New name unveiled for Ohio State's Early Childhood Development Center

Ohio State's College of Education and Human Ecology's Early Childhood Development Center will offically become the OSU Schoenbaum Family Center during a ceremony today at 3:30 p.m. at the center, 175 E. 7th Avenue. The new name, recently approved by the OSU Board of Trustees, was chosen for lead private donor Betty Schoenbaum, a member of the OSU Foundation Board of Trustees and a longtime friend of the university.

The $10 million center is almost complete and will open to families in autumn 2007. It and the adjacent Columbus Public Schools elementary building represent part of plans for a laboratory school covering cradle to career.

Speakers at today's event are Gene Harris, superintendent of Columbus Public Schools, and David Andrews, dean of the College of Education and Human Ecology, The Ohio State University. Betty Schoenbaum, lead private donor, will be on hand.

Neighborhood children and families will attend, with carnival activities such as face painting and games and healthy snacks available for children. Tours of the new center, which is almost complete, will follow the program.

The new center will have a major impact on the families and children living in Weinland Park, and in the future will aid similar neighborhoods everywhere.

WHAT: Ceremony will unveil new name for Ohio State's newly constructed Early Childhood Development Center

WHEN: Today (6/27) 3 p.m. - reception and carnival starts
3:30 – 3:45 program
3:45 p.m. tours of new center and carnival activities

WHERE: The Early Childhood Development Center at 175 E. 7th Ave. (corner of East 7th Ave. and North 4th St.)

PHOTO OPS: Children and families from the neighborhood will be enjoying carnival activities such as face painting and games and healthy snacks at the site.