News and Notes

I write to share with you that Dr. Bruce A. McPheron, who has provided exceptional service to his alma mater in a number of roles, has decided to step down from his position as executive vice president and provost, effective this coming summer.

I hope you had a safe and healthy Thanksgiving holiday. This week is the last for regularly scheduled classes in an autumn semester like no other in our university’s history.

We are entering the final weeks of an unusual autumn semester in which we have met and overcome many challenges. We have much to be grateful for this Thanksgiving holiday.

Surging cases of COVID-19 across Ohio have prompted a statewide curfew, a stay-at-home advisory in the Columbus area, and the declaration that Franklin County has gone purple — reflecting “severe” exposure and spread of the virus. This is a moment for every Buckeye to help turn the tide. To that end, the university is implementing several additional action steps.

I want to express again my thanks and pride in our community as we collectively battle COVID-19. Your efforts to keep our campuses open this fall while learning, teaching, advancing research and scholarship, and caring for patients and their families have been extraordinary.

Please do all you can to fight the spread of COVID-19. Do it for yourself, your family, friends and the community. Lives are at stake. I know this is hard. As the pandemic drags on, we are all tired and yearning to be done with these restrictions. But we must continue our vigilance. One day — hopefully soon — this will be behind us, and we will be back to doing all the things we love, Together As Buckeyes.

It was my privilege to join students and alumni outside Bricker Hall for the university’s 102nd annual Rock Ceremony. The event honors those who serve and have served this country, including those who made the ultimate sacrifice for our freedoms. Ohio State has more than 2,000 students who are veterans, active-duty personnel or reservists. Please take a moment to thank them, and have a safe and healthy Veterans Day.

We will celebrate the accomplishments of the Class of 2020 during a virtual commencement on Sunday, December 13, 2020, at 2 p.m. The event will be livestreamed and shared with Buckeyes in Ohio and around the world.