A dedication ceremony at the new Tuttle Park Memorial Garden yesterday celebrated the lives and contributions of four former university district activists.

Jan Looman, Charles “Chuck” Pavey III, Jean Hansford and Diane Poulton each made a lasting impression on the university district, the residential area surrounding Ohio State.

Columbus mayor Michael Coleman spoke at the dedication, and said after a tough day, it was nice to attend such a positive ceremony.  

“This memorial represents the growing prosperity of the neighborhood,” Coleman said. “I tip my hat to all community representatives.” 

Jan Looman was a champion for Columbus Public Schools and a “woman of energy,” said Doreen Uhas, mutual friend to each of the four being memorialized. Many in attendance smiled in agreement.    

“My wife would have been happy with the ceremony,” said John Looman. “She loved events.” 

Jan Looman was president of the University District Organization, a member of the Columbus Southern Ward Committee and was involved with numerous community clean-up projects. 

Pavey was fondly remembered as “a door – a door that was always open,” Uhas said. “His greatest accomplishment was that he stayed here. He was so devoted to the family and roots he had here.” 

Pavey owned Even Tide, Inc., real estate company, and was known for his fair and friendly business practices. He attended OSU and Capital University, where he got his degree in 1955, and later belonged to both the University District Organization and the University Community Association.  

Hansford was the senior campus planner in the Office of the University Architect and Physical Planning for over 30 years, a member of the Sphinx Honorary Society and a member of Ohio Staters, Inc. 

“Jean (Hansford) was never neutral on anything, but always willing to compromise,” Uhas said. “But if you were on the side opposite him, you better have known what you were talking about,” Uhas joked. 

Poulton also left a lasting impression on the community, and was described as “an advocate for women’s empowerment.”  

“To meet her once was to remember her always,” Uhas said.  

The memorial garden was constructed solely by community volunteers, said Joe Motil, president of the Tuttle Park Community Recreation Council. The garden is the newest addition to the Tuttle Park Community Recreation Center, 240 W. Oakland Ave.  

“We realized this project was going to be a focal point for the university community,” Motil said. “We must remember the work they did, and contribute to it.”