Alumnus Jeff L. Gibson ('97 Sports and Leisure Studies) tells us about his experience as an unofficial Buckeye ambassador in Paris, what he gained from his EHE degree and how he supports Ohio State in his role with his employer, Premier ProduceOne.

Tell us about your “O-H-I-O in Paris” photo

During the Christmas season, my wife, Kareena, and I took our kids to Europe. We spent 10 days visiting friends and tourist spots in London, Munich and Paris.

We truly had the time of our lives – but what made the trip even more special was the fact that we never felt far from home. Several times on the trip, one of us was wearing an Ohio State shirt – and each time

Jeff Gibson and wife Kareena Gibson at football game.These Buckeyes don't want to miss a single game. Jeff Gibson and Kareena Gibson at the October 2015 game - Buckeyes vs Terrapins.

 

 

we were greeted by the familiar sound of “O-H!” We truly felt like Ohio State ambassadors and part of a special Buckeye club.

On the day we arrived in Paris, the weather was perfect and the skies were so blue. The only downside to our trip was that we missed watching Ohio State’s bowl game this year – a first for us!

As we snapped selfies around the Eiffel Tower, we decided to share our #BuckeyeLove pictures online for friends back home.

What the picture can’t show is that while we posed, someone walking by said “O-H!” We did our Buckeye duty by replying with a hearty: “I-O!”

Why did you choose to attend Ohio State University?

After high school I went into the Army. When my time in the service was up, I was ready to come home – and Ohio State has always felt like home, so it was the obvious choice.

I loved getting a world-class education at a place steeped in tradition. My childhood memories are filled with Buckeye football games and trips to the campus bookstore. I was excited to dive into the Ohio State world even further with my studies – and I loved coming home.

What value did a degree in sports and leisure studies provide?

I’ve always been interested in fitness and nutrition. To gain a better understanding of how the two relate to the human body, I chose EHE for my major.

Image of alumnus Jeff Gibson with family and Archie Griffith.Bowling with Archie Griffin (center) makes Jeff Gibson (second from left) and his family members of the Buckeye in-crowd.

 

 

I got to participate in cutting-edge research and learn from the best faculty. To this day, fitness and nutrition are still a big part of my life.

I am the merchandising and marketing manager for Premier ProduceOne. It offers the best fruit and vegetable options to our customers and me.

Since we service the major Ohio markets of Columbus, Cleveland, Cincinnati and Dayton, we are based right here in Buckeye country.

We sell produce and specialty foods such as gluten-free pastas, artisan meats and cheeses and so much more. We also work closely with local farmers in an active farm-to-table program, which keeps Ohio foods right here in Ohio.

Gibson (right) at Premier ProduceOneGibson (right) at Premier ProduceOne's booth, at the National Association of College and University Food Services show. With him, fellow employee Tony Anselmo, a PP1's owner.

 

 

My ties to Ohio State have continued well beyond graduation. In my role, I work closely with Ohio State’s Office of Student Life, University Dining Services, to bring healthy meal options to the students, faculty and student athletes.

Every autumn, you’ll find the Premier ProduceOne gang tailgating outside of the French Field House on Saturday mornings – Go Bucks!

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