The Ohio State University at Newark, in collaboration with Central Ohio Technical College (COTC), hosted the 16th annual Community Intercultural Relations Conference on April 11. This announcement was made in a press release on April 17, 2025.
Sara Abou Rashed, an Arab American poet and storyteller, shared her personal immigration story during the opening speech of the conference and led one of its breakout sessions. According to a press release, keynote speaker Jennifer De Leon focused her address on her book "Don’t Ask Me Where I’m From," drawing from her experiences as the daughter of Guatemalan immigrants in Boston suburbs.
The Vorley Taylor Champion Award was presented to Paddy Kutz, a member of the original planning committee for the conference, recognizing her dedication to inclusivity. The event concluded with Denison University’s Forward Scholars presenting an AI tool designed to connect cultures and communities in Licking County.
Matthew J. Smith, PhD, Ohio State Newark dean and director, emphasized the importance of such discussions. "We would be remiss not to acknowledge the weight of those conversations," he said. "This conference is about action. It’s about innovation, about courage and about learning from one another. Building inclusive communities is not a distraction from our core goals. It is the path to excellence."
Central Ohio Technical College (COTC) is a state-assisted institution offering various academic programs including bachelor’s degrees, associate degrees, and certificates. Established in 1971 and chartered by the Ohio Board of Regents, COTC has been accredited by the Higher Learning Commission since 1975. It serves Licking, Knox, and Coshocton counties through four campuses and online courses.
The Ohio State University at Newark is a regional campus located 39 miles east of Columbus that provides an affordable path to an Ohio State education for residents. Founded in 1957, it spans over 200 acres with significant investments made into its facilities since 2017. As of autumn 2024, it enrolls 2,544 students with notable percentages identifying as first-generation or racial/ethnic minorities.
