Events Calendar

****Alumni Association News****

Business, engineering to offer new master's degree

The Fisher College of Business and the College of Engineering are partnering on a Master of Business logistics engineering degree, one of the few programs of its kind in the United States. The new program will begin autumn quarter 2005. The 9-to-15 month degree is offered jointly by the Fisher College of Business' Department of Marketing and Logistics and the College of Engineering's Department of Industrial, Welding, and Systems Engineering, which were recently named as top-20 programs according to U.S. News and World Report.

Foster named coach of year, Davenport top player

Ohio State women's basketball player Jessica Davenport was named the 2005 Big Ten Player of the Year by both the coaches and media, and head coach Jim Foster was the coaches' selection for coach of the year, the Big Ten Conference announced March 2. Caity Matter was named to the coaches and media second teams, and Brandie Hoskins garnered coach and media third-team honors. The Big Ten co-champs Ohio State buckeyes (27-3, 14-2 Big Ten) earned the top seed in the 2005 Big Ten Women's Basketball Tournament (3/3-3/7) for the first time in school history.

Ohio State research investigates alternatives diabetes treatment

An Ohio State University researcher has found that an herb used in traditional Indian medicine to treat diabetes seems to lower blood sugar and insulin levels in a manner similar to prescription drugs. When researchers gave extracts of the herb Salacia oblonga (native to regions of India and Sri Lanka) to 39 healthy adults, a 1,000 mg. dose of the herb extract decreased insulin levels in healthy adults by 29 percent and blood glucose levels by 23 percent.

High-powered computer network to boost education, business

Ohio State and other Ohio universities are joining with the Ohio Supercomputer Center to harness the power of the Third Frontier Network, a new high-powered computer network connecting Ohio's public and private universities, and eventually many high-tech companies; medical centers; and elementary, middle, and high schools. The network is unique in the nation, giving Ohio opportunities that few other states can match: new ways to reach primary- and secondary-school students, improved health care, and stimulus for economic development.

University Hospital wins nursing award

The American Nurses Association awarded its coveted "Magnet" designation this week to the OSU Hospital's nursing department, an achievement on par with winning an Olympic gold medal. Fewer than 3 percent of the hospitals in the United States-just 140 hospitals nationwide-have received the Magnet designation, which recognizes the high-caliber nursing staff in addition to nursing education and research achievements.
READ MORE http://www.medicalcenter.osu.edu/mediaroom/press/article.cfm?ID=1933

Surgeons perform first heart-lung transplant

A 33-year-old woman has ended years of illness associated with a congenital heart defect after undergoing central Ohio's first heart-lung transplant February 8 at the Richard M. Ross Heart Hospital. A team of surgeons from the OSU Comprehensive Transplant Center pooled their expertise in a transplanation option available to patients at fewer than 50 centers in the country. The patient, Michelle Vulhop of Irontop, Ohio, was doing "very well" after the surgery, said Benjamin Sun, chief of cardiothoracic surgery and the lead surgeon during the operation.

Glenn Institute dedicates new home at Page Hall

Page Hall, the new home of the John Glenn Institute for Public Service and Public Policy and the School of Public Policy and Management, was officially dedicated March 3. The formal program featured self-guided tours and remarks by Senator John Glenn, Ohio State President Karen Holbrook, Board of Trustees Chair Tami Longaberger, Chief Justice Thomas J. Moyer, and Mayor Michael Coleman.

New center integrates mainstream and alternative therapies

The University Medical Center has opened a Center for Integrative Medicine designed to combine mainstream medicine with complementary therapies and to enhance overall well being. Patient care in the center will integrate the conventional treatments of family medicine with therapies ranging from acupuncture and chiropractic to massage and yoga. The center also is expected to enhance resident physician training, expand curriculum options for students in medicine and related health fields, broaden the medical center's research capabilities, and open new areas of scholarship.

Less funding forces delay in library renovation

Due to a 20 percent reduction by the state in the amount approved for capital projects at the Columbus campus, the start of construction for the renovation of the William Oxley Thompson Library (Main Library) has been delayed until the summer of 2006. Other projects that are already under construction-- including the Robinson Lab replacement, Psychology Building replacement, and Larkins rehabilitation--will continue uninterrupted.

Vet prof to co-direct $5 million USDA avain flu project

Richard Slemons, associative professor of veterinary preventive medicine, has been selected as the co-director of a USDA National Research Initiative research and education project to help prevent and control avian influenza. This project was awarded the largest single grant ever made by the USDA NRI for a single animal health disease or zoonotic threat (disease passed form animals to humans) and involves investigators from 17 states.

Reunion Weekend-April 21-23

We will be honoring the Classes of 1955 and any alumni from classes prior to 1955 as well! Activities will begin on Thursday, with Facility Tours of various buildings in the morning, educational sessions at the Frank Hale Center in the afternoon then end the evening with a dinner at Ohio Stadium. Friday will begin with a coffee hour and Fireside Chat with Kevin Boyle, in discussion of his award-winning book, lunch on campus, visits with individual colleges and another dinner at The Blackwell. Saturday will begin with breakfasts for members of various honorary groups, a taps ceremony on the Oval, town hall meeting on campus, a tailgate lunch at Drake Union followed by the Spring Game. Full details, including detailed agenda, hotel information, etc. can be found on the website below.

READ MORE http://news.ohiostatealumni.org/sections/167349.html of you can contact Lisa Peck, Class Reunion Coordinator, at 614-292-2371 or peck@ohiostatealumni.org

Alumni Association Alumni Awards Nomination Period

The Ohio State Alumni Association is pleased to announce a Call for Nominations for the 2005 Alumni Awards. If you know an outstanding alumnus/a, who has given to the University, community or humankind, please take the time to nominate him/her for one of our seven awards. The deadline for nominations is March 31, 2005 and the forms can be found in the Jan./Feb. issue of the Ohio State Alumni Magazine and on the website below.

READ MORE www.ohiostatealumni.org/awards Forms can also be requested by calling 614-292-6881, e-mailing humphrey@ohiostatealumni.org or faxing 614-292-7697.