Compiled by Joseph Hughes

Here's a sampling of recent Ohio University mentions in the media:

Jan Slater and Michael Real of Ohio University's E.W. Scripps School of Journalism offered their interesting slants on hoopla surrounding the Super Bowl. Slater, a former advertising professional who has co-authored a book on advertising strategy, was interviewed for stories in both the Columbus Dispatch and Akron Beacon-Journal about Super Bowl ads. As Slater noted in the Jan. 25 Dispatch article, the Super Bowl has become center stage for advertisers as well as for pro football. "It has become a showcase for big brands," she pointed out.

Akron Beacon-Journal columnist Mary Ethridge spoke to Slater for a Jan. 26 story about the return of wacky ads for the big game. "Advertisers were about patriotism and restraint last year. This year, things will look much more familiar," Slater said.

Real, who has studied the Super Bowl phenomenon for 30 years, noted in a Jan. 26 Lima News story that "the Super Bowl transcends football and is right up there with other major holidays." As Real noted, the Super Bowl is treated as holidays, but with a more appealing guest list. "Sometimes it's a more desirable guest list because they don't feel compelled to invite relatives." Real offered his brand of Super Bowl observations for a noon interview on WCPN radio, the NPR affiliate in Cleveland on Jan. 24.

--> See the Akron Beacon Journal

--> See the Columbus Dispatch

As it did with former Bobcat great Gary Trent, Sports Illustrated has lauded the dominant play of current Ohio star Brandon Hunter. In its Feb. 3 issue, the magazine called Hunter Ohio's "Glass Master" and the "Lord Of the Boards" in an article in its "Inside College Basketball" section.

Before the season, Hunter promised Ohio coach Tim O'Shea he wanted to lead the nation in rebounding. Sports Illustrated's Seth Davis noted that Hunter has come through on his promise, as his 13.3 rebounds per game leads the NCAA. For Hunter, desire is the key.

"Rebounding is all about effort," Hunter said. "Look at some of the greatest rebounders who have played in the NBA -- Ben Wallace, Dennis Rodman, Charles Barkley. All of those guys are warriors, which is what I consider myself to be."

Davis noted Hunter's peak performances versus St. Bonaventure and Akron, quoting Kentucky's Chuck Hayes calling him "a beast" and adding, "He's the strongest player I've had to guard."

Hunter, who is also third in the Mid-American Conference in scoring (21.9 ppg), has learned a lot over his four seasons with the Bobcats. "I've learned that I'm a perfectionist, but I can't expect everyone else to be as hungry as me all the time," he told SI. "There's no such thing as a perfect season, but I know we can get a lot better."

In its current issue, Ohio Magazine praises alumna Jeanette Grasselli Brown as a trailblazer. Grasselli Brown, who chose Ohio University because "it is everything a campus should be," retired in 1989 as BP America's director of corporate research. A member of the Ohio Board of Regents, Grasselli Brown is a former chair of the University's Board of Trustees. Thirteen years ago, she established the Frontiers in Science Lecture Series on Ohio's campus. Grasselli Brown was featured as part of a series of articles entitled "True to Their Schools," about Ohio college alums' praise of their alma maters.

Ohio University Associate Professor of Psychology Paula Popovich discussed how the gray hues of winter could put workers in the doldrums with cases of Seasonal Affective Disorder during an interview with WTVN radio in Columbus. As Popovich notes, the lack of sunshine in the winter can affect employees' attitudes and performances and many businesses have initiated innovative ways to deal with this problem.

In recent weeks, Ohio University -- and several other regional and national institutions -- was erroneously listed as the school of choice for Mary-Kate and Ashley Olsen, perhaps known best from their role on the sitcom "Full House." A bogus CNN report, says the Dayton Daily News, is responsible for the hoax. The twins' publicist, Michael Pagnotta, says the twins have not yet made a college choice and are preparing to take the SATs.

"In a way, it's flattering so many people want to believe (the twins) will be going to their school," Pagnotta said. "But at the end of the day, none of the reports are true."

--> See the Dayton Daily News

Joseph Hughes is a graduate student writer with University Communications and Marketing.