As the university resumed in-person classes and operations following a historic winter storm, President Carter shared his gratitude with Buckeye students, faculty and staff who all pitched in to keep the campus running through heavy snow and bitter cold.
Dear Students, Faculty and Staff:
I want to take a moment to thank each of you for your part in keeping our university running while we prepared to safely return to in-person learning and operations following this week’s severe winter weather.
Mother Nature dealt us a unique set of challenges, but we responded as Buckeyes do – with flexibility, dedication to our mission and care for one another. I’m reminded once again how grateful I am to be part of a university community that steps up when the moment calls for it.
Our facilities crews, for example, worked around the clock in difficult conditions to clear the campus of the record-setting snowfall. Staff members in dining services, childcare, residential services and other areas helped maintain essential operations for those on campus. Our public safety teams remained on duty. Health professionals at the Wexner Medical Center ensured seamless care for patients and families, and our College of Veterinary Medicine maintained emergency services at the veterinary hospital. Faculty and instructors quickly pivoted to online learning so students wouldn’t miss important coursework. Administrators and staff have been flexible with their teams to accommodate school closings and challenging road conditions.
And of course, our students responded with characteristic goodwill – as in a report I saw on Channel 10 that a group of Buckeyes helped free a COTA bus that had become stuck in the heavy snow.
I’d ask that we continue to show grace to each other as we navigate the ongoing impacts of the winter storm.
A university is great because of its people, and the Ohio State community shows time and again why we’re among the best. Thank you for all you do to carry out our mission each and every day.