergraduate courses and majors is consistently high, with nearly 1,000 students pursuing a BA or BS in Economics.
<strong>Your support has been essential to that mission. </strong>Today, your generosity is needed more than ever.
Right now, your gift can have twice the impact. Thanks to the generosity of the Economics Alumni Advisory Board, <a href="https://buckeyefunder.osu.edu/project/50024/donate"><strong>every gift will be matched dollar for dollar</strong><strong> until we reach $9,000, doubling the total impact to $18,000.</strong></a>
<strong>Your support helps us:</strong>
<ul><li><strong>Invest in Students. </strong>Expand internship opportunities and provide financial support so talented students can pursue meaningful learning experiences regardless of their financial circumstances.</li><li><strong>Advance Innovative Research</strong>. Support teaching and research in emerging areas, ensuring Ohio State remains competitive.</li><li><strong>Strengthen the Department's Future.</strong> Respond quickly to strategic opportunities and invest in initiatives that keep the department at the forefront of the discipline.</li></ul>
<a href="https://buckeyefunder.osu.edu/project/50024/donate"><strong>Every gift—of any size—makes a difference</strong></a><strong>. </strong>And thanks to this match, your generosity will go twice as far in strengthening the Department of Economics at Ohio State.
Dr. Edward J. Ray dedicated more than three decades to Ohio State, including 16 years as chair of the Department of Economics and later as Executive Vice President and Provost. Through his generous support of the Department of Economics, Dr. Ray recently established an endowed fund that provides flexible resources to assist students facing emergency financial needs and offers supplemental support for faculty and staff. His enduring commitment reflects a lifelong belief in expanding opportunities for students and strengthening the academic community.<blockquote>
<em>“I hope that my gift will inspire alumni and friends of economics to consider their own additional support to benefit students, staff, and faculty as they move into their new home in Bricker Hall.”</em> - <strong>Dr. Edward J. Ray</strong></blockquote>
<a href="https://buckeyefunder.osu.edu/project/50024/donate"><strong>Please make your gift today</strong></a><strong> and have it matched up to $9,000 while this opportunity lasts.</strong>
<em>Matching gift funds provided by David Priestley, James Nieberding, Chris Marshall, Keith Robinson, Roger Essig and Richard Willke.</em>
<strong>Event</strong>: On Nov. 6, Department of Economics alumni and supporters are invited to experience the newly renovated Bricker Hall, thoughtfully redesigned to support collaboration and community. Enjoy refreshments, self-guided tours of the new space, and updates from department leadership. We're so excited to welcome alumni and friends to this new space where students, researchers, and faculty will thrive! <a href="https://artsandsciences.osu.edu/events/bricker-hall-open-house-dedication"><strong>Find out more here.</strong></a>
<em><strong>Questions?</strong> Call our Engagement Center at <a>(614) 292-2281</a> and please </em><em>be sure to update your Ohio State <a href="https://connect1.osu.edu/alumni/osuaa-login">contact information</a>.</em>
<em><strong>Your gift may be eligible for a corporate match!</strong> Check if your company has a matching gift policy </em><a href="https://osu.edu/giving/ways-to-give/matching-gifts"><em>here</em></a><em>.</em>
<em>How and where you choose to make your philanthropic impact is a very personal decision. Contact Brooke O'Leary (</em><a href="mailto:oleary.158@osu.edu"><em>oleary.158@osu.edu</em></a><em>) to explore giving opportunities that match your interests, legacy giving, or endowment funds. </em>
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Send a MGC singer to Harvard
By The Ohio State University
Send a Men's Glee Club Member to the Intercollegiate Musical Council at Harvard in February
Send a Men's Glee Club Member to the Intercollegiate Musical Council at Harvard in February <strong>The Men’s Glee Club has been invited to perform at the 2027 National IMC: The Tenor-Bass Choral Consortium</strong>. Since its founding in 1915 as the Intercollegiate Musical Council, IMC: The Tenor-Bass Choral Consortium has striven to promote quality tenor-bass chorus singing and music. Its membership is made up of tenor-bass choruses/glee clubs of the nation’s universities, college and secondary schools. Membership is also open to community and professional ensembles, as well as to individuals.
<strong>The 2027 conference (February 25–27) will be held on the campus of Harvard University. The Men's Glee Club will be featured on the closing concert — Feb. 27 at 7:30 p.m.</strong>
The projected cost for this trip is $36,000. The bulk of this cost is for transportation and food for the singers and conductors. Expenses have been kept to a minimum due to the generosity of members of the Harvard Glee Club who have offered to house the Ohio State singers for the duration of their stay in Cambridge.
Approximate cost per singer for this trip is $550. The School of Music will make a contribution, and we will apply funds from current endowment funds, though these funds are currently somewhat depleted due to our recent Sesquicentennial (150th) celebration in 2025–2026.
<strong>REQUEST</strong>: Please consider a donation to help a Men's Glee Club member get to Harvard — much like trips our alumni remember from years past to Washington D.C., New York, Chicago and beyond. We are grateful for contributions of any amount.
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Support Excellence at CSEEES
By The Ohio State University
Help CSEEES students continue their education and complete their degree.
Help CSEEES students continue their education and complete their degree. Ohio State’s Center for Slavic, East European and Eurasian Studies (CSEEES) has a long history of excellence in the field, producing graduates with foreign language skills and cultural knowledge to succeed in business, education and government work. Our quality has been recognized by consistently being awarded National Resource Center and Foreign Language and Area Studies grants from the U.S. Department of Education (ED), which allowed our top students to receive fellowships for their studies. <strong>Those programs were cancelled last year</strong>, and both students and staff scrambled to bridge the gaps. We are excited that a new grant program from ED was announced, called Centers Aligned with Areas for National Need (CAANN), and we’ve applied in the hope of receiving federal support for and recognition of our work; an announcement is expected in mid-September. Regardless of the outcome, <strong>CAANN would provide a smaller portion of funds for student support</strong>. We are determined to continue to fill the gaps in their finances to the best of our ability.
<em>"My time with CSEEES was instrumental in developing me personally and professionally into the person that I am today…the CSEEES M.A. creates professionals with a cross functional skill set that would be useful in almost any industry."-- CSEEES Survey Respondent</em>
Your past generosity allowed us to establish the <a href="https://slaviccenter.osu.edu/funding/cseees-excellence-award">CSEEES Excellence Award</a> which starting in autumn 2026 will provide a scholarship to CSEEES students who earn a GPA of 3.9 or higher. Four students have earned the award this fall, with six eligible for it in spring. You will meet some of these students throughout the course of this campaign and learn about their interests and goals. Amazingly, this fall’s Excellence Awardees collectively study eight languages: Albanian, Bosnian-Croatian-Serbian, Hebrew, Romanian, Russian, Turkish, Polish and Yiddish.
<strong>Your gift to this campaign supports these students, allowing them to continue their education and complete their degree.</strong>
<strong>Our goal is to raise $6,000 to increase the fall Excellence Award to at least $1,000 per student</strong>, ensure we have enough funds to keep our promise to all students who qualify in spring, and continue to offer professional development grants to students along with a well-rounded campus experience of lectures, workshops, film screenings and events.
<strong><em>The first $1,500 of donations of $100 or more were matched by funds from our Director, a generous alum and friends of the Center, helping us make quick progress towards our goal. </em></strong>
Donations of any size help us reach our goal, and show our students your support. <strong>Every $600 raised over the goal allows us to promise an additional $100 for Excellence Award recipients this spring.</strong>
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National Coming Out Day Ad 2026
By The Ohio State University
Support the LGBTQ community at Ohio State by making a gift to the National Coming Out Day Buckeye Funder campaign!
Support the LGBTQ community at Ohio State by making a gift to the National Coming Out Day Buckeye Funder campaign! <strong>Support the LGBTQ community at Ohio State by <a href="https://buckeyefunder.osu.edu/project/50226">making a gift</a> to the National Coming Out Day Buckeye Funder campaign.</strong>For over 30 years, members and friends of Ohio State’s lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender and queer community have published an ad in The Lantern for National Coming Out Day (NCOD). Scarlet and Gay began coordinating the NCOD ad fundraising campaign when we became an alumni society 25 years ago! <strong>This year, the deadline to give and have your name appear in the NCOD ad (if desired) is</strong> <strong>Friday, September 25</strong>. It will run in The Lantern on October 11. The funds raised will be used to provide scholarships to students who are selected through the application process, program support and The Lantern ad. Scholarships are open to students without respect to sex, gender, sexual orientation or identity.If you've already made your gift, thank you! And if this is your first time participating, welcome! Please encourage other members of our community and allies to contribute and share our campaign with their personal networks. If you have any questions about the NCOD ad, please <a href="mailto:mhohstate@gmail.com?subject=">contact Matt Hall</a>.Lastly, we always encourage alumni and current students who are part of the LGBTQ community (including allies) to <a href="https://www.osu.edu/alumni/get-involved/lgbtq-connect">self-identify through the alumni association</a> to receive communication regarding Scarlet and Gay events and leadership opportunities.Sincerely,Matt Hall (he/him)<a href="mailto:mhohstate@gmail.com?subject=">mhohstate@gmail.com</a>
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Support scholarships for first-generation students
By The Ohio State University
Support first-generation students and champion student success
Support first-generation students and champion student success First-generation students are a hard-working and talented group who are an essential part of the Ohio State community. However, they face many unique challenges throughout their college careers. To support them, Scholarship and Student Support is raising money for our first-generation scholarship funds to support these students. <strong>By donating today, you can help first-generation students by removing barriers, supporting student success, and creating opportunities that change lives, families, and entire communities.</strong>
<strong>What is a first-generation student?</strong>
First-generation students are college students whose parents have not earned a baccalaureate degree or higher. These students often face many barriers that affect student success, as many of them navigate college without the benefit of family members who have experience navigating higher education. They also often face personal and financial challenges that make it more difficult to persist to graduation.
<strong>Quick stats and facts</strong>
<strong></strong><ul><li>First-generation students are a significant part of the Ohio State community<ul><li>Last year, 1 in 5 (19.7%) new first-year students at the Columbus campus were first-generation</li><li>Last year, 1,621 first year first-generation students enrolled as new first-year students at the Columbus Campus</li></ul></li><li>First-generation students are part of a very talented student body<ul><li>97% of last year's new first-year students at the Columbus campus were in the top 25% of their high school classes</li><li>The average ACT score of last year's new first-year students at Columbus was 30.6</li><li>The average SAT score of last year's new first-year students at Columbus was 1397</li></ul></li></ul>
<ul><li>First-generation students often face additional barriers that affect student success<ul><li>First-generation students often navigate college without the benefit of family members who have experience navigating higher education</li><li>First-generation students often face personal and financial challenges that make it more difficult to persist to graduation</li></ul></li><li>While retention rates for first-generation students are strong, a gap exists between them and their non-first-generation peers<ul><li>New first-year students in the 2024 cohort had a 91.7% 1-year retention rate compared to 94.8% for non-first generation students</li></ul></li><li>While most first-generation students end up graduating from Ohio State, they do so at lower rates than non-first-generation students<ul><li>In the 2021 cohort, 64.5% of first-generation students graduated within 4 years compared to 74.3% of non-first-generation students</li><li>In the 2019 cohort, 81.2% of first-generation students graduated within 6 years compared to 89.8% of non-first-generation students</li></ul></li></ul>
<strong>Meet some of our first-generation students!</strong>
<strong>Katalina Xayavong</strong><strong></strong>
<strong>“With the help of scholarship donors, I was able to become a regular student at an excellent school. Coming from an immigrant family, I am proud that I get to show others that we can have a place in higher education, too.”</strong>
<strong>HOMETOWN:</strong> Akron, Ohio<strong>CAMPUS:</strong> Columbus<strong>MAJOR:</strong> BS in Anthropology, minor in forensic science<strong>YEAR:</strong> Class of 2026
Katalina is a first-generation student whose parents are both immigrants from different countries. Growing up in a tight-knit family with her mom being the sole provider, she knew she wanted to stay in state for school. She decided on Ohio State after being chosen as part of the inaugural cohort of the Scarlet and Gray Advantage program, which fully supports all expenses and helped her graduate completely debt-free.
By the spring of her freshman year, she began to work 20 hours a week at the financial aid office on campus and continued throughout all four years. She finds it rewarding to help other first-year and first-generation students with no clue where to start, just like she was when she first came here. Her favorite Ohio State memory is getting more involved with her department and meeting one of her best friends in an archeology class. She says the best class she took was The Living Primates, since it allowed her to explore a different side of anthropology. Katalina also enjoyed participating in Ohio State’s Wigs for Kids, which helps children with medical-related hair loss.
In June 2026, Katalina started her full-time counselor position at BuckeyeLink and is excited to further her time with the university. She would love to eventually work in a museum with a curation job. She likes the human-side of archaeology, where she has the creativity to put together items and tell a story. She plans to work for a few years before coming back to earn a master’s degree and a doctorate.
<strong>Shayla Frederick</strong><strong></strong>
<strong>“I wish I could go back to freshman year and experience all the firsts as an Ohio State student. First football game, first time in the dining halls, first everything! This campus and community has already given me so much, it’s impossible to find one specific memory from my four years here. But what matters more to me is the people who made these memories so valuable, and I’ll cherish those forever.”</strong>
<strong>HOMETOWN:</strong> Dayton, Ohio<strong>CAMPUS:</strong> Columbus<strong>MAJOR:</strong> BS in Industrial and Systems Engineering, minor in humanitarian engineering<strong>YEAR:</strong> Class of 2026
Shayla accepted her admission immediately and became part of the Humanitarian Engineering Scholars, a two-year program designed to teach students how to utilize engineering for social good. She got involved with the engineering sorority Phi Sigma Rho, holding positions from recruitment guide to vice president of new member education. She loved holding mentor positions with the sorority because it allowed her to think back to when she first came to campus and guide girls through the process.
She particularly enjoyed taking Intro to Skydiving, where she says she didn’t expect to learn so much about fear and control, but the dive made her think about those aspects of her identity. Shayla held internships with Coca-Cola and GE Aerospace and served as a teaching assistant for the College of Engineering. She also spent considerable time on her capstone, working with solar panel manufacturer Illuminate, allowing her to implement data analysis (including Measurement System Analysis, Monte Carlo Simulations, other Lean Six Sigma tools) and continuous improvement strategies. She even got to lead a Kaizen workshop with 10 operators, allowing her to use the skills learned in her industrial engineering major, and take it to the next level while talking to stakeholders and convincing them of her solutions.
Shayla graduated in spring 2026 and began an Operations Management Leadership Program at GE Aerospace in fall 2026. Over the course of two years, Shayla will get to participate in three roles, ranging from quality to people leadership. She is excited to explore different roles in the company while also traveling. She is thankful for donors that give to Ohio State, emphasizing that “our stories are all different, but we continue to be linked in the gratitude we have for everyone involved in our journeys. There are no words or actions that can encompass the impact you have made on many lives.”
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Sports and Society Institute
By The Ohio State University
Shaping the Future of Sports Through Research, Education and Career Readiness
Shaping the Future of Sports Through Research, Education and Career Readiness <a href="https://buckeyefunder.osu.edu/project/50299/donate">Sports and Society Institute: Creating Opportunities Through Sports</a>
The <strong>Sports and Society Institute (SSI)</strong> at The Ohio State University explores how sports shape our lives far beyond the game. Led by Director Nicole Kraft of the School of Communication, SSI brings together faculty and experts in sociology, economics, sports industry, sports medicine, and social work, alongside partners from Ohio State Athletics, the Ohio High School Athletic Association, and the Columbus Sports Commission. An advisory board of distinguished Ohio State alumni and sports industry leaders helps guide its mission.
As Kraft explains,<em>"Our goal is to build a much stronger understanding of the connection between sports and society and how it influences us far beyond any game or season."</em>
<a href="https://buckeyefunder.osu.edu/project/50299/donate">Why Your Support Matters</a>
As SSI transitions from an initiative to an official institute, demand for its programs continues to grow. Your gift helps fund:<ul><li>Student internships and experiential learning opportunities</li><li>Travel to conferences and major sporting events</li><li>Mentorship and career readiness programs</li><li>Research projects examining the impact of sports on society</li><li>Access to industry experts, networking opportunities, and hands-on learning experiences </li></ul>
<a href="https://buckeyefunder.osu.edu/project/50299/donate">Invest in the Future of Sports and Society</a>
Sports have the power to educate, unite, inspire, and transform lives. By supporting SSI, you help students gain career-defining experiences, advance innovative research, and strengthen conversations that shape the future of sports.
<a href="https://buckeyefunder.osu.edu/project/50299/donate">How SSI Makes an Impact</a>
Research
SSI supports groundbreaking graduate and undergraduate research that examines the role of sports in society. Through initiatives such as the National Sports and Society Survey and faculty-led research collaborations, SSI advances knowledge on topics ranging from athlete well-being to social and cultural issues in sports.
Public Programming
SSI creates opportunities for students, faculty, alumni, and the public to engage in conversations about important issues in sports, including athlete equality, mental health, sports analytics, leadership, and the future of the industry. During 2025-26, SSI hosted dozens of impactful programs, including the Ohio State Sports Analytics Conference and career-focused events featuring leaders from across the sports world.
Career Readiness
Preparing students for success is at the heart of SSI's mission. Through internships, mentorship, networking opportunities, career fairs, and immersive experiences at events such as the NCAA Women's Final Four and Gasparilla Bowl, students gain the skills, connections, and confidence needed to thrive in the sports industry.
<a href="https://buckeyefunder.osu.edu/project/50299/donate">2025-2026 By the Numbers</a><ul><li><strong>134 student club members</strong>, with more than 50% women.</li><li><strong>15 student interns</strong> gaining hands-on professional experience.</li><li>More than <strong>1,000 students</strong> engaged through career fairs and professional development events.</li><li><strong>81 interns supported</strong> and <strong>27 major events hosted</strong> during SSI's first decade.</li><li>A growing mentorship network connecting students directly with sports industry professionals. </li></ul>
Your gift will provide students with the opportunities, mentorship, and real-world experiences they need to succeed while advancing Ohio State's leadership in sports and society. <a href="https://buckeyefunder.osu.edu/project/50299/donate">Join us in building the next generation of sports leaders. Make your gift today.</a>
<em><strong>Questions?</strong> Call our Engagement Center at <a>(614) 292-2281</a> and please </em><em>be sure to update your Ohio State <a href="https://connect1.osu.edu/alumni/osuaa-login">contact information</a>.</em>
<em><strong>Your gift may be eligible for a corporate match!</strong> Check if your company has a matching gift policy </em><a href="https://osu.edu/giving/ways-to-give/matching-gifts"><em>here</em></a><em>.</em>
<em><em>How and where you choose to make your philanthropic impact is a very personal decision. Contact David Precise </em>(<a href="mailto:precise.2@osu.edu">precise.2@osu.edu</a>) <em>to explore giving opportunities that match your interests, legacy giving, or endowment funds. </em></em>
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Support OSU's Figure Skating Club
By Benanzea Ndematebem
Help make collegiate figure skating more accessible and give OSUFSC skaters the opportunity to compete, grow, and chase their goals.
Help make collegiate figure skating more accessible and give OSUFSC skaters the opportunity to compete, grow, and chase their goals. The Ohio State University Figure Skating Club (OSUFSC), established in 1997, acts as The Ohio State University’s only competitive figure skating team. The club itself is made up of two groups: recreational (those who skate leisurely once a week on club ice) and competitive (those who train and meet required practice hours to perform during competitions).
OSUFSC competes within the southeastern region, and members of the competitive team have the opportunity to skate in three fixed competitions annually, with the addition of one national competition at the end of the season — granted that OSUFSC places in the top four spots of the region to compete at nationals.
This year, the club will compete at Miami University in Oxford, Ohio (Feb. 5-7), University of South Florida (Feb. 26-28), and University of Maryland (March 5-7). Over the span of the weekend, skaters stay in hotels, and wake up early to support each of their teammates throughout the day. Last year, against 27 South Eastern collegiate teams, OUSFSC placed 5th overall, one position off from earning a spot at nationals.
Supporting OSUFSC goes beyond potential national placements; your support invests in the livelihood of individuals within the team. Any donation made to the team lessens the financial strain figure skating levies on collegiate athletes, and raises club participation by increasing accessibility to the sport. Every year competitive skaters pay out of pocket for competition fees, meals, and travel costs, as well as yearly ice time, their dresses, skate sharpenings, and coaching lessons. Your support can help decrease the amount that skaters pay to compete through OSUFSC, and in turn help more skaters continue to skate through college at OSU.
You can also support OSUFSC through our gift account link: <a href="https://giveto.osu.edu/makeagift/details/318071">https://giveto.osu.edu/makeagift/details/318071</a>
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Center for African Studies Renaissance 2026
By Mekateko Mathebula
Support academic and outreach activities that promote African Studies
Support academic and outreach activities that promote African Studies Established by the Center for African Studies, the Renaissance Fund augments the Center’s vitality. Income will be allocated by the Director of the Center for African Studies to support academic and outreach activities that promote African Studies on and off campus and that enhance the interest, knowledge, and discourse on African-related topics in the academic communities and the public. Until the contributions to the fund reach the endowment level, the fund shall function as a current-use fund.
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