Beloit College recently released its annual Mindset List for the entering college class of 2018; the list describes pop culture, political and economic influences on the lifetime of a student.
We did some of our own research to discover how Ohio State has evolved since 1996–the year most current first-year students were born–and here are some things we uncovered:
1997 | 1 year old
Students vote to implement the COTA bus fee, which provides unlimited city bus transportation throughout Columbus for a flat fee each term.
The William C. Davis Baseball Stadium is dedicated. In 2011 the field was named for the 2000 Big Ten Freshman Player of the Year (and current Cleveland Indians player) Nick Swisher, who donated $500,000 to renovations.
1998 | 2 years old
Campus expands on the north side with the opening of the Jerome Schottenstein Center and the Fisher College of Business. The Schott sees over 1 million visitors annually and Fisher consistently ranks as one of the top business schools in the country.
1999 | 3 years old
Students leave orientation with their autumn term schedule of classes in hand. Prior to 1999, the schedule was mailed to their home address later in the summer.
2000 | 4 years old
Formal recruitment for Sorority and Fraternity Life moves from early autumn to the beginning of winter term, allowing new students to have the fall to get adjusted to campus life before deciding whether to join a Greek organization.
Our synchronized swimming team earns the first of five consecutive national championships; the team has earned 28 national championships over its 80-year history, more than any other athletic team at Ohio State.
2001 | Kindergarten
First Year Experience is established to help new students get started, make connections, and get answers in their first year (and beyond).
The Ohio Stadium capacity exceeds 100,000. Summer 2014 renovations will bump capacity to more than 104,000, making the ‘Shoe the third largest stadium in the Big Ten (behind Michigan and Penn State).
BuckeyeThon has its first dance marathon; it is now the largest student-run philanthropy at Ohio State, raising money to support kids at Nationwide Children’s Hospital.
Football coach Jim Tressel begins the tradition of singing the alma mater, Carmen Ohio, after each football game.
2002 | First grade
Ohio State wins the 2002 football national championship against Miami (FL) in double overtime (technically, the game was played on January 3, 2003).
2003 | Second grade
Commencement is moved from Friday to Sunday as a convenience to graduating students’ families and out-of-town guests.
The first Student Activity Fee is implemented, giving students access to hundreds of events and activities on campus and in the surrounding community.
Wireless technology begins to emerge across campus.
2004 | Third grade
Women’s Pistol earns its second national championship.
Knowlton Hall opens and houses the Knowlton School of Architecture; the building earns numerous architectural awards.
2005 | Fourth grade
Several new buildings open in time for autumn classes, including the RPAC, the ARC, and the Physics Research Building.
2006 | Fifth grade
The College of Education and the College of Human Ecology merge to form the College of Education and Human Ecology.
Ohio State quarterback Troy Smith wins the Heisman Trophy, the most prestigious award in college football.
2007 | Sixth grade
Jessica Hanzlik is Ohio State’s first female Rhodes Scholar.
Ohio State joins Facebook; the page now has more than half a million “likes”.
2008 | Seventh grade
The College of Public Health is created.
Forty Brutus Buckeye statues are displayed around the Schottenstein Center as a fundraiser for the Thompson Library renovation project. Many of them can still be seen around campus today.
2009 | Eighth grade
Thompson Library reopens after major renovations; the Grand Reading Room (overlooking the Oval) and Campus Reading Room (top floor) are beloved study spots on campus.
Ohio State joins Twitter (@OhioState) #Buckeyes #Awesome
The first Pelotonia participants bike to raise money for cancer research.
2010 | High school freshman
The new Ohio Union opens in March. The original Ohio Union was the first student union at a public university.
2011 | High school sophomore
Entrepreneur Leslie Wexner donates $100 million to Ohio State; the Ohio State University Medical Center is renamed Wexner Medical Center in his honor.
2012 | High school junior
Ohio State switches from quarters to semesters, transforming the typical academic year from three 10-week terms to two 15-week terms.
TBDBITL goes viral after one incredible halftime show, with over 1 million YouTube hits in 24 hours.
2013 | High school senior
The North Residential District Transformation project breaks ground; it will yield 11 new buildings and 3,000+ beds upon completion in 2016.
What did we leave out? Let us know!