December invites us to pause. As the days grow shorter and the pace of the semester gives way to reflection, this season offers an opportunity to take stock of where we have been—and to look with hope toward what lies ahead.
At Ohio State Lima, 2025 has been a year marked by meaningful progress, renewed commitments, and moments that remind us why this campus matters so deeply to northwest Ohio. It has been a year shaped by the dedication of our faculty and staff, the curiosity and resilience of our students, and the enduring partnerships we share with our community.
This year, we proudly marked 65 years of offering classes at Ohio State Lima—65 years of expanding access to higher education, supporting student success, and contributing to the social, cultural, and economic vitality of our region. Generations of students have begun their Ohio State journey here, and that legacy continues to guide our work today.
One of the most significant milestones of the year was the launch of the university’s Regional Campus Commitment, a program that offers free tuition to eligible students who begin their Buckeye journey on a regional campus. This commitment affirms what we have long known here in Lima: access, affordability, and academic excellence go hand in hand. Our campus plays a vital role in meeting workforce needs and ensuring that students can start—and thrive—in their Ohio State experience close to home.
This year also marked the launch of our online associate degree, a forward-looking step that reflects how higher education must continue to evolve. By meeting students where they are, we are opening doors for adult learners, working students, and those balancing family and professional responsibilities—ensuring that an Ohio State education remains within reach for more members of our community.
We also celebrated 30 years of Theatre for Young Audiences, a program that has inspired creativity, curiosity, and joy in children throughout northwest Ohio and beyond. Its impact over three decades speaks to the power of the arts and the role our campus plays in enriching the cultural life of our region.
Our faculty’s expertise and engagement were on full display this year through Scarlet Sessions, which featured Dr. John Hellmann and Dr. Zach Hines and invited community members to learn alongside us. These sessions highlighted the depth and relevance of faculty scholarship while strengthening connections between the campus and the region. We also welcomed record-breaking crowds to our largest-ever STEAM on the Quad event, underscoring the excitement that hands-on learning and discovery can generate.
We strengthened support for students beyond the classroom as well. The launch of a professional clothing closet responded to students’ changing needs as they prepare for interviews, internships, and professional opportunities. Study abroad experiences through the Second Year Transformational Experience Program (STEP) expanded students’ perspectives, offering powerful learning experiences that extend far beyond campus.
This year, we were especially proud to celebrate faculty excellence, including Tryntje Helfferich, who received a teaching award in recognition of her outstanding dedication to student learning. Her work exemplifies the care, rigor, and commitment that define teaching at Ohio State Lima.
Above all, 2025 was shaped by the many contributions of our faculty, staff, and students—through visible achievements and quiet, daily efforts—to ensure that Ohio State Lima remains a welcoming place of growth and a leader in northwest Ohio.
As we look ahead to the coming year, we do so with confidence and optimism. While higher education continues to navigate change, the promise before us is clear. Guided by our mission and strengthened by our shared purpose, Ohio State Lima is well positioned to continue serving our students and our region with excellence.
This December, I offer my deepest gratitude to all who make this campus what it is. May the season ahead bring rest, reflection, and renewed energy—and may the new year arrive filled with opportunity, connection, and promise.
