The Ohio State University Alumni Awards began in 1958 to honor living alumni who personify the University's tradition of excellence by their extraordinary achievements.
Education and Human Ecology graduates have had an outstanding impact on the University, the nation and world. This year, three graduates received coveted 2013 Alumni Awards.
Edward H. Rensi, '90 Industrial Technology Education, of Downers Grove, Ill., was awarded the Alumni Medalist Award
Rensi did what many hope to do; he fulfilled the American Dream. He made his way to the top from a grill cook at a Columbus McDonald's to president and CEO of McDonald's USA in less than 20 years. He has changed the lives of countless children through his creation of the Ronald McDonald House.
Nominator Dean Cheryl Achterberg said, “Ed Rensi has made the lives of those with whom he comes in contact better, either through his mentoring, leadership, guidance or generosity.”
The Alumni Medalist Award for national or international career achievement is the single highest honor accorded by the alumni association.
Carol W. Kennedy Jones, '67 Nursing, '70 MS Nursing, '79 PhD Special Services Education, of Powell, Ohio, was awarded the Ralph Davenport Mershon Award
Kennedy Jones has provided extraordinary service to Ohio State's College of Nursing and the field of nursing as a whole. Her roles as a faculty member within the College of Nursing, director of the Center for Nursing Research and associate dean for graduate education and research have allowed her to serve as an advocate for health and wellness. She paved the way for nontraditional students by developing a program that enabled those who had previously earned a bachelor's degree to prepare for advanced practice through an accelerated path through prelicensure requirements.
The Mershon Award is presented to alumni who have demonstrated exceptional leadership and service to the university.
Sandy C. Slomin, '71 Education, of Delray Beach, Fla., was awarded the Robert M. Duncan Alumni Citizenship Award
Slomin's love for children, education and "paying it forward" is apparent to all who meet her. Inspired by her personal experience with a special needs child and the College of Education and Human Ecology's Schoenbaum Family Center at Weinland Park, Slomin founded the Slomin Family Center for Autism and Related Disabilities Inc. to be a "safe haven where all feel welcomed and accepted." She has extended her support to the Critical Difference for Women program at Ohio State, as well. Her 39 scholarships helped 32 female students whose education was interrupted because of family needs and financial difficulties.
The Robert M. Duncan Alumni Citizenship Award is presented to alumni who have distinguished themselves in service to humanity and who have best exemplified the University's motto, "Education for Citizenship," by having performed significant voluntary service to their community beyond the call of business or professional duty.
The 55th Annual Alumni Award recipients were honored at a ceremony on October 25 at the Ohio Union on the Columbus campus. The Alumni Awards are presented by the Ohio State University Alumni Association Inc.
