2020: Sesquicentennial
“As we approach the university’s 150th birthday, we must re-envision our land-grant role in the modern light of the 21st century.” President Drake, Investiture, March 31, 2015.
The university’s sesquicentennial, celebrated during academic year 2019-2020, recognized “all that Buckeyes are, all we’ve accomplished and all that’s yet to come.”
Many aspects of life at the university, including orientation, homecoming and commencement, incorporated the sesquicentennial into existing programs. Kicked off with a 150-themed marching band performance, the year also included several special events and programs.
The Ohio State University Marching Band’s “Sesquicentennial Celebration” halftime show from the August 31, 2019, football game against Florida Atlantic University. The show honors 150 years of Ohio State history.
In mid-March 2020, the Coronavirus pandemic disrupted the university and its sesquicentennial celebration. The Sesquicentennial Community Open House, which planned to bring campus and the community together in honor of the anniversary, was cancelled. Like other institutions, Ohio State pivoted to virtual programming, including the 2020 spring commencement. University leaders such as President Michael V. Drake and Provost Bruce McPheron led the ceremony in Ohio Stadium as it was streamed to over 90,000 viewers. The sesquicentennial was integrated into the occasion as the speakers stood at a 150-emblazoned podium and nearly 13,000 graduates received commemorative diploma cases.
Although many of the sesquicentennial events were cancelled, other programs and projects honoring the university’s history and welcoming its future remain:
Sesquicentennial Student Scholars
150 students were selected as part of the Sesquicentennial Student Scholarship Leadership Program to receive a scholarship and participate in a program to build leadership skills. Representing 5 continents, 9 countries and 42 Ohio counties, the students in this program represented Ohio State’s land-grant mission and motto, Education for Citizenship.
Sesquicentennial Scholars with President Drake in Ohio Stadium
Digital Projects
Buckeyes anywhere can celebrate the university’s anniversary with the many digital sesquicentennial projects. Buckeye Biography presents the history of Ohio State in a free and accessible course online. The Carmen Collection website dives into the underrepresented and untold stories of the university’s history. Our Stories, Our Future shares how the university is continuing to build upon its legacy and impact.
Sesquicentennial logo displayed at the Think Beyond academic summits
Ohio State’s sesquicentennial successfully honored the past 150 years while also embracing the next 150 years.
