News & Updates Revitalization Plan High Street South Campus Gateway Columbus Coated Fabrics site Homeownership Section 8 Housing Initiative For Students University Outreach Organization and History of Campus Partners Get Involved in Our Committees How to Contact Us Related Links Public Safety University District History An Introduction to Campus Partners A civic association for the neighborhoods around The Ohio State University's Columbus campus printed a bumper sticker a few years ago that declared: "The University District - a SMART place to live." That bumper sticker reflected the pride that many residents have for these neighborhoods, known collectively as the University District. Yet these neighborhoods - like many urban communities across the nation - have faced challenges in the appearance and maintenance of its residential and commercial structures and, most importantly, in the safety and quality of life of the students and other residents who live and work in this area. The university, in cooperation with the city, created Campus Partners for Community Urban Redevelopment in 1995 to spearhead the revitalization of the University District. Campus Partners was incorporated as a non-profit organization to work with the city, community agencies, neighborhood leaders, and the university itself. Campus Partners has initiated comprehensive, community-based planning for the University District, is facilitating cooperative efforts to improve municipal services in the area, and is undertaking specific projects to enhance the neighborhood vitality. Click here for an overview of Campus Partners' accomplishments. Last updated May 18, 2009.

Evans Scholars celebrate opening of new facility More than 400 current and past Evans Scholars and their family members on May 16 celebrated the opening of the new scholarship house at 121 East 16th Avenue, just west of Indianola Avenue.  The new facility provides housing for 80 undergraduates. The Evans Scholars chapter at Ohio State is one of 14 chapter houses at universities around the nation.  The Evans Scholars Foundation is administered by the Western Golf Association (WGA), based in Chicago, and is the country's largest privately funded college scholarship program. The scholarships are awarded to deserving golf caddies.  Each scholarship is renewable for up to four years and covers tuition and housing. Ohio State's chapter was founded in 1962.  Before moving into the new facility earlier this year, Evans Scholars were located in a building at 52 East 14th Avenue. One of the features that makes Evans Scholars unique is the communal living, which creates long-term friendships and opportunities for leadership. The new facility is named for the late Earl "Bones" Hamilton, who was a Columbus attorney, a long-time WGA director in Ohio and a strong supporter of Evans Scholars.  The open house on May 16 was the culmination of a decade of planning and fund-raising. Evans Scholars and their families gather outside their new chapter house. Neighbors raising funds to beautify Iuka Ravine Sherrie Ireland, Rose Solomon, Linda Ridihalgh and Greg Maynard are organizing a grassroots effort to raise funds to beautify Iuka Ravine, one of the central greenspaces in the University District. They have set a goal of $1,000 to support the purchase and maintenance of trees, shrubs and flowers for the park area beyond what the City of Columbus is providing in capital improvements to enhance the ravine. The University District Organization is the fiscal agent to receive tax-deductible donations for the ravine beautification. Checks should be made out to “University District Organization” with “Iuka Ravine improvements” in the memo line and sent to UDO at 2231 North High Street, Room 200, Columbus, OH 43201. For information, contact Linda Ridihalgh at (614) 299-0130 and lridihal@ix.netcom.com. Neighbors also are planning a spring clean-up of the ravine and a bake sale in the park during mid-term exam week in mid-April.

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