Story Ideas for Media - 01/10/05
News
Hagerty Hall reopens with World Media and Culture Center -- Renovations have transformed Hagerty Hall into the premiere site for the study of languages, culture, and world literature and religions. It is the new international portal to the university, housing the departments of Comparative Studies, East Asian Languages and Literatures, French and Italian, Germanic Languages and Literatures, Near Eastern Languages and Cultures, Slavic and East European Languages and Literatures and Spanish and Portuguese. Additionally, the Foreign Language Center and the new World Media and Culture Center, which integrates international satellite television, radio, print media, the Internet and multimedia instructional materials into the traditional classroom environment, also are located there. CONTACT: Diane Birckbichler, Foreign Language Center, (614) 292-4361.
Experts
Expert is available to discuss the changing face of the King holiday -- Kenneth Goings, chair and professor in the Department of African American and African Studies, is available to comment on Martin Luther King Jr. Day, which takes place Monday (1/17). Goings, an expert in African American history, can discuss how the holiday has changed over the years. CONTACT: Kenneth Goings, Department of African American and African Studies, (614) 292-2114; goings.14@osu.edu.
Research
Doctors study device designed to pump up heart’s pumping ability -- Cardiologists at Ohio State’s Medical Center are testing a device expected to help improve the pumping function of hearts in patients with severe congestive heart failure. The device, called the Optimizer II, resembles a pacemaker but has a much different function. While a pacemaker tells the heart how quickly to beat, the Optimizer II delivers a rapid succession of electrical currents that allow the heart to squeeze more strongly than it otherwise would, said Dr. Charles Love of the division of cardiovascular medicine, principal investigator of Ohio State’s participation in the study. CONTACT: Emily Caldwell, Medical Center Communications, (614) 293-3737.
Events
Event includes information on new SAT, financial aid, admissions – Jan. 12. -- Educating high-school juniors and their parents from Franklin County and other surrounding counties on issues related to applying to college is the goal of a College Board-sponsored event. Media may attend the program at 7 p.m. on Wednesday (1/12) in Weigel Hall Auditorium, 1866 College Road. Participants will learn more about the college admissions and the financial aid processes from Ohio State representatives. Additionally, College Board representatives will discuss the new SAT, which now includes essays. College Board has selected Ohio State as one of their pilot institutions for this national effort. The College Board invited juniors who took the PSAT in October and their parents to attend the program. CONTACT: Shannon Wingard, University Relations, (614) 247-6821.
Judge Mathis to give keynote address for MLK celebration – Jan. 12. -- Judge Greg Mathis will deliver the keynote address at Ohio State’s 33rd annual Martin Luther King Jr. celebration at 6:45 p.m. on Wednesday (1/12) at Independence Hall, 1923 Neil Ave. “Celebrating the Legacy: Voices Raised for Freedom” is the theme for the university’s 2005 observance. The event is free and open to the public. Mathis, a committed civil rights activist and host of the reality courtroom television show “Judge Mathis,” will discuss King’s legacy and current related issues. Prior to the event, members of Alpha Phi Alpha Fraternity will host a candlelight vigil at 6 p.m. on the South Oval. CONTACT: Liz Cook, University Relations, (614) 292-7276.
Snyder to discuss university’s goals during ‘State of Academic Affairs’ – Jan. 13. -- Executive Vice President and Provost Barbara Snyder will discuss the progress made in achieving the goals of the university’s Academic Plan during the “State of Academic Affairs” address. The address, which is part of a meeting with the University Senate, Ohio State’s faculty governing body, will be at 4 p.m. Thursday (1/13) in Drinko Hall Auditorium, 55 W. 12th Ave. CONTACT: Elizabeth Conlisk, University Relations, (614) 292-3040.
Annual ‘Day of Service,’ student march to honor King’s legacy – Jan. 17. -- Students are taking part in the “MLK Jr. Day of Service 2005” from 9:30 a.m. to 2 p.m. on Monday (1/17) at various locations throughout Columbus. Participants will leave for their sites from the Ohio Union, 1739 N. High St. Media may cover the event from 11 a.m. to noon at either the Ohio Historical Society, 1982 Velma Ave., or the Holy Family Soup Kitchen and Food Pantry, 57 S. Grubb St. Afterward, students will join other students from Columbus State Community College in a march from Ohio State’s campus to the citywide march and celebration in downtown Columbus. Students will leave at approximately 3 p.m. from the Frank W. Hale Black Cultural Center, 153 W. 12th Ave. CONTACT: Liz Cook, University Relations, (614) 292-7276.
The person listed as Contact will have the best information about the story. Call on our media relations staff for help with any Ohio State story – Elizabeth Conlisk, (614) 292-3040; Liz Cook, (614) 292-7276; Amy Murray, (614) 292-8385, and Shannon Wingard, (614) 247-6821.
