The 1888 Society – Ohio State Buckeyes
5/1/2008 12:00:00 AM | General
The 1888 Society
Advancing Athletics Through Endowment
What is The 1888 Society?
The Ohio State University opened its doors in 1873 and like many other schools, collegiate athletics at Ohio State evolved as a natural outlet for the competitive drive of healthy young men and eventually women. On May 21, 1881, Ohio State fielded its first intercollegiate sport team – baseball. The Franklins of Ohio State took on the Mutuals of Capital University and won 8-5.
According to the Lantern, dated June 6, 1888, two literary societies at Ohio State, Horton and Alcyone, challenged each other to a “pronunciation match” earlier that week. An admission fee was charged for the evening of laughable competition, wit and humor. Proceeds of this event were given to the Athletic Association, which at the time sponsored three sports – baseball, track and field and lawn tennis. This event marked the first documented “fund raiser” for athletics at Ohio State. Thus, we have named our exclusive level of endowment donors the “1888 Society.”
The 1888 Society at The Ohio State University helps student-athletes realize their dreams by providing support for their educational experience through athletic scholarships and program support.
The Ohio State University Department of Athletics is grateful for the visionary support of alumni and friends who have demonstrated their pride in the athletic and academic success of all Buckeye student-athletes by establishing endowments, linking their name with proud Buckeye tradition.
| • –>Becoming a Member of The 1888 Society–> • Giving Levels and Benefits • List of Endowments • The Scholarship Challenge • Booster Information • –>Member Questionnaire–> • The Ohio State University Treasurer’s Office • I Give |
