Our Alumni

Molly Ranz Calhoun knows: Purpose is a wise guide

Whether it’s weighing life changes or choosing teachers for her sons, our alumni association leader values making a positive impact.

By Molly Ranz Calhoun ’86

April 17, 2024

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On a bench sit three boys. Two wear graduation caps and show off certificates, and the one between them has his arms wrapped around his brothers’ shoulders. He’s smiling, as is the boy on his left. The expression of the one on the right says he is less enthused, at least at the moment the photo was snapped. — The Calhoun boys — from left, Casey, Cody and Conner — benefited from the purpose of teachers in the Ohio State Child Care Program. (Photo courtesy of the Calhoun family)

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What moves our internal compass? For me, it’s the pull of my purpose: to help people be better versions of themselves — so they can be there for the ones they love.

Purpose shapes goals and guides life decisions. When I accepted my first role at Ohio State, as a young professional creating spaces to support the development of students, I never imagined where I would be today. As each new career opportunity was presented, I asked myself: Can I make a positive impact or contribute to a cause I believe in? If the answer was yes, I committed to exploring those outcomes. Now, I’m grateful to help build leaders who lift up their teams and all Buckeyes.

It is exciting to see a similar purpose in President Carter, who is driven to empower those around him to lead. His sense of duty shows up in his words and actions. His long career in the military and higher education also demonstrates that once you discover your purpose, you’ll begin to bend your life to that pursuit.

Life becomes most meaningful when we discover our purpose, and that could not be truer of the team with the Ohio State Child Care Program as it celebrates 50 years. My three boys thrived under the leadership of the program’s teachers and have fond memories of those days — the fish sticks, friends, field trips and, above all, teachers Yomna Alshafie, Donna Taylor ’83, Rebecca Grubb Levitt ’01 and many others. Each of them is an extraordinary example of the impact of finding and exercising your purpose.

I often say I am a better leader because I am a mom, and a better mom because I am a leader. I can proudly report that those three boys are healthy, gainfully employed young men. Though they are out of my house, they visit often to seek advice and hang out with mom and dad. My North Star shines bright, and my purpose has been realized again!

You’ll want to meet another mom we wrote about, Betsy Ziegler ’93, who lives by the motto, “Own your life. Act with intent.” This has been a recurring theme throughout her career and her life. From her roles as CEO and board member to being a devoted Ohio State football fan and, most importantly, a “boy mom” to her son, Charlie, she exhibits an unshakable commitment to helping others be successful.

The world is enriched when we live authentically. Our Buckeye family is full of purpose-driven leaders, and I know you are one of them. Reach out via OSUAAPresident@osu.edu and tell me how you uncover your highest aim.

Author

Molly Ranz Calhoun

Molly Ranz Calhoun ’86 is president and CEO of The Ohio State University Alumni Association. She’s a Buckeye by birth, as the daughter of Norbert Ranz ’49, ’52 DDS and the late Mary Welch Ranz ’48. She and her husband, Tom, have three sons: Cody Calhoun ’22 MD, Casey Calhoun ’22 and Conner Calhoun.

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