Philanthropy Speaker Series
The Department of Student Philanthropy and the Student Philanthropy Council invite alumni, nonprofit leaders and current students to engage our campus community in converations about philanthropy. We hope that attendees will be empowered to take action and employ giving as a tool for positive social change. This Series is grounded in the belief that our communities are strengthened when Buckeyes Give their time, talent and treasure.
Series Goals
Our intended outcomes for this series are that:
- Students become more educated about philanthropy and the social issues facing our generation,
- Students develop efficacy to make a positive impact in the world around them through philanthropy and
- Students cultivate a sense of belonging within the university and see it as a place where they can give back and pay forward.
Past Speakers
Dr. Mark Lomax II of the Columbus Foundation
Dr. Mark Lomax II is a composer, activist, and Ohio State alumnus. He has spent his career creating music and lectures surrounding the socio-political aspects of African American art. He serves as an officer for The Columbus Foundation where he is responsible for developing and managing grantmaking strategies to reduce disparities and create access to opportunities for at-risk youth, ages 16 to 26. This conversation included intersections of art, race, and philanthropy with a focus on the powerful ways that #BuckeyesGive.
Student Leader Panel
A student panel composed of leaders from student run non-profits and service organizations shared how you can give back to the Buckeye, Columbus, and global community through involvements at Ohio State. We heard from organizations that work towards combating food insecurity, drug addiction, climate change, and more. If there is a cause that you are passionate about, there is probably work being done at Ohio State related to solving the issue. These are just a handful of the amazing projects that are led by members of the Ohio State community.
Josh Phelps: Philanthropy in Disaster Relief
Josh Phelps is the Director of Relief Operations for Word Central Kitchen. The organization provides nutritious meals for communities affected by natural and manmade disasters. They have worked in countries across the world and domestically to ensure that during crises, people have access to a hot meal. Josh shared his experience starting as a volunteer with the organization and growing to understand the massive impact that this work has on communities who face the lasting effects of earthquakes, hurricanes, war, and fires. Now more than ever, we recognize the critical importance of organizations like World Central Kitchen.
Doris Korda: Philanthropy in Education
Ohio State alumna Doris Korda shared her unexpected career path: from systems engineer to educator to founder of a nonprofit. She currently serves as the CEO of Korda Institute for Teaching, an Ohio based nonprofit whose mission is to transform schools. Korda Institute works with hundreds of educators globally to change the way teachers teach and students learn in urban and rural, public districts, career tech programs, and schools of all types.
Check out her Ted Talk from TedX Columbus here.
Chad Whittington: Philanthropy in the Arts
Chad Whittington joined Ohio State students to share about his work as the CEO for the Columbus Assocation for the Perfroming Arts (CAPA). Attendees at this Speaker Series had a valuable look into how arts organizations engage philanthropically within their communities. Not only does CAPA enrich the Columbus community by restoring historic theaters and nurturing appreciation for art, the organization also strives to bring community members into theaters to experience all that the Columbus performing arts scene has to offer.