You can’t have one without the other

Three features in this month’s magazine are either directly part of The Ohio State University or have some connection to it. It truly is a town within a town.
Ohio State relates to nearly everything in Columbus in one way or another. It doesn’t matter if you’re an alumnus or not. It doesn’t matter if you plan your Saturdays around Buckeye games or not. It doesn’t matter if you grew up in the area or not. Ohio State most likely touches your life in some way.
It was nice to learn more about the latest president, Dr. Michael V. Drake, who is a very different leader than his predecessor, in this month’s cover story. I also heard from a former Buckeye football player, Roy Hall, who is doing his part to give back to the community.
While Jack Hanna is only an honorary Buckeye, he will be celebrating 40 years at the Columbus Zoo and Aquarium in 2018.
I grew up watching Hanna on television, but I don’t think I realized how great his impact has been until I put together this month’s Uniquely. Hanna and the Columbus Zoo have become synonymous. It’s hard to think of one without the other.
It’s incredible how one man — and his keen understanding of public relations, education and entertainment — can help spark such change and progress. Hanna is someone who made himself into his own brand. When you think about him, an image of khaki and wild animals immediately springs to your mind. It’s no coincidence that all of his television shows use his name as part of the title.
Sometimes, I forget just how influential Ohio State has been and will always be to not just the Central Ohio community, but all four corners of the state. As Drake said in a video after he became the 15th president, you have to appreciate the pride and emotional connection that people have to Ohio State, as well as how central the university is to the community.

You really can’t have one without the other, just like Hanna and the zoo.