Ohio State recognizes legacy of Anne and Woody Hayes

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At a research-scale combustion unit at Ohio State University, engineers are testing a clean coal technology that harnesses the energy of coal chemically, without burning it. Here, doctoral student Elena Chung (left) and master's student Samuel Bayham (right) display chunks of coal along with pulverized coal (bottle, center) and the iron oxide beads (bottle, right) that enable the chemical reaction. Photo by Jo McCulty, courtesy of Ohio State University.

The Ohio State University will lead the celebration of legendary football coach Woody Hayes on February 15, 2013, marking 100 years since his February 14, 1913, birth. The event will highlight Hayes coaching career, as well as both Anne and Woody Hayes’ impact on the university.

The main university event, the Woody and Anne Hayes Tribute Event, will be a celebration dinner at 7 p.m. on Feb. 15, at the Woody Hayes Athletic Facility; 535 Irving Schottenstein Dr. Proceeds from the event will go to funds at Ohio State that represent Anne and Woody’s favorite causes, including:

*The Anne Hayes Memorial Scholarship for Academic Excellence, which supports students in the College of Social Work;
*The Woody and Anne Hayes 1968 National Championship Athletic Scholarship Fund, which provides or supplements scholarships for former varsity football players; and
*The Wayne Woodrow Hayes Chair in National Security Studies, a position dedicated to conducting research and educating a new generation in national security studies.

Legendary ESPN and ABC television network sportscaster Brent Musburger will be special guest at the tribute. Musburger is one of the original members of The NFL Today, who also has covered NASCAR, NBA, MLB and NCAA football and basketball games.

Archie Griffin, president and CEO of The Ohio State University Alumni Association, and the nation’s only two-time Heisman Trophy winner, will be master of ceremonies for the event, which will feature noted NFL players, sports leaders and sports celebrities from multiple eras.

Steven Hayes, son of Anne and Woody, is the honorary chair for the event.

Woody Hayes was head coach of the Ohio State football team for 28 seasons (1951–1978) and a significant contributor to the university during his tenure as a coach and as a member of the university staff. During his time as coach, the Buckeyes won five national championships, 13 Big Ten Conference titles and accumulated a record of 205–61–10.

Hayes was also known for his love of the university and inspired hundreds of thousands with his passion for winning and his love of military history.

In his commencement speech to Ohio State's March 1986 graduates, Hayes urged them to "pay forward," his motivational phrase about the importance of taking public and personal responsibility. The idea has sparked numerous university groups dedicated to public service and giving back.

For tickets or additional information about the Woody and Anne Hayes Tribute Event, call (800) 762-5646.

In addition to the tribute event, the university's celebration will also include:

*An online exhibit about Anne and Woody Hayes, produced by University Archives: The exhibit http://library.osu.edu/projects/woody-hayes/features pages covering family and friends, education and military service, politics, philanthropy, football and legacy.

*An exhibit in Thompson Library that will run from Jan. 7 through the end of February. The exhibit features photographs, correspondence, game programs, footballs, hats, jackets, plaques, awards, license plates, ticket stubs, pennants and other athletic memorabilia on themes including Anne Hayes, Woody and Bo, Philanthropy, Education and Military Service, Politics, Rose Bowl Victories, Woody on the Field, and Legacy. Woody’s original couch will also be part of the exhibit.

*Where's Woody Contest: A life-size cardboard cut-out of Woody will visit important sites around town and on campus. Photographs of Woody at the sites will be posted on a Tumblr Account: http://wheres-woody.tumblr.com/so that users can participate in a "Where's Woody" contest to identify not only the location but the importance of the site.

*New features on the University Archives blog, "From Woody’s Couch:" http://library.osu.edu/blogs/archives/

About The Ohio State University
Founded in 1870, The Ohio State University is a world-class public research university and the leading comprehensive teaching and research institution in the state of Ohio. With more than 63,000 students (including 56,000 in Columbus), the Wexner Medical Center, 14 colleges, 80 centers, and 175 majors, the university offers its students tremendous breadth and depth of opportunity in the liberal arts, the sciences, and the professions.