The College of Arts and Sciences is the academic heart of the university, and a learning lab for interdisciplinary discovery and creativity. With 38 different academic units delivering almost half of all credit hours on Columbus campus, students have access to an incredible variety of learning paths. As we educate global citizens to solve problems in their communities and beyond, the next generation of leaders are being equipped with critical thinking skills and adaptability.

Here’s a story from one student who illustrates this potential, made possible in part through donor support.

Dear Buckeye Friends and Supporters,

My senior year at Ohio State has been incredibly fulfilling and undoubtedly my favorite year since I started in 2021. Academically, I had more freedom in choosing classes, allowing me to dive deeper into my major in geographic information science (GIS) and my minor in Environmental Science. This flexibility let me explore specific topics that truly interest me.

Being a Buckeye means being part of a larger Ohio State community that supports you no matter where life takes you. My college experience was significantly shaped by alumni support, particularly the Dr. Carlos O. Miller Scholarship, which empowered me to attend Ohio State and explore my interests. Another highlight was studying abroad in New Zealand, made possible by the Monda International Experience Scholarship. This life-changing experience helped me identify my career goals and interests in sustainability and environmental science, which I've integrated into my job search. Your donations, big or small, have a profound impact.

I currently intern at the Franklin County Engineer's Office in their GIS department, a position I started last summer and will continue this summer. One of the major projects I've worked on is the highway map and atlas of Franklin County, which is now being sent to print and will be available throughout the county soon. It's exciting to see this project come to fruition right after graduation.

Your support has helped me step out of my comfort zone. Coming from Jackson, Ohio, a small rural town in Appalachian Ohio, I was used to sticking to what I knew. The scholarships I received have opened my eyes to new experiences and learning opportunities that I never had access to before. For instance, I had never heard of GIS before coming to Ohio State, but it became a passion of mine during my first year.

My favorite Ohio State memory is undoubtedly my trip to New Zealand. Before that trip, I had barely traveled and had never been on a plane. Despite being halfway across the world, I felt right at home with 25 other Buckeyes. One specific hike stands out, where we walked 12 miles to a remote area on a beautiful day. We took a group photo with an Ohio State flag against the backdrop of stunning mountains, which perfectly captured the connection to Ohio State and the friendships we formed on that trip.

Overall, my senior year has been a blend of academic freedom, meaningful extracurricular involvement, and exciting future prospects. It's been a busy but incredibly rewarding journey, and I wouldn't change a thing.

Thank you for your support,

Owen White '25