Brutus On Parade to Benefit Ohio State Library Renovation – Ohio State Buckeyes
10/31/2007 12:00:00 AM | General
by Emily Meyer, Ohio State Athletics Communications
In September 2006, the William Oxley Thompson Memorial Library more affectingly known as the Main Library to students closed its doors for renovation. Nearly a century old, the building first opened for use in 1913 and has been the central meeting place for Ohio State students since.
With the ambition of redefining its original Second Italian Renaissance Revival style, the current renovation will be the centerpiece of the University’s charge to lead the nation as an academic powerhouse.
In comes Brutus Buckeye. The spirited mascot who champions more than 900 Ohio State student-athletes to aspire to greatness is using his notoriety to lead the “Brutus On Parade” campaign a fundraising effort designed to help raise the necessary funds to restore the library into its original grandeur.
When the doors of William Oxley Thompson Memorial Library open again in August of 2009, the new home of more than 1.25 million of Ohio State’s 5.8 million books will better serve the student population with more than 2,000 seats in 90,750 square feet of new space.
Starting in May 2008, 250 unique fiberglass Brutus statues will hit the streets of Columbus. Standing seven-feet tall with one arm extended in the air, sponsors throughout the greater Columbus area are offered the chance to design their very own Brutus Buckeye. From a Woody Hayes to a Rock n’ Roll Brutus, designs can come from any where cartoon characters, original designs and real people even the head of OSU is free game.
Ohio State president Gordon Gee revealed the first Brutus to spear the campaign, one in his own image.
With sponsorships ranging between $10,000 to $20,000 (depending on the level of participation) local businesses and citizens can promote tourism and the sense of community with a personalized Buckeye. The funds raised from the “Brutus On Parade” campaign will benefit the Thompson Memorial Library renovation as well as create a general scholarship fund for the Ohio State cheerleaders in the name of Brutus Buckeye.
Wednesday, shortly after the unveiling of the first three “Brutus On Parade” figures, Kelly Dawes, owner of College Traditions, Inc., an Ohio State themed gift shop on Lane Ave., committed to a $20,000 sponsorship for a Brutus display outside the store.
“I am pumped up about this,” Dawes said. “As soon as I heard about it, I thought it was an exciting way to help the university and its library renovation. I think our customers, fans and visitors to the city are going to love it.”
Among the changes, a new heating, ventilation and air conditioning system will be installed to protect the library’s collection of distinguished rare books. Students will have two grand reading rooms seating 250 each. In addition, the former attic will be converted into a lounge for receptions and lectures.
With only 250 Brutus statues offered, the campaign will run on a first-come, first-serve basis. After being on display around the greater Columbus area for six months, the unique statues not purchased by a sponsor will be auctioned off to the general public.
“Brutus On Parade” marks a partnership between The Ohio State University and the Department of Athletics to enhance the academic experience of all Buckeyes and drive support in the university as a national academic institution. The Department of Athletics donated $5 million to the renovation.
