FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

March 14, 2003

Contact: Pam Joseph at (419) 995-8284 or Erin McVicker at (419) 995-8332

University establishes citizenship award in Violet Meek’s honor

Nominations are now open for the first annual Violet I. Meek Town and Gown Award, which will be awarded May 21, 2003, at the Time and Change: A Tribute to Violet Meek event at the Veterans’ Memorial Civic and Convention Center.

Dean Meek will retire June 30, 2003, after 12 years as the Dean and Director of The Ohio State University at Lima. During her tenure, she has been an ardent supporter and promoter of community growth and increased interaction between the University and the people and communities in its service area. As such, the Board of Trustees has created an award in her honor to recognize those working toward similar goals.

The successful award winner will demonstrate a significant and sustained example of Disciplina in civitatem, or education for citizenship, the motto of The Ohio State University. The model recipient will exemplify advocacy for The Ohio State University at Lima through University and community leadership. Ideally, the recipient will be a model of how a University-trained person uses acquired skills to promote community development. Nominees do not need to be alumni of The Ohio State University.

Completed nomination packets must include a nomination form and may include resumes and letters of support to enhance the nomination. Self-nomination is appropriate. Consideration will be given to at least the following criteria:

• advocacy for The Ohio State University at Lima

• leadership positions in the community

• service to the University if a community nominee or service to the community if a University nominee

Nomination forms are available from Ohio State Lima’s Office of External Relations, 210 Public Service, (419) 995-8332. Completed nominations and letters of support must be returned to the Office of External Relations no later than April 30, 2003.

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