Story Ideas for Media 8-23-05
News
U.S. News ranks Ohio State as top public university in Ohio.
U.S. News & World Report again named The Ohio State University as the state's best public university and one of the nation's best public institutions in the magazine's new special edition on America's best colleges. Ohio State improved its ranking by one spot from last year to a tie for 21st among the nation's top 50 public universities. The only other Ohio university included in the prestigious listing of top public universities is Miami University, in a two-way tie for 26. The improved U.S. News & World Report ranking is the second major indicator of institutional excellence that has improved. Earlier this month, the National Science Foundation ranked Ohio State as one of the top 10 public research universities in the country.
CONTACT: Liz Cook, Office of Media Relations, at (614) 292-7276 or cook.17@osu.edu
SEE:
http://www.osu.edu/news/lvl2_news_story.php?id=1191
Research
Study takes aim at school vending machine snacks.
A new Ohio State University Extension study could help make middle school and high school students wiser about snack foods as they head back to classes this fall. Jaime Ackerman, a program specialist with OSU Extension, will pilot a program called "Snackwise" in 15 Ohio counties to rate the nutritional value of foods offered in school vending machines. Ackerman and her colleagues will study whether informational flyers posted at vending machines influence students' nutritional knowledge and behavior, and if revenue from vending machine sales changes when a greater proportion of higher-quality snacks are offered. In the pilot program, healthier foods will be offered in vending machines for six weeks and researchers will gather sales information for another five-day period. They also will collect sales data on a monthly basis. "Snackwise" is a cooperative study between OSU Extension and Columbus Children's Hospital. CONTACT: Jaime Ackerman, OSU Extension, at (614) 292-3538 or ackerman.40@osu.edu
SEE: http://www.columbuschildrens.org/ and search for "Snackwise."
Experts
Professor can discuss back-to-school clothing issues for children and parents.
With children starting back to school, many families are purchasing new school clothing. Sharron Lennon, a professor of consumer sciences, can discuss school clothing challenges and related topics such as self-esteem for girls, the influence of the fashion and beauty industry, body image and social comparison, and the effects of school uniforms on adolescent self-esteem. CONTACT: Janet Ciccone, College of Human Ecology, at (614) 292-5338 or ciccone.2@osu.edu
Events
University to honor 1,900 graduates at Summer Commencement – Aug. 28.
Commencement ceremonies for approximately 1,900 summer quarter graduates will begin at 2 p.m. on Sunday (8/28) at the Jerome Schottenstein Center, 555 Borror Drive. Jodie T. Allen, senior editor at the Pew Research Center, will deliver the commencement address. Free public parking is available in lots located north of Borror Drive, on the South Riverbank along Olentangy River Road and at St. John Arena on Lane Avenue. In addition, shuttle buses will run between the Buckeye lots just south of Ackerman Road and the northeast rotunda of the Schottenstein Center.
CONTACT: Amy Murray, Office of Media Relations, at (614) 292-8385 or murray-goedde.1@osu.edu
SEE:http://www.osu.edu/commence/
Staff arts and crafts exhibit opens today – Aug. 23.
The 14th Annual Staff Arts and Crafts Exhibit showcasing the artistic and creative talents of Ohio State staff members officially opens for viewing and judging today (8/23) on the first and second floor lobbies of Bricker Hall, 190 North Oval Mall. President Karen Holbrook and university vice presidents will select their favorite entries for awards. Staff members also can vote for their favorite entry through September 23. The winners, including the "People's Choice Award" honoree, will be announced the week of September 26. The event is sponsored jointly by the University Staff Advisory Committee and the Office of Human Resources.
CONTACT: Andrea Slesinski, Office of Media Relations, at (614) 247-8347 or slesinski.1@osu.edu
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 – Liz Cook, (614) 292-7276; or Amy Murray, (614) 292-8385.
