The Central Ohio Technical College (COTC) and the Ohio State University at Newark announced the recognition of student leaders and organizations during their annual Scholarship and Student Leadership Dinner on April 16. This announcement was made in a press release on April 25, 2025.
According to the press release, several donors, including Norman and Suzanne Kennedy, Trace Johnson, and Megan Connell-Cox, were acknowledged for establishing scholarships supporting COTC and Ohio State Newark students. Individual awards were presented to student leaders such as Sophia Tosi, Allie Nelson, Abraham Haikal, Dani Wuichner, and Mitchell Mazzone for their leadership and service. Additional honors were given to faculty member Shawn White and student organizations like CAB, Pride Out Loud, and the ASL Student Organization for their impactful contributions on campus.
Kim Manno, COTC and Ohio State Newark director of advancement, said in a press release: "That spirit of giving – and the unexpected rewards that come with it – is exactly what makes the evening so special." She added that whether it involves hearing stories of students working tirelessly to improve their lives or witnessing the dedication of student leaders or being inspired by generous donors who believe in education's power, attendees cannot help but feel fulfilled.
Central Ohio Technical College (COTC) is a state-assisted institution offering various academic programs such as 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. The college 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. It provides an affordable path to an Ohio State education for residents. Founded in 1957, the campus spans over 200 acres with 12 buildings. Since 2017, more than $75 million has been invested in its facilities. As of autumn 2024, enrollment includes 2,544 students with significant representation from first-generation students (45%) and racial or ethnic minorities (42%).
