Founders Hall to be renamed Louella Hodges Reese Hall
Staff Report
NEWARK – The Ohio State University at Newark and Central Ohio Technical College (COTC) will be renaming Founders Hall on their shared campus as Louella Hodges Reese Hall.
The renaming is in acknowledgment of Lou Reese s exceptional and enduring support of the Newark campus and higher education.
“Mrs. Reese’s long-standing commitment to Ohio State and our Newark campus has improved the lives of countless Buckeyes,” said Ohio State President Kristina M. Johnson in a news release. “The naming of Louella Hodges Reese Hall will serve as a prominent and most welcome reminder of her and the Reese family’s incredible impact across our university, their passion for education and their deep devotion to Licking County. As always, we thank her and express our deep gratitude for her support.”
NEWARK - Celebrating Black history doesn’t end after February.
The Ohio State University-Newark and Central Ohio Technical College’s latest addition to their Black History Month collection of art was unveiled as a statue of the iconic Harriet Tubman.
The statue, on loan to campus from the Gilbert Reese Family Foundation, wanted to honor the significance of Black artists and writers. The two colleges started a tradition of grand celebrations nearly 20 years ago. They hope to implement more murals, paintings and sculptures inside buildings to celebrate noteworthy Black people, according to COTC President John Berry.
Another aspect of the celebration is an annual Black History Gala, held this year via Zoom on February 25. Each year, students and faculty get together to plan and coordinate the gathering.