The OSU Alumni Club of Muskingum County (OSUACMC) held its 15th Annual Scholarship Auction Thursday, April 10, at the VFW Post 1058, in Zanesville. The event included both live and silent auctions for a variety of sports memorabilia and other valuable merchandise donated by area businesses, organizations, and individuals, and featured RYAN MILLER, former Ohio State Linebacker and Emmy Award Winning Sports Reporter, as the guest speaker of the evening. Miller is also the co-founder of the 2nd & 7 Foundation and m2 marketing.
Miller arrived early and stayed late, signing autographs and posing for photos, while mingling and conversing with the attendees. His remarks were entertaining and engaging, as he shared how a young man from suburban Detroit, Michigan made the unlikely choice to become a Buckeye, and stories about playing for Coach John Cooper and winning the 1997 Rose Bowl as a senior. He also spoke of the work of the 2nd & 7 Foundation, which focuses on literacy issues, visiting elementary schools each week and providing free books to the children. Miller and his colleagues now write their own children’s books that feature the “Hog Mollies” and subtle references to the history and folklore of Ohio State, such as “Uncle Archie” and baby “Scarlet”.
Prior to Miller’s remarks, the club honored the recipients of its annual awards, presenting the OSUACMC Outstanding Alumnus Award to DONNA COLE, a 1970 Ohio State graduate and founding member of the local alumni club, who has served as Treasurer of the club since 1994. The Outstanding Friend of OSUACMC Award was presented to DAVID MITZEL, Executive Director of The Muskingum County Community Foundation (MCCF), for his support of the OSU alumni club and its projects. These awards were established in 2012 to recognize individuals who have provided significant contribution and support to the causes of the local alumni group, as well as to The Ohio State University and/or The OSU Alumni Association.
All proceeds from the event benefit the OSUACMC Scholarship Fund, which annually provides scholarships for Muskingum County students to attend the campuses of The Ohio State University.
