10/22/99
ATHENS, Ohio--Ohio University was today cited as one of the top ethics and character-building institutions in the country, besting in number and depth of programs such universities as Princeton, Dartmouth, Yale, and dozens of other mostly private institutions.
The John Templeton Foundation announced the awards at its headquarters in Radnor, Pennsylvania.
As a result, Ohio University will be prominently profiled in the nationally distributed directory "Colleges that Encourage Character Development."
"The Templeton Guide identifies colleges that encourage students to understand the importance of personal and civic responsibility, which will help them succeed in college and beyond," said Arthur J. Schwartz, Ed.D., Director of Character Development Programs at the Templeton Foundation.
"Ohio University's work in their area is most impressive."
Ohio is one of 100 colleges and universities named to the Templeton Honor Roll for its commitment to inspire students to lead ethical and civic-minded lives. President Glidden is one of 50 college presidents out of a pool of some 750 presidents to make the Honor Roll for leadership in character development.
The Templeton announcement coincided with President Robert Glidden's State of the University address calling for more emphasis on ethical education to balance opportunities created by the school's technology initiatives.
Ohio is one of only 20 institutions to receive distinction in the Honor Roll and Presidential Leadership categories, and is the only university in the state to be represented on both highly prized lists. Moreover, Dr. Glidden joins the presidents of the University of Virginia and Southwest Missouri University as the only public university leaders to be recognized.
In his speech today at Irvine Auditorium, Glidden credited ethics programming and the Division of Student Affairs for his citation for Presidential Leadership. "We were also cited for exemplary programs dealing with substance-abuse prevention, character development, and sexuality, and for our volunteer service and leadership study initiatives.
"And we firmly believe that the PATH program played a key role in our selection for this important honor."
"Your PATH at Ohio," designed by Special Assistant to the President Michael Bugeja, emphasizes personal accountability, trust, and honor and expands on Ohio University's core values of respect, civility, and diversity.
"Our standards flow from there," Glidden said. "We can measure ourselves in many other ways as well-graduation rates, test scores, the number of applicants every year, and the number of awards. Those are important considerations, certainly. But ultimately what means the most is what kind of citizens we contribute to the world.
"The Templeton citations reaffirm Ohio University's tradition of educating leaders who not only contribute to society but set the standards as well."
In addition to Honor Roll and Presidential leadership, several programs created by the Division of Student Affairs were highlighted:
Other "Honor Roll" institutions profiled prominently with Ohio University in "Colleges that Encourage Character Development" include Baylor, Colorado State University, Dartmouth College, Emory University, Pepperdine University, Princeton University, United States Military Academy, United States Naval Academy, University of Dayton, University of Miami, University of Oklahoma, Washington and Lee University, and Yale University.
In addition to Ohio University, institutions recognized for Honor Roll and programmatic and presidential excellence include the University of Notre Dame, the Air Force Academy, the University of Virginia, and Wake Forest.
The Templeton Awards add to a list of honors received this year by Ohio University. The institution has earned competitive national rankings in U.S. News and World Report, The Sporting News, the Kaplan Report, and Best College Buys, among others.
Personnel contributing materials and information to the Templeton Foundation include Dr. Bugeja; Terry Hogan, Ph.D., interim Dean of Students; Patricia McSteen, Ph.D., Assistant Dean of Students; Richard Carpinelli, assistant to the Vice President of Student Affairs; Judy Piercy, assistant director of the Office of Judiciaries; Charlene Kopchick, director, Health Education & Wellness, Stephanie Dorgan, assistant director, Health Education & Wellness; Merle Graybill, interim director of the Center for Community Service; Becky Bushey-Miller, assistant director of student activities for leadership development; Jennifer Schomburg, graduate associate for leadership development, along with their staffs and students.
"Colleges that Encourage Character Development" is created and funded by philanthropist John Templeton. A former stockbroker, Templeton now sponsors more than 100 programs directed toward educators, scientists, theologians, medical professionals, and other scholars throughout the world. In 1972, Templeton introduced what has become known as the "Nobel Prize for Religion" when he awarded the Templeton Prize for Progress in Religion to Mother Theresa. The award, given annually based upon the recommendations of an international panel, is presented by Britain's Prince Phillip. At $1.24 million, it is the richest prize in the world.