May Week returns to Ohio State for second year

COLUMBUS – Serving the community, celebrating the end of the academic year and taking part in an old campus traditions are goals behind May Week, from May 1-9, at The Ohio State University. “Because there’s A LOT to celebrate” is this year’s theme.

An Ohio State tradition dating back to 1910, May Week lost its popularity during the Vietnam War years. The Student Alumni Council has worked diligently to revive the old tradition, and brought it back to campus in 2003.

Patricia Cunningham, graduate student co-chair of May Week, said the event is a celebration for the Ohio State community.

“May Week ensures that the end of the academic year encourages students to look forward to a new year,” Cunningham said. “It also leaves graduating students a lasting memory that Ohio State is truly a place of greatness.”

May Week events include the campus-wide Operation Feed Food Drive through Friday (5/7); the 43rd annual Leadership Awards at 3 p.m. on Friday (5/7) in the Ohio Union Ballrooms, 1739 N. High St.; and the Laugh Olympics, a tradition of Ohio State’s May Week that is set for 11 a.m. to 2 p.m. on Sunday (5/9) on the South Oval.

May Week is presented by The Ohio State University Alumni Association, Inc. and its Student-Alumni Council. For a complete list of events, see http://www.studentaffairs.osu.edu/mayweek/

• Operation Feed and residence hall food drive – May 1-7.
Residence Halls compete to raise the most food through Friday (5/7). Operation Feed boxes are located in departmental offices so Ohio State employees can donate goods through Friday (5/7).

• “Fame, The Musical” – May 6, 7, 8.
8 p.m. in Hitchcock Hall, 2070 Neil Ave.
Attendees can help fight hunger by bringing a canned good to the live performance of “Fame, the Musical,” which is sponsored by Off The Lake Productions. “Fame” follows a group of students through a performing arts high school in Lincoln Center, NY, as they deal with hardships, issues and joys of high school. All donations support the Mid-Ohio Food Bank.

• Teeter-Totter Marathon – May 7, 8.
11:30 a.m. to 6 p.m. Friday (5/7) or 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. on Saturday (5/8) on the South Oval
Sponsored by Circle K, the Teeter-Totter Marathon will raise money for St. Jude’s Children’s Hospital.

• 43rd Annual Leadership Awards – May 7.
3 p.m. in the Ohio Union Ballrooms, 1739 N. High St.
The Leadership Awards is an annual tradition that celebrates the accomplishments of student leaders. There are various awards that recognize individual student leaders, outstanding organization programs and outstanding student organization advisors.

• Sibs Weekend 2004 – May 7-9.
For a complete list of activities, see the Sibs Weekend website at http://parent.osu.edu/sibs_weekend.htm

• Relay for Life – May 7-8.
7 p.m. on Friday (5/7) and Saturday (5/8) at Fred Beekman Park
Relay for Life is a unique, challenging and fun way to raise money for the American Cancer Society, and to raise awareness of cancer and cancer survivorship.

• West Campus Luau – May 8.
11 a.m. to 4 p.m. Saturday (5/8) on the south lawn of Drake Union, 1849 Cannon Drive
As a part of Sibs Weekend at Ohio State, the event will offer free food, music and other activities. Free T-shirts and leis while supplies last.

• Laugh Olympics – May 9.
11 a.m. to 2 p.m. Sunday (5/9) on the South Oval
A different kind of Olympics with events, including the ultimate obstacle course, pie throwing contest, water balloon toss, relays, sack races, three-legged race and dizzy bat relays.