I recently visited our Marine Biology Lab to learn from our students and faculty. This interactive learning environment prepares our students for careers in the sciences. Unmatched by any other university in Ohio, the lab contains more than 3,000 gallons of seawater and is completely run by a team of 70 students. Paired with various research and outreach projects, our Marine Biology Lab engages not just our students, but our community, driving the public good.  

We are humbled to have raised $867,544 during BGSU One Day, our third annual day of giving! Alumni and friends from all 50 states gave to more than 150 funds to support scholarships, academic programs, the arts, intercollegiate athletics, student life and the Jerome Library, to name a few. Through the generosity of our donors, we prepare our students to live meaningful and productive lives. In case you missed it, our students want to thank you directly for the positive impact you have on Bowling Green State University. 

Bowling Green State University and Cedar Fair Entertainment Company have recently announced a partnership to create an academic program in resort and attraction management. This will position our students for a multibillion-dollar industry sector in which Cedar Fair is a widely recognized leader, and will be taught and led by BGSU faculty. In students’ final two years of classes, they will learn in downtown Sandusky at the 78,030-square-foot multipurpose facility developed by Cedar Fair, integrating classwork with hands-on experiences in Cedar Fair venues. As a public university, we are always looking at how best to serve our communities. Our partnership with this Ohio-based, international company allows us to do just that.

From an NCAA national championship to Olympic gold medalists to Stanley Cup winners, BGSU Hockey has left its mark on this international sport. Our program has a storied history, but we believe our best days lie ahead. We are excited to name Ty Eigner ’93, former team captain and assistant coach, as our next head hockey coach. With experience at the NCAA and professional levels, Ty is a proven coach and leader. In the 2018-2019 season, he was responsible for our defensive strategy. Under his leadership, our defense ranked No. 1 in the country in goals-against-average with just 1.78 goals a game! We are confident that he will build upon our momentum. I am already looking forward to our next season at the Slater Family Ice Arena. I know our students, faculty, staff, alumni and fans will be ready to cheer on the Falcons. Ay Ziggy Zoomba!

The 24th annual Dance Marathon raised a total of $255,179 to support Mercy Children’s Hospital, part of the Children’s Miracle Network. This brings the 24-year total of donations to more than $5 million. I continue to be amazed by how committed our students are to making a difference. These types of experiences also shape critical thinking and leadership abilities. I often hear from our alumni how DM changed their lives. This is my second ZiggyThon as president and I can attest to the passion and dedication at the event. To me, creating public good is just that, “doing good.” It is student organizations like Dance Marathon that practice that commitment.