Bonnie Johnson 
November 21, 2024
Media ArticleThe Ohio State University highlighted its commitment to local development through the Engaged Scholarship Symposium, held at the Longaberger Alumni House.
This event showcased the fruitful partnerships between Ohio State’s students, faculty, staff, and central Ohio communities.
The symposium kicked off with a vibrant display of posters by graduate students, detailing their collaborative efforts with community partners.
These initiatives ranged from improving educational outcomes in local school districts to amplifying the voices of small farmers in Ohio, aligning with the university’s mission to foster community engagement and development.
Key contributors, such as Adriana Martinez-Calvit and Sherifat Alabi, shared insights from their research, emphasizing strategies to boost student performance and support agricultural advancements.
Faculty members like Eric Anderman and Joy Rumble also spoke on how they guide graduate students to connect with organizations that benefit from academic research, further intertwining university resources with community needs.
The event also featured discussions on sustained collaborations like the West Campus Science and Sustainability Festival, which engages residents with the latest research and sustainable practices.
Notable participants such as the Franklin Park Conservatory have found ongoing collaboration opportunities through these university-led initiatives.
Highlighting the symposium’s significance, Lisa Courtice, president and CEO of United Way of Central Ohio, delivered a keynote address on Ohio State’s pivotal role in regional workforce development.
The discussions concluded with examples of Ohio State’s expansive community partnerships, such as their engagement with the Marion Family YMCA’s youth programs, demonstrating the university’s profound impact across Ohio.
Photo by: news.osu.edu
