Letters to the Editor

Clark Kellogg ’96 attended my high school prom at Glenville High School in Cleveland and was at Ohio State the same time I attended (Clark Kellogg stays in the game, Spring 2026). His humble and charming personality put me in the mind of Superman. I hate that I never got to see him play. Fellow Buckeyes like him make you feel so proud to be a Buckeye.

Outstanding to see so many sports alumni develop successful media careers after graduation (Why so many Buckeyes thrive behind the mic, Spring 2026). Yes, coming through Ohio State helped them prepare. But look at the list: They were quality people to begin with.

I was born and raised in Fremont, Ohio. The Jacksons made a huge impact on our community and in our schools, which continues to resonate today (Her lifelong mission: Opening doors for others, Spring 2026). I was fortunate to be a part of the African American College Club for many years. Its access led me and many others to attending Historically Black Colleges and Universities. We owe a great deal to Drs. Alvin ’89 MD and Gayle Jackson. God rest her soul.

I read with great interest the article in the Spring 2026 alumni magazine that mentioned chapulines as a great snack food in parts of Mexico (Hungry for a crunchy treat? Consider grasshoppers). Out of curiosity, I asked our nanny about them. She is from Mexico and responded immediately. Her reply was priceless: “Sí claro son exquisitos.” Sounds yummy, but I’m not sure I’m ready to try them.

I read the Spring edition of Ohio State Alumni Magazine with considerable doubt. The “OH! AI!” articles were very positive with very few cautions. My experience has been negative with answering machine AI, but that is trivial. The real problem is with the user and those who read too much into an AI response. Computers aren’t always right and don’t always work and must be matched with real world experience. My experience as a city planner tells me that neighbors don’t respect a printout as much as real contact and experience in the neighborhood.

What an excellent and informative article (Preparing social work students for high‑stakes care, part of the Spring AI feature package). I learned a lot from this piece. I appreciated the level of expertise shown by Social Work faculty member Lois Stepney ’95 MSW, ’23 PhD. AI can be annoying, but this fascinating and fabulous article displays one surefire way AI can improve things. Brilliant. Well done.

I am a few years younger than Brutus and an avid fan of the team, the university and the nut. When I graduated in ’91, Brutus was one of my favorite Buckeye traditions. When my son, Evan ’21, attended as a freshman, he sent me photos of his first Brutus experience. I have it on my computer today as he finishes his rotations in the College of Optometry. When he was little, we named his guinea pigs Brutus and Cletus Buckeye.

During my senior year, Brutus’ head was stolen, and it was all over The Lantern. It was returned safely, and Brutus continued. Scot Zellman ’90, The Lantern cartoonist, created Brutus’ evil twin, Cletus, and I loved his escapades in the comic strip. A friend in industrial design actually created a Cletus head and wore it one Halloween. A CletusFest tailgate continues to this day.

I never realized how much this tradition actually represents until I read this story. I didn’t know how much these stories would affect me, but I am deeply touched by them. Brutus is a true ambassador, and I count myself lucky to be a Buckeye.

To say I loved the feature on the Bruti (“Being Brutus Buckeye”) is an understatement. I laughed out loud and shed multiple tears as I read the wonderful comments by many who were Brutus. Thank you so much for letting us take a peek under the big 
head. O-H!

I want to thank you for allowing a story like “Called to Serve” into Ohio State Alumni Magazine. As you know, we live in a very diverse secular culture that, at times, excludes Christian stories unless they’re negative. The story about Sister M. Xavier Schulze was exceptional. I really enjoyed learning about her journey and how she helps young people navigate the challenges of life. St. Cecilia and the small town are lucky to have her.  

I love watching Jeremiah Smith play, and it was wonderful to learn more about him as a person (“Jeremiah Smith, off the field”). My dad introduced me to chess as a youngster, too, as well as supporting me in my love of athletics and enjoyment of learning, all of which have helped me in later life. Great to get more insight about a well-known Buckeye athlete.

A human-interest story like this helps us to remember that the student-athletes we support carry quite a load and appreciate our support. While essentially being in the entertainment business, they still have to go to classes and study.

I am writing to tell you about my father, a proud Ohio State University alumnus:

Dr. James (Jim) R. Lowry
1952, B.S. in Business
1953, B.S. in Business Education
1954, M.B.A.
1966, PhD in Marketing

An interesting aside my dad has told us, while studying at Ohio State and serving as a graduate assistant, Jim was tasked with advising undergraduate business students. A young undergraduate met with him to discuss whether or not he should drop out to follow his dream of becoming a professional golfer. “Of course not,” Jim said. “Only a handful of folks make a good living out of playing golf. Focus on school.” Thankfully, Jack Nicklaus didn’t listen.

Jim recently enjoyed his 95th birthday with family and friends. He still walks 2-3 miles every other day and has no intention of slowing down. He is a very loyal Ohio State football fan, watching every minute of every game. The photo shows him at his home in Clear Lake, Indiana, cheering mightily alongside Brutus for another Bucs win!

Having grown up in Sandusky, I appreciated this interesting history of the research lab (“Happy 100th, Stone Lab”). I’m so impressed to learn of the improvements it’s spurred in Lake Erie conditions! Also, educating students and the public about the lake is so important.

When I saw this article (“2 dorms, 26 marriages”), I realized that my husband and I were also a Houck-Barrett marriage, so add to that number! We met at a Houck-Barrett party in October 1977 and got married September 1979. Sadly, he passed away June 2010, but we started a scholarship in his name—the Thomas P. Nash Memorial Scholarship—in the College of Engineering.

I’m a proud, first-generation graduate of Ohio State Newark and the Columbus campuses. I loved reading this story of resilience and success (“Built for the future,” Fall 2025). First-gen college students have so many obstacles to overcome. My mom died right before my final quarter of college, and without caring professors and counselors, I might not have been able to finish my program. Ohio State regional campuses rock!

I enjoyed this article (“Art allies,” Summer 2025) very much and have known Michelle Brandt (above, with Duff Lindsay) since her early Ohio State experience in art education as a student teacher for me. Her energy, knowledge, perseverance and dedication to Columbus’ art scene are infectious! Thank you for this insight into two Ohio State grads who are making a difference!

This was a very interesting article about archaeologist Brad Lepper (“History, reclaimed,” Summer 2025). I have done some archaeology as a hobby over the years and have visited many of the mound sites in Ohio. I may have met Brad years ago. What a fine example of a scientist and human being. Great story!