United Way chief Janet Jackson to help launch Ohio State Leadership Speakers’ Series

COLUMBUS – Janet Jackson, president and chief executive officer of The United Way of Central Ohio, is the inaugural guest lecturer in the Ohio State Leadership Speakers’ Series at 6 p.m. tonight (10/6) at the Younkin Success Center, 1640 Neil Ave.

The leadership series is a component new to the Office of First Year Experience Success Series. The series is designed to help first-year students navigate the early challenges of collegiate life. Seminars offered throughout the year will address academic enrichment, diversity, drug and alcohol awareness, financial responsibility, leadership, and mental and physical health and wellness.

Mabel Freeman, assistant vice president for the Office of Undergraduate Admissions and First Year Experience, said that providing professional mentoring early in the career development of students is critically important.

“The individuals participating in the leadership speaker series have acquired skills that have led them to positions of local, national and international success and influence,” Freeman said. “The knowledge and unique experiences they will be sharing with our first-year students will be immeasurable.”

Jackson has compiled a number of professional “firsts” as a result of her dedication to and involvement with the Columbus community.

Jackson joined the United Way in January 2003, becoming the first woman and first African American to steer the organization. In 1997, she was the first woman appointed Columbus City Attorney and later that year became the first African American elected to the office. Jackson also was the first African American woman to serve as a Franklin County judge (1987-1997). In 2001, she was inducted into the Ohio Women’s Hall of Fame.

Other participants in the Leadership Success series include:

• Dr. Michael Caligiuri, Director, Ohio State Comprehensive Cancer Center.
4 p.m., Nov. 3, Younkin Success Center, 1640 Neil Ave.

• John Glenn, Astronaut, United States Senator.
3:30 p.m., Nov. 4, Weigel Hall Auditorium, 1866 College Rd.

• Tom Katzenmeyer, vice president of Communications and Investor Relations, Limited Brands.
4:30 p.m., Nov. 12, McPherson Lab, Room 1015.

• John Kasich, former Ohio State Senator and U.S. Representative, chairman, New Century Project.
4:30 p.m., Nov. 20, The Ohio Union, Conference Theatre.

For a full listing of the 2003-2004 Success Series events, go to https://admissions.osu.edu/fye/fye.asp.