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Homecoming Court

$21,173
Amount Raised
325
Gifts Received

Homecoming Court 2026

Outstanding student leaders, unlimited possibilities to make a difference.

A generous Homecoming Court alumna, Nancy Lohman ’82, will match the first $25,000 raised by 2026 Homecoming Court members. Thank you for your support!

Projects

22 Projects
Homecoming 2026: Aidan McLaughlin
$750 raised for the Monda Student Resource Center
Join me in supporting the Monda Student Resource Center
Join me in supporting the Monda Student Resource Center <p><span class="fr-deletable">[[Amount Raised]]</span> raised for the Monda Student Resource Center</p> Early in my Ohio State career, there was a time when continuing college didn't feel guaranteed. Tuition costs created real uncertainty, and I knew academic success would also require showing up professionally—for interviews, conferences, and opportunities—even when buying professional clothing wasn't financially possible. Monda Career Closet gave me that chance. Walking in, I found more than clothing: I found dignity, encouragement, and the confidence to present myself as the student and leader I knew I could become. That confidence followed me to Sigma Phi Epsilon leadership conferences, where I could participate without worrying that I did not look prepared. It helped me pursue service as an Intelligence Analyst in the Ohio Army National Guard, a commitment that ultimately helped make scholarships and the continuation of my education possible. It also helped me step into professional opportunities, including an internship with Walsh Turner Joint Venture on the New Wexner Medical Center project. Those experiences were not handed to me; they grew from being given the practical support to walk into rooms prepared to earn my place.  Three years later, I returned to Monda Career Closet while preparing for Academia Tocqueville in Paris. I expected the resource I had first known: a small room with tables and donated clothes. Instead, I saw a transformed, welcoming space with fitting rooms and a food pantry—evidence that Ohio State continues to invest in students’ ability to persist, belong, and thrive. As I prepared for a seminar on French political thought, democracy, and civic leadership, that return made me reflect on how far I had come.  Today, standing on the 2026 Homecoming Court, I see the Monda Student Resource Center as part of my Buckeye story. It helped turn a moment of financial uncertainty into opportunities for service, leadership, professional growth, and study abroad. The Monda Student Resource Center is necessary because talent and ambition should never be limited by whether a student can afford a suit, interview clothes, or necessities. It gives Buckeyes the ability to feel presentable, capable, and seen, and for me, it helped make dreams that once felt out of reach possible. <strong>A generous Homecoming Court alumna, Nancy Lohman ’82, will match the first $25,000 raised by 2026 Homecoming Court members. Thank you for your support!</strong>
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Homecoming 2026: Ally Lewis
$760 raised for the Society of Women Engineers Support Fund
Join me in supporting the Society of Women Engineers
Join me in supporting the Society of Women Engineers <p><span class="fr-deletable">[[Amount Raised]]</span> raised for the Society of Women Engineers Support Fund</p> Hello! My name is Ally Lewis and I'm a fifth year in Food, Agricultural and Biological Engineering at Ohio State. Before I got here, I spent four years of high school engineering classes as one of two girls in the room. I got used to it, mostly. But "used to it" isn't the same as belonging, and I spent a lot of those years quietly wondering if I'd picked the wrong thing -- if the fact that nobody around me looked like me meant something about whether I could actually do this. Then, on one of my first days on campus, I found the Ohio State Society of Women Engineers. I wish I could explain what it felt like to meet them at the involvement fair, or to walk into my first meeting and find a room full of women studying the same things I was, struggling with the same problem sets, asking the same questions I'd been too nervous to ask out loud. My mentor Nicole is the one who pulled me in that day, and she's the reason I applied for things I didn't think I was qualified for. She's also the reason I found food engineering -- a major I didn't know existed until she told me about it. That confidence turned into an engineering co-op with Cargill my sophomore year and internships at Nestlé and PepsiCo. It's how I ended up in undergraduate research as a freshman, and how I've made it far enough to be finishing a thesis now. None of that was on my radar as a high schooler who assumed she was in the wrong room. The doubt didn't disappear, though, as I still get impostor syndrome. What changed is everything around it: I have people to text at 11pm before an exam who tell me they feel it too, upperclassmen who poured into me, and younger members I now get to pour into in turn. I have role models of every age and background. That's what SWE really gave me -- not a network or a line on a resume, but proof that I was never the only one.  That's why I'm raising money for our scholarship fund. It goes directly to SWE members who have earned it twice over: women engineers who are excelling in their coursework while giving enormous amounts of themselves to this organization. A scholarship lifts some of the financial weight off their shoulders so they can keep going. Put simply, it keeps women in engineering!  Every contribution to this fund goes directly toward supporting an engineering student who has more than earned it. If you’re able to give, I would be incredibly grateful. And if you’re not, sharing this page with someone who might be able to contribute means just as much. Thank you so much for supporting me, SWE, and the women who will come after us! <strong>A generous Homecoming Court alumna, Nancy Lohman ’82, will match the first $25,000 raised by 2026 Homecoming Court members. Thank you for your support!</strong>
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Homecoming 2026: Anusha Kapoor
$300 raised for Moms2B Program at Ohio State Wexner Medical Center
Support the Moms2B Program at Ohio State Wexner Medical Center
Support the Moms2B Program at Ohio State Wexner Medical Center <p><span class="fr-deletable">[[Amount Raised]]</span> raised for Moms2B Program at Ohio State Wexner Medical Center</p> Hello! My name is Anusha Kapoor, and I am a senior at The Ohio State University studying Biomedical Science with a minor in Spanish. Through my experiences in research, community service, and healthcare, I have become especially passionate about making health information accessible and helping people feel supported in making decisions about their health. That is why I am raising funds for Moms2B, a community-based pregnancy program at Ohio State that supports expectant mothers and their babies. I first became involved with Moms2B through SmileChild, a maternal health education project at Ohio State. As a recruitment lead, I work with Moms2B to recruit participants and learn from expectant mothers about how they access and understand health information. Working directly with Moms2B participants showed me that providing health information is only one part of supporting someone's health. That information has to be understandable, approachable, and relevant to the person receiving it. Moms2B creates that kind of support by bringing together education, healthcare professionals, and community resources for expectant mothers. Through weekly prenatal education sessions, mothers can learn about topics such as child development, labor and delivery, reproductive health, and safe sleep while also connecting with other mothers and healthcare professionals. Moms2B also helps address practical barriers by providing transportation assistance and supervised playtime. These resources can make it easier for mothers to participate in prenatal education and receive support throughout pregnancy. I am raising funds for Moms2B because every mother and baby deserves the opportunity to have a healthy start. Your support can help Moms2B continue providing education, resources, and a supportive community to expectant mothers in Columbus. To me, supporting Moms2B means investing in healthier pregnancies, healthier babies, and a community where mothers have the support they need throughout their pregnancy. I hope you will join me in supporting this important work! <strong>A generous Homecoming Court alumna, Nancy Lohman ’82, will match the first $25,000 raised by 2026 Homecoming Court members. Thank you for your support!</strong>
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Homecoming 2026: Brinda Raghavan
$1,200 raised for the Monda Student Resource Center
Join me in supporting the Monda Student Resource Center
Join me in supporting the Monda Student Resource Center <p><span class="fr-deletable">[[Amount Raised]]</span> raised for the Monda Student Resource Center</p> Hello! My name is Brinda Raghavan, and I am a fifth-year student majoring in Biology with minors in Animal Pre-Veterinary Medicine and Pharmaceutical Sciences. For as long as I can remember, I have cared deeply about ensuring that people have access to the resources they need to succeed. That commitment has shaped the way I approach service, leadership, and community involvement, and it is why essential needs insecurity is a cause that means so much to me. Essential needs insecurity is a challenge that occurs when someone does not have consistent access to necessities such as food, housing, clothing, or financial security. These challenges can have a profound effect on a student’s college experience, contributing to distraction in class, poorer mental health, lower grades, and even decisions to step away from their education entirely. When students are worried about where their next meal will come from or whether they can afford the resources necessary to participate fully in college life, their academic success and personal well-being can suffer.  That is why I am raising funds for the Monda Student Resource Center, which works to ensure that no Buckeye’s essential needs go unmet. Located in the Younkin Success Center, the Monda Student Resource Center houses several free resources in one welcoming and accessible location. The Student Food Pantry provides food ranging from snacks to fresh produce, as well as hygiene products and other necessities. The Reid Family Career Closet offers free casual and professional clothing for interviews, internships, and other opportunities. Students can also meet one-on-one with a Student Support Specialist, either in person or virtually, for personalized guidance with challenges such as food insecurity, housing instability, financial hardship, healthcare and mental health access, and navigating government programs or public benefits. Whether a student needs immediate assistance or help developing a longer-term plan, the Monda Student Resource Center connects them with compassionate, individualized support and additional university and community resources so Buckeyes to get the support they need to engage, learn, and thrive. This mission is deeply personal to me because I grew up hearing about my parents’ experiences as immigrants and international students pursuing higher education in the United States. They navigated demanding academics while facing significant financial hardship along with limited community and institutional support. My father still jokes about how spoiled my sibling and I are by our college meals because, during his PhD program, he often lived on jam and bread sandwiches as that was all he could afford. Despite those challenges, my parents persevered and built successful lives and careers, and their experiences taught me never to take access to education, or the resources that allow someone to succeed within it, for granted. They instilled in me a responsibility to pay that support forward for students encountering barriers similar to those they once faced. I have also experienced firsthand how valuable the Monda Student Resource Center can be. As a commuter student balancing coursework, campus involvement, and off-campus responsibilities, budgeting time can be difficult. During especially busy weeks when I did not have time to grocery shop, I relied on the Student Food Pantry to help me get through the week. I also used the Reid Family Career Closet to find the business-casual clothing I wore to the very interview that earned me a seat on the 2026 Homecoming Court. These experiences showed me that essential needs resources do more than respond to crises. They remove everyday barriers that can determine whether a student can focus on an exam, attend an interview, pursue an opportunity, or simply navigate a demanding week. Your gift to the Monda Student Resource Center can help provide students with the essentials they need not only to remain at Ohio State, but to make the most of everything their education has to offer. <strong>A generous Homecoming Court alumna, Nancy Lohman ’82, will match the first $25,000 raised by 2026 Homecoming Court members. Thank you for your support!</strong>
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Homecoming 2026: Chloee Howard
$481 raised for The Sustainable Campus
Investing in scalable campus sustainability and protect our environment.
Investing in scalable campus sustainability and protect our environment. <p><span class="fr-deletable">[[Amount Raised]]</span> raised for The Sustainable Campus</p> Hello, my name is Chloee Howard. I am a fifth-year student here at The Ohio State University studying Ecological Engineering. Growing up on a farm in rural Ohio I spent most of my time outside. Whether it was working with animals, tending to the garden, or just playing in the dirt, I loved the outdoors. As I got older my simple enjoyment of the outdoors turned into a passion for agriculture and environmental issues. I wanted to be somebody to protect the ecosystems I had come to love. As you can imagine, moving from a one-stoplight town to Columbus was a major change. After my first few weeks living on campus, I noticed how much waste was produced in a city. From huge piles of trash during move in, to uneaten plates in the dining hall, people seemed to toss things to the side so carelessly. These observations concerned me of the impacts that Ohio State could be making on the environment. Luckily, at the time I was a member of the Kellogg-Moser Food Security and Sustainability Living-Learning Community where we had a weekly class that we learned about sustainability policies in place around Ohio State’s campus. This was my first introduction to “The Sustainable Campus” and the initiatives it supports.   One of the most prominent and well-known efforts is the zero-waste program in the Ohio Stadium. As the largest collegiate venue in the country to continuously achieve zero-waste status, "The Shoe" diverts over 90% of game-day waste away from landfills through fan education, extensive recycling, and game-day composting. Beyond football Saturdays, this initiative extends into everyday campus life through expanded dining hall composting, university-wide single-stream recycling, and specialized waste reduction programs for offices and residence halls. Additionally, energy conservation, green construction standards, and sustainable transportation options further reinforce Ohio State's broader commitment to reducing its environmental footprint. Seeing these large-scale operations in action transformed how I viewed waste management, proving that with proper infrastructure, education, and collective community action, even a city-sized campus can create meaningful environmental change. I believe that it is essential for Ohio State to continue transforming into a fully zero-waste university, and The Sustainable Campus fund is crucial to aiding these efforts. My time studying Ecological Engineering has given me the technical skills and passion to design sustainable systems, and as I prepare to graduate and launch a career dedicated to positive environmental change, I am reminded that these grand goals start right here in our own community. By investing in scalable campus sustainability, we are not just managing waste, we are building a resilient blueprint for the future. Please join me in supporting The Sustainable Campus fund to protect our environment now and safeguard our campus for future generations of Buckeyes. <strong>A generous Homecoming Court alumna, Nancy Lohman ’82, will match the first $25,000 raised by 2026 Homecoming Court members. Thank you for your support!</strong>
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Homecoming 2026: Ekansh Seth
$225 raised for OSU Hospital East - Talbot Hall Addiction Medicine Program Fund
Join me in supporting the Talbot Hall Addiction Medicine program at OSU Hospital East
Join me in supporting the Talbot Hall Addiction Medicine program at OSU Hospital East <p><span class="fr-deletable">[[Amount Raised]]</span> raised for OSU Hospital East - Talbot Hall Addiction Medicine Program Fund</p> Hello! My name is Ekansh, and I'm a senior at The Ohio State University. I am majoring in Neuroscience and minoring in Substance Misuse and Addiction. Through my work with BREACH (Buckeyes Racial/Ethnic Equity Awareness Centered in Healthcare), I've spent a lot of time thinking about the barriers that keep people from getting the care they need, especially when it comes to stigma and access. That same interest led me to get involved in harm reduction work, including Narcan trainings aimed at helping students and community members recognize and respond to overdoses.   Through these experiences, I've seen how substance use disorders and so many other diseases are often met with judgment instead of support, even though recovery is possible when people have access to the right resources. That's what drew me to Talbot Hall at OSU Hospital East, which has spent decades providing addiction medicine care, including inpatient and outpatient treatment, residential care, and peer recovery support, to individuals across Ohio.   That's why I'm raising funds for the OSU Hospital East - Talbot Hall Addiction Medicine Program Fund during my time on Homecoming Court. Every dollar helps support the physicians and staff working to give people struggling with substance use a real chance at recovery. I hope you'll join me in supporting a future where people get met with compassion instead of stigma. Thank you!  <strong>A generous Homecoming Court alumna, Nancy Lohman ’82, will match the first $25,000 raised by 2026 Homecoming Court members. Thank you for your support!</strong>
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Homecoming 2026: George Liu
$1,200 raised for Friends of Dodd Rehabilitation Services Fund
Join me in supporting Friends of Dodd Rehabilitation Services
Join me in supporting Friends of Dodd Rehabilitation Services <p><span class="fr-deletable">[[Amount Raised]]</span> raised for Friends of Dodd Rehabilitation Services Fund</p> Hello, my name is George Liu, and I’m a senior at The Ohio State University studying Biomedical Engineering through the Integrated Business and Engineering Program. Growing up, I was fascinated by medicine and partly driven by the idea of becoming the first physician in my family. But it was really when I began working at Dodd Rehabilitation Hospital that I truly began to understand what it means to care for another person.  I first became involved with Dodd in the summer of 2024 as a Safety Coach, spending one-on-one time with patients who needed additional supervision and support. Wanting to contribute more directly to their care, I trained to become a Patient Care Associate. Today, I've taken care of hundreds of patients recovering from spinal cord injuries, brain injuries, strokes, and other life-altering conditions through vitals, assisting with hygiene and mobility, drawing blood, and supporting patients throughout their rehabilitation. Because many patients remain at Dodd for weeks, I have had the privilege of seeing them not only on their hardest days, but also as they slowly regain strength, independence, and confidence.  One patient in particular changed the way I think about care. Cheryl, a woman with advanced dementia, carried a pillow printed with a photograph of her late husband and spoke to it as though he were still beside her. What could easily have been treated as a distraction became, for me, a way to reach her. By including her husband in our conversations and care, I watched her agitation turn into trust—and eventually heard more laughter coming from her room. Cheryl taught me that rehabilitation is not only about helping someone regain what their body has lost; it is also about preserving the dignity, identity, and humanity that remain.  That is why I am fundraising for Dodd during my time on Homecoming Court. Recovery after a life-changing injury or illness extends far beyond a hospital bed, requiring specialized rehabilitation, compassionate caregivers, adaptive resources, and support that helps patients rebuild their independence and return to the lives and people they love. Dodd has shaped the kind of future physician I hope to become, and this fundraiser is my opportunity to give back to the patients and families who have taught me so much. I hope you will join me in supporting a hospital that helps preserve people's paths forward.  <strong>A generous Homecoming Court alumna, Nancy Lohman ’82, will match the first $25,000 raised by 2026 Homecoming Court members. Thank you for your support!</strong>
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Homecoming 2026: Grace Min
$580 raised for the Psychology Fund for Mental Health
Join me in making sure no Buckeye ever feels alone!
Join me in making sure no Buckeye ever feels alone! <p><span class="fr-deletable">[[Amount Raised]]</span> raised for the Psychology Fund for Mental Health</p> Hi everyone! My name is Grace Min, and I’m a fourth-year senior studying Finance and Philosophy at the Ohio State University. Like so many other students, I have learned that some of the hardest parts of college have nothing to do with exams, projects, or grades. College is an incredibly exciting time, but between demanding classes, work, relationships, finances, and trying to figure out what comes next, it is also incredibly hard not to feel overwhelmed. And sometimes it is even harder to admit that you are struggling. One of the things I am most grateful for from my time at Ohio State so far is the community I have found here. Through my involvement in my business fraternity, Student Life, Alpha Chi Omega, and as a Buckeye Leadership Fellow, I have had the opportunity to meet people from different backgrounds and hear stories that have shaped the way I understand mental health. These experiences have reminded me that every person in our community is carrying something different. I have also had opportunities that have pushed me far beyond my comfort zone, including studying abroad and leadership positions that have allowed me to grow personally, academically, and professionally. I would not have been able to experience any of these privileges without mental health resources. Having access to support when I needed it gave me the foundation to not just get through college, but to truly experience it. Mental health is a cause that is near and dear to my heart. I have been diagnosed with mental health conditions and access to the right resources & support has genuinely saved my life. I understand firsthand how important it is to have somewhere to turn when things feel overwhelming and how impactful it is to have the right resources available to support you. At the same time, my passion for mental health extends far beyond my own experiences. These resources have given me the foundation to not just get through college, but to experience the opportunities, relationships, and communities that have shaped my life. But this cause extends far beyond my own experience. Mental health affects our friends, classmates, roommates, teammates, coworkers, families, and neighbors. It affects the people we see every day and the people whose struggles we may never know about. This is why I have chosen to raise money for the Ohio State University Psychological Services Center (PSC) which is the only free mental health clinic in Central Ohio. Every year, the PSC provides counseling and psychological services to individuals, couples, families, and children who may not otherwise have access to care. But the need continues to grow, and demand for services is greater than we can currently meet. That reality is why I have chosen to raise money to support mental health access for students and community members, while also supporting research into the causes and treatments of a wide range of mental health challenges. The people I have connected with throughout my time at Ohio State have strengthened my belief that supporting mental health means supporting our entire community. This cause is not about one type of person or one type of struggle. It is about recognizing that all of our mental health is important and making sure that everyone has access to the support they deserve. Expanding access to mental health resources strengthens not just the individuals who receive care, but the entire community around them. Every contribution helps support access to care for people who need it and helps advance research that could improve countless lives in the future. If you are able to give, I would be incredibly grateful. And if you are not, sharing this page with a friend, classmate, family member, or anyone who might be able to contribute is just as meaningful. Thank you for supporting me, for supporting mental health, and most importantly, for helping build a community where every Buckeye knows that they are not alone. <strong>A generous Homecoming Court alumna, Nancy Lohman ’82, will match the first $25,000 raised by 2026 Homecoming Court members. Thank you for your support!</strong>
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Homecoming 2026: Gracie Sprague
$500 raised for the Ohio 4-H Program Fund
Join me in supporting Ohio 4-H
Join me in supporting Ohio 4-H <p><span class="fr-deletable">[[Amount Raised]]</span> raised for the Ohio 4-H Program Fund</p><p><br></p> Hello, my name is Gracie Sprague, and I am a fourth-year student at The Ohio State University studying Agriscience Education.  My connection to Ohio State began long before I stepped onto campus. At 8 years old, I joined 4-H, a program of the College of Food, Agricultural, and Environmental Sciences that brings Ohio State into communities across all 88 counties. The 4-H motto is “To Make the Best Better,” and I’m grateful Ohio 4-H has left me better than it found me. It gave a community and a connection to the university I am now proud to call home. 4-H gave me an appreciation for agriculture and showed me what it means to contribute to something bigger than myself. Through livestock projects, camps, conferences, and leadership opportunities, I gained experiences that shaped both who I am and the leader I strive to be. 4-H camp encouraged me to step outside my comfort zone and meet new people. Exhibiting market sheep and swine taught me responsibility and the value of hard work.  “Time and change will surely show” reminds us that our connection to Ohio State continues to grow throughout every stage of life. From my first experiences in 4-H to the mentors and friends who have supported me as a student, Ohio State has continually helped me grow as a leader. That is why I am proud to support Ohio 4-H through being a part of the 2026 Homecoming Court. Your contribution will help ensure that young people across Ohio continue to discover their potential and develop into leaders who make the best better. <strong>A generous Homecoming Court alumna, Nancy Lohman ’82, will match the first $25,000 raised by 2026 Homecoming Court members. Thank you for your support!</strong>
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Homecoming 2026: Harsha Sanaka
$125 raised for The Gladys Foster Anderson Early Literacy Fund
Join me in supporting early literacy and quality education
Join me in supporting early literacy and quality education <p><span class="fr-deletable">[[Amount Raised]]</span> raised for The Gladys Foster Anderson Early Literacy Fund</p> Since 2023, I have been a part of Pass the Class, a 501(c)(3) nonprofit founded by OSU students in 2017 to provide academic empowerment and professional readiness services to Columbus youth experiencing homelessness. Since its inception, Pass the Class has transformed tremendously, now expanding to launch tutoring programs at several Columbus elementary and middle schools. Nevertheless, our underlying mission has remained constant: to empower youth through education. Through this work, I have seen students’ confidence grow and mindsets shift through milestones like completing a math worksheet independently or reading a book chapter without assistance. When you support the Gladys Foster Anderson Early Literacy Fund, you help give children access to the educational resources and opportunities that can spark that same sense of confidence early in life. <strong>A generous Homecoming Court alumna, Nancy Lohman ’82, will match the first $25,000 raised by 2026 Homecoming Court members. Thank you for your support!</strong>
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Homecoming 2026: Ishpreet Devgan
$2,285 raised for BuckeyeThon Fund for Pediatric Cancer
Join me in supporting BuckeyeThon
Join me in supporting BuckeyeThon <p><span class="fr-deletable">[[Amount Raised]]</span> raised for BuckeyeThon Fund for Pediatric Cancer</p> Hello! My name is Ishpreet Devgan, and I am a fourth-year Politics, Philosophy, and Economics major, with minors in Human Anatomy and Global Public Health. I joined BuckeyeThon, Ohio State’s official student philanthropy, after learning that children today receive the same oncology treatments as in the 1960s. We need change now.  BuckeyeThon works directly with Nationwide Children’s Hospital to fund research labs, social work services, and Child Life services for families navigating the darkest chapter of their lives. This entirely student-run initiative connects with students across campus to raise funds, celebrate the families we work with through the hospital, and grow a culture of philanthropy at Ohio State! But at its heart, BuckeyeThon is a community that uplifts and supports stories of pediatric cancer. Participating in BuckeyeThon, I have had the unique opportunity to connect with these stories personally. Meeting and working with our Champion Families, I’ve come to understand the importance of philanthropy in our communities and the desperate need for a cure.  This year, I am fundraising in honor of two brave girls: Katelyn and Charley. Katelyn had just turned 10 years old last year when she lost her 5-year battle with neuroblastoma. Despite being in and out of the hospital, Katelyn brought light and joy to all those around her. In fact, she worked with Nationwide Children’s Hospital to allow therapy dogs on the oncology floor! I dance for her. Charley would’ve been a senior this year, just like me, in the nursing program at Ohio State. Unfortunately, her battle with acute myeloid leukemia came to an end last February, only a few weeks after our Dance Marathon. Charley was a driven, kind, and smart young woman. She wanted to grow up and help the people around her, just like me. I dance for her. These two brave girls remind me that I can do hard things and be strong. In all areas of my life, I carry their stories with me. That said, this year, as part of the Homecoming Court, I am asking you to join this community and movement. Register for our Dance Marathon in February, donate to the cause, and meet the families at the heart of our cause. I hope you'll join me in supporting the kids at Nationwide Children's Hospital and helping us continue to make miracles for the kids! <strong>A generous Homecoming Court alumna, Nancy Lohman ’82, will match the first $25,000 raised by 2026 Homecoming Court members. Thank you for your support!</strong>
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Homecoming 2026: Jack Dougherty
$1,005 raised for Buckeyes Helping Buckeyes
Join me in supporting Buckeyes Helping Buckeyes
Join me in supporting Buckeyes Helping Buckeyes <p><span class="fr-deletable">[[Amount Raised]]</span> raised for Buckeyes Helping Buckeyes</p> Hello! My name is Jack Dougherty, and I am a fourth-year student at The Ohio State University majoring in Industrial & Systems Engineering with a minor in Business Management. As a Columbus native growing up in Worthington, Ohio, I have been surrounded by a community of current and former Buckeyes my entire life. I am a third-generation student at Ohio State and have seen firsthand how this university has the power to bring friends and families together under one shared experience. What makes this university truly special, however, is how many different communities it unites under this shared experience of being a Buckeye. One of my favorite mottos from Ohio State is the mantra, “once a Buckeye, always a Buckeye”, because it reminds me of how integral the university is in the identities of so many of its alumni. On campus, I am the President of the Institute of Industrial and Systems Engineers, an organization dedicated to advancing the social and professional networks of Industrial Engineering majors. In this role, I frequently communicate with alumni to discuss ways in which they can leverage the success they have found in their career positions to support the development of our current students’ future careers. Witnessing how so many alumni are eager to give back to the students at this university inspired me to look for ways in which I can reciprocate their generosity and help pay it forward to alumni in need of a helping hand. Unfortunately, many of our alumni and their families experience a myriad of hardships throughout the course of their lives. While Ohio State has dedicated many resources to promote the financial success of its students after they graduate from the university, unexpected natural disasters and other hardships can be financially debilitating for families in our Buckeye community. Just this past August, Ohio experienced a near-record amount of rainfall, bringing flooding and tornadoes which severely damaged properties across the state. While I hope that you personally have been lucky enough to avoid the worst of the storm damage, the same cannot be said for all our Ohio State alumni. This is a perfect example of where Buckeyes Helping Buckeyes comes in to support the Ohio State community. Your support can help the fund continue to provide one-time financial grants to members of our Ohio State community to help families recover from unexpected financial hardships they couldn’t prepare for. A contribution can help a family to rebuild their home, cover unforeseen medical expenses, and prevent emergencies from becoming life-altering hardships. I hope you will join me in helping your friends and neighbors in their times of need by supporting the Buckeyes Helping Buckeyes Fund. Thank you! <strong>A generous Homecoming Court alumna, Nancy Lohman ’82, will match the first $25,000 raised by 2026 Homecoming Court members. Thank you for your support!</strong>
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Homecoming 2026: Jasmine McKinley
$345 raised for the Multiple Sclerosis Support Fund
Join me in supporting the Multiple Sclerosis Support Fund
Join me in supporting the Multiple Sclerosis Support Fund <p><span class="fr-deletable">[[Amount Raised]]</span> raised for the Multiple Sclerosis Support Fund</p> Hi! I am Jasmine McKinley, a 4th year civil engineering student at The Ohio State University. My connection to the Multiple Sclerosis community comes from watching how MS affected my grandpa and the people who loved him. Multiple Sclerosis is a chronic neurological disease where the immune system attacks the protective covering of nerves, disrupting communication between the brain and body. I saw the way the MS changed my grandpa's life and the lives of those who cared for him. Witnessing the adjustments, the worry, and the quiet emotional weight that families carry when a family member is living with MS made me realize how deeply it impacts not only the person diagnosed, but everyone in their circle. That understanding has stayed with me and shaped the way I think about care, accessibility, and the importance of supporting people whose struggles are not always visible. This experience is a big part of why I am so passionate about creating access and support for others. As I have grown up, I have learned how powerful it is when people have the right resources around them. My grandpa did not always have that, and I have seen firsthand how much it matters. I am choosing to raise funds for the Multiple Sclerosis Support Fund because MS affects far more than the body. It affects families, routines, independence, and hope. This fund strengthens patient care, facility resources, specialized personnel, education, and research, all of which help people living with MS maintain stability. Supporting this fund means supporting real people, real families, and real futures. Your donation directly fuels better care, better tools, and better outcomes for individuals and families living with MS. I am raising these funds because my family has lived the impacts of multiple sclerosis and I want to help make the path a little easier for the next family facing it. Thank you for helping me make a difference. <strong>A generous Homecoming Court alumna, Nancy Lohman ’82, will match the first $25,000 raised by 2026 Homecoming Court members. Thank you for your support!</strong>
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Homecoming 2026: Lucia Martinez
$225 raised for the Columbus Free Clinic Support Fund
Join Me in Supporting the Columbus Free Clinic to Provide Accessible Healthcare for All
Join Me in Supporting the Columbus Free Clinic to Provide Accessible Healthcare for All <p><span class="fr-deletable">[[Amount Raised]]</span> raised for the Columbus Free Clinic Support Fund</p> Hello! My name is Lucia Martinez, and I am a fourth-year student at The Ohio State University majoring in Health Sciences with a minor in Biology. Through my experiences in community service, clinical settings, and healthcare research, I have seen how barriers such as cost, language, and limited access can prevent people from receiving the care they need. At the Columbus Free Clinic, I have seen how addressing these barriers can change a patient’s experience with healthcare. At La Clinica Latina specifically, I serve as a volunteer translator and Undergraduate Director of Chronic Care. Here I help coordinate care for more than 300 patients by managing referrals, organizing follow-ups, and supporting student volunteers as they work to provide continuity of care. This experience has shown me that improving health is not only about treating an illness during one appointment, but also about helping patients access the resources and ongoing support they need to manage their health over time. One moment at the clinic especially reminded me why this work matters. I worked with a patient who was learning how to use an insulin pen and was understandably unsure about managing a new part of their diabetes care. What might seem like a simple lesson became an important opportunity to build confidence and make sure the patient understood how to care for themselves at home. In other encounters, I have seen how language can add another layer to an already difficult healthcare experience. As a Spanish medical interpreter, I have helped patients communicate their concerns and understand recommendations from their care teams. These experiences have shown me that accessibility is about more than providing a medical appointment, it means creating an environment where patients can ask questions, understand their care, and feel respected. The Columbus Free Clinic makes this possible by bringing together students, physicians, interpreters, and community volunteers to provide care to individuals who may otherwise face significant barriers to receiving it. I am continually inspired by how much this community accomplishes through a shared commitment to ensuring that patients are not left without care simply because they cannot afford it. My experiences at the Columbus Free Clinic have shown me how much can change when patients have a place where they can receive care without having to choose between their health and their ability to access it. Your support can help the clinic continue providing free, compassionate care to members of our Columbus community while giving students the opportunity to learn through meaningful service. A contribution can help sustain the interpreters, providers, supplies, and resources that make it possible for patients to receive care and feel supported throughout their healthcare journey. To me, supporting the Columbus Free Clinic means investing in a community that believes healthcare should be accessible to everyone, regardless of their circumstances. I hope you will join me in helping the clinic continue to ensure that patients are not left without care because of barriers outside of their control. <strong>A generous Homecoming Court alumna, Nancy Lohman ’82, will match the first $25,000 raised by 2026 Homecoming Court members. Thank you for your support!</strong>
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Homecoming 2026: Manas Nair
$350 raised for BuckeyeThon Fund for Pediatric Cancer
Join me in supporting BuckeyeThon Fund for Pediatric Cancer
Join me in supporting BuckeyeThon Fund for Pediatric Cancer <p><span class="fr-deletable">[[Amount Raised]]</span> raised for BuckeyeThon Fund for Pediatric Cancer</p> Hello! My name is Manas Nair, and I'm a third-year at The Ohio State University studying Biomedical Science, with a minor in philosophy. I got involved with BuckeyeThon my freshman year (along with my roommate), and what started as a way to support Nationwide Children's Hospital turned into one of the experiences that solidified my desire to become a physician-scientist. BuckeyeThon raises funds to support treatment and initiatives for children with cancer and blood disorders at Nationwide Children’s Hospital. Every dollar raised goes directly to a number of services that directly benefit these kids – cancer research, psychosocial therapy, fellowships, and more. Having seen the impact of cancer research and novel therapies on those in my life, I stepped into freshman year excited to support this cause. That commitment to kids didn't start with BuckeyeThon. I've spent over 14 years in Taekwondo and more than a decade teaching it, and in that time I've realized how much I love working for kids and advocating for them, whether that's a student struggling to land a kick they've failed a hundred times or a kid just trying to build the confidence to walk into a room. Teaching has taught me patience, and it's taught me that showing up for a kid consistently, over years, is its own kind of care. That's part of why supporting kids at Nationwide Children's feels less like a separate cause to me and more like an extension of something I already believe in. That's the part of care I think about most now, the part that happens around the medicine, not just in it. It's why I research brain tumors and am hoping to pursue a PhD studying pediatric central nervous system tumors, chasing new therapies for disorders that don't yet have good answers. I stayed with BuckeyeThon through my college career, met some amazing friends, and now serve as Director of Membership Selections and Education. It's also why I keep fundraising every year. Every dollar raised is for the kids – because at the end of the day, every kid deserves to be a Buckeye. <strong>A generous Homecoming Court alumna, Nancy Lohman ’82, will match the first $25,000 raised by 2026 Homecoming Court members. Thank you for your support!</strong>
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Homecoming 2026: Neil Hariths
$887 raised for BuckeyeThon Fund for Pediatric Cancer
Join me in supporting BuckeyeThon Fund for Pediatric Cancer
Join me in supporting BuckeyeThon Fund for Pediatric Cancer <p><span class="fr-deletable">[[Amount Raised]]</span> raised for BuckeyeThon Fund for Pediatric Cancer</p> I fundraise for BuckeyeThon because I believe every child deserves the opportunity to grow up, chase their dreams, and become a Buckeye. No child or family should have to face a cancer or blood disorder diagnosis alone, and through BuckeyeThon, I have seen firsthand what can happen when community comes together around a shared mission. Every dollar raised for BuckeyeThon is donated to the Hematology, Oncology & Blood and Marrow Transplant unit at Nationwide Children’s Hospital, which helps fund vital care and research, such as clinical trials and psychosocial therapies.  Over the past several years, BuckeyeThon has become the most meaningful part of my time at Ohio State. I've had the privilege of meeting our Champion Families and members of our organization, hearing their stories, listening to their perspectives, and seeing the strength, joy, and passion they bring to our communities. Behind every yearly fundraising total are families, children, and futures, which is why it is so important to keep pushing toward a world where everyone has the chance to grow up healthy.  This year, as the President of BuckeyeThon, I am especially grateful to spend my final year at Ohio State helping lead a community that has spent 25 years fighting for this cause. I fundraise because I know that none of us can accomplish this mission alone, but together, every donation, every team member, and every person who chooses to care can make a difference. I hope you'll join me in supporting the kids and families at Nationwide Children's Hospital and helping us continue to make miracles for the kids!  <strong> A generous Homecoming Court alumna, Nancy Lohman ’82, will match the first $25,000 raised by 2026 Homecoming Court members. Thank you for your support!</strong>
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Homecoming 2026: Nora Davis
$4,026 raised for the Psychology Fund for Mental Health
Join me in supporting the Psychology Fund for Mental Health
Join me in supporting the Psychology Fund for Mental Health <p><span class="fr-deletable">[[Amount Raised]]</span> raised for the Psychology Fund for Mental Health</p> Hello, my name is Nora Davis, and I am a fourth-year student at The Ohio State University studying Speech and Hearing Sciences with a minor in American Sign Language. When we were presented with the opportunity to raise money for an incredible fund from a platform as large as the OSU Homecoming Court, I knew I wanted to advocate for resources and research dedicated to mental health. This is something so close to my heart due to the experiences of my loved ones, the changes I want to make in my future career, and because I have spent years navigating my own mental health conditions. Each and every person deals with a wide range of struggles. However, some individuals can hide their battles better than others. Mental health conditions often move in silence, never leaving the mind of the victim. As a highly involved, ambitious, and outgoing individual, I spent much longer than I should have masking the depression and anxiety afflicting me. I spent more and more energy hiding myself and my sadness from the world. This concealing mainly came from guilt: why should I be sad? I have so much to be grateful for! I have an incredible support system made of loving family and gracious friends, I have the opportunity to get an education, there is food on my table each night, and I get to see TBDBITL perform almost every Saturday during fall semesters. But no matter the joy that I experience from these things listed, depression maliciously snuck between each beautiful moment. I went through the brunt of this happiness-tainting depression during my first year of college. When I spoke to my doctor about my feelings, she suggested dropping out, at least for a short period. For a period, this was a serious consideration of mine. But after speaking with my extremely supportive and incredible parents, I realized I would give it one more year. Since then, I have been treated and become more involved in college. Once I realized there were reasons to stay in Columbus (for me, they were the Ohio Union Activities Board, my friendships, and The Oval on a spring day), I decided to give it my all.  With that being said, there is still a long way for me to go, but I see the path now. And everyone close to me does, too. I am no longer quiet about my experiences. I want to continue to be loud about the importance of advocacy and resources for people with similar experiences to my own, specifically students. That’s why I chose the Psychology Fund for Mental Health, which benefits the OSU Psychological Services Fund. This fund provides free therapeutical and psychological services to students and those around the community from OSU graduate students.  Sometimes, the hardest thing to do is to ask for help, especially when you know help comes at a monetary cost. But trust me, it is the most rewarding in the end, and I want more people to experience the relief I was allotted with the right care. Free care. Thank you for your contributions to the Psychology Fund for Mental Health and for hearing my story. <strong>A generous Homecoming Court alumna, Nancy Lohman ’82, will match the first $25,000 raised by 2026 Homecoming Court members. Thank you for your support!</strong>
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Homecoming 2026: Stella Hughes
$2,000 raised for The Gladys Foster Anderson Early Literacy Fund
Join me in supporting The Gladys Foster Anderson Early Literacy Fund
Join me in supporting The Gladys Foster Anderson Early Literacy Fund <p><span class="fr-deletable">[[Amount Raised]]</span> raised for The Gladys Foster Anderson Early Literacy Fund</p> Hi! My name is Stella Hughes, and I am a fourth-year student at The Ohio State University studying Public Policy Analysis and City and Regional Planning with minors in Economics and History, originally from Kansas City, Missouri. Back home, I am a long-time volunteer of Lead to Read KC, a nonprofit that mobilizes the community to solve the literacy crisis by connecting students with reading mentors, resources, and unwavering support. In Kansas City, only 23% of third graders in public and charter schools are reading on grade level. Comparatively, roughly 40% of Columbus City Schools third graders are proficient in reading. The end of third grade is typically when students transition from learning to read to reading to learn, and children who are not reading by third grade are four times more likely to drop out of high school. Access to books and quality education and programming are essential to building early literacy skills. However, countless youth are unable to access the books and tools they need to succeed as a reader and student.   I am passionate about access to educational opportunities and resources, especially for younger people, so every student has access to the resources they need to build a strong foundation as a reader and student. Early literacy is foundational for success later in life, and every child deserves the same access to the programs and education that build such an important foundation. Gladys Foster Anderson was a champion for early literacy and elementary education throughout her life, but we have more than that shared passion in common. During her time at Ohio State, she was also a member of Alpha Chi Omega sorority. My time in Alpha Chi has made me a more confident leader and allowed me to strengthen my commitment to service and giving back to the Columbus community.   Your support of the Gladys Foster Anderson Early Literacy Fund will allow more students to have access to foundational literacy skills to foster a love of learning and build a strong future. Join me in continuing Gladys’ legacy by supporting early literacy programs to give all children the opportunity to succeed.  <strong>A generous Homecoming Court alumna, Nancy Lohman ’82, will match the first $25,000 raised by 2026 Homecoming Court members. Thank you for your support!</strong>
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Homecoming 2026: Sugath Suravarapu
$1,325 raised for BuckeyeThon Fund for Pediatric Cancer
Donate to BuckeyeThon and help ensure children and families facing cancer and blood disorders never have to fight alone.
Donate to BuckeyeThon and help ensure children and families facing cancer and blood disorders never have to fight alone. <p><span class="fr-deletable">[[Amount Raised]]</span> raised for BuckeyeThon Fund for Pediatric Cancer</p> Hello! My name is Sugath Suravarapu, and I'm a third-year at The Ohio State University studying Biomedical Science with minors in Public Health and Hip Hop Studies. I first joined BuckeyeThon my freshman year, drawn in by the mission of supporting kids with cancer and blood disorders at Nationwide Children's Hospital, and I now serve as Vice President of Membership. This fight has been incredibly personal to me the past 4 years watching my mother navigate a stage 4 colorectal cancer diagnosis. Her strength through every appointment, every hard conversation, and every small victory has shown me exactly what it means to fight—and exactly why research and compassionate care matter so much. This past April, she rang the bell at our very own James Cancer Center, and on September 3rd, she was declared in remission. I carry that fight, and that victory, with me into everything I do here. If there's one thing my mother’s journey taught me, it's that no one fights cancer alone. My mom's victory wasn't just hers: it belonged to the doctors who treated her, the researchers who spent years chasing the science that made her treatment possible, and the friends and family who showed up for her again and again. That's community. And that's exactly what BuckeyeThon is: a community of people who've decided that these kids and families don't have to fight alone either. Every dollar we raise and every conversation we start funds the research, therapy, and care that becomes someone else's version of my mom's victory. I know firsthand what it feels like to be on the receiving end of that kind of community, and I know how much it can change a family's story. So this Homecoming, I'm asking you to be part of ours: donate, register for the Dance Marathon, come meet our Champion Families, or simply share why this cause matters with someone who hasn't heard it yet. The community that helped save my mom is the same community we're building here, and every kid fighting this fight deserves to have it behind them, too. <strong>A generous Homecoming Court alumna, Nancy Lohman ’82, will match the first $25,000 raised by 2026 Homecoming Court members. Thank you for your support!</strong>
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Homecoming 2026: Sydney Hopkins
$860 raised for The Ohio State Fund for Study Abroad
Join me in supporting The Ohio State Fund for Study Abroad
Join me in supporting The Ohio State Fund for Study Abroad <p><span class="fr-deletable">[[Amount Raised]]</span> raised for The Ohio State Fund for Study Abroad</p> Hello everyone! My name is Sydney Hopkins and I am a senior studying Public Management, Leadership & Policy with a minor in City & Regional Planning originally from Waldorf, MD. I first learned of the power of the passport in seventh grade when I traveled to Costa Rica for two weeks with an organization called the Passport Party Project. It was my first time out of the United States and I vowed to not make it my last. Being a Buckeye means embracing the endless opportunities afforded to us and utilizing the world as the best classroom. Ohio State’s motto of “Education for Citizenship” reflects the belief that true learning and education extends beyond the classroom, shaping individuals through lived experience. To be a Buckeye is to use our knowledge to be of service to others, and champion people first in every space we enter. Rather than allowing myself to be confined to a particular academic path, I have always taken the road less traveled, a recurring theme throughout my educational journey since childhood. The Ohio State Panama:AgriCulture & Sustainability study abroad experience was transformative for me as I eagerly embraced being uncomfortable with no previous agriculture experience. I rode a horse, tried jackfruit for the first time, visited an Indigenous village where we ate food from a leaf, touched a brahmin, improved my Spanish language skills and even got close to a capuchin monkey among other encounters! Each moment challenged me and expanded my worldview. No student should not be able to participate in an opportunity due to financial hardship. We make each other better people when we educate ourselves to leave the world a little better than we found it. Fundraising for The Ohio State Fund for Study Abroad will allow all students to experience the power, joy and access a passport can provide. Thank you for your generosity. <strong>A generous Homecoming Court alumna, Nancy Lohman ’82, will match the first $25,000 raised by 2026 Homecoming Court members. Thank you for your support!</strong>
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Homecoming 2026: Taylor Schindley
$1,448 raised for the Nisonger Center Health Promotion & Healthcare Parity Fund
Join me in supporting the Nisonger Center Health Promotion & Healthcare Parity Fund
Join me in supporting the Nisonger Center Health Promotion & Healthcare Parity Fund <p><span class="fr-deletable">[[Amount Raised]]</span> raised for the Nisonger Center Health Promotion & Healthcare Parity Fund</p> My name is Taylor Schindley, a senior here at Ohio State studying Child and Youth Studies with a focus on Special Education. Post graduation I plan to pursue my masters to become a Board Certified Behavior Analyst working with children on the autism spectrum. My passion for disability equity and advocacy began as I grew up alongside my brother who is on the autism spectrum. Seeing the world through a different lens taught me a lot about the tragedies individuals with disabilities and their families face due to their differences. Access to things like healthcare, education, social experiences, and so much more are difficult for this population due to societal norms creating barriers. Their differences make them an outlier and society expects these individuals to conform to society standards, where in reality society is who should be making this access more equitable. I currently have the pleasure of working with the neurodiverse population within a hospital setting. I have seen first hand how the inability to access healthcare for this population and their families raises extreme concern for their overall development. Because of this experience, I have chosen to raise money for health promotion and healthcare parity specifically for individuals with developmental disabilities. Through the Nisonger Center, whose mission os to empower and support people with developmental disabilities and their families, this fund will work towards advancing healthcare literacy, healthcare access, reduction of health disparities/inequities, and also support families through the transition of pediatric to adult services. My brother is the reason for my passion and the reason that I will devote every step of my career towards advocacy and disability awareness. This population deserves to have equitable access to all things rather than trying to live their lives conforming to the standards created by society. Society causes barriers and makes things inaccessible for individuals with developmental disabilities, however, with this fund we can take a step towards breaking this divide and creating a more accessible society. Healthcare is a necessity that all people should have access to and we must work together to ensure all individuals have this access. Remember to give yourself the reminder that developmental disabilities are a different way of seeing the world, not a problem that needs to be solved. These differences do not mean less, so we must always remember to empower equity and inclusion to create an accessible society for all. Please join me in creating equitable healthcare for the population of individuals with disabilities and their families. <strong>A generous Homecoming Court alumna, Nancy Lohman ’82, will match the first $25,000 raised by 2026 Homecoming Court members. Thank you for your support!</strong>
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Homecoming 2026: Vaidehi More
$295 raised for the Columbus Free Clinic Support Fund
Advocate for patient-centered resources and address healthcare inequity.
Advocate for patient-centered resources and address healthcare inequity. <p><span class="fr-deletable">[[Amount Raised]]</span> raised for the Columbus Free Clinic Support Fund</p><p><br></p> Hello! My name is Vaidehi More, and I am a senior at The Ohio State University pursuing dual degrees in Biology and Public Policy on the pre-med track. Through my experiences volunteering at free clinics throughout Columbus, including Columbus Free Clinic, I have developed a deeper passion for serving underserved communities and working to address the gaps that exist in healthcare access. What has stayed with me most is the way these clinics come together around their patients. Even when physicians, staff, and volunteers are stretched thin, I have seen them work together to make sure patients are not simply left without care. When someone cannot be seen that day, they take the time to find another option, connect them with the care they need as soon as possible, and follow up to make sure they receive it. It is a level of commitment to each patient that has shaped the way I understand what healthcare should look like. Over time, I have also had the privilege of seeing some of the same patients return. Getting to know them beyond a single appointment has reminded me that patients are people first, with lives and needs that extend far beyond their medical concerns. During the colder months, I started crocheting hats for patients and their families when I noticed they could use the extra warmth. It is a small gesture, but to me, it represents the kind of care I hope to provide: paying attention, genuinely knowing my patients, and doing what I can to make their lives a little easier. These experiences have shaped the physician I hope to become. I want to be someone who does not stop advocating for a patient when their needs fall outside the exam room or when finding a solution becomes difficult. My studies in Biology and Public Policy have further strengthened my desire to understand both the science of medicine and the systems that determine who can access it. I chose Columbus Free Clinic as my philanthropic organization because it embodies the kind of care I hope to carry into my own career. CFC has shown me that serving a community is not only about providing medical care. It is about showing up, following through, and making sure people know that they are worth the extra effort. Through Homecoming Court, I hope to give back to an organization that has taught me so much about what it truly means to care for a patient. <strong>A generous Homecoming Court alumna, Nancy Lohman ’82, will match the first $25,000 raised by 2026 Homecoming Court members. Thank you for your support!</strong>
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