The 2,000 students graduating on March 21 will hear words of wisdom from someone who has been in their shoes before.
Selected speaker Curtis J. Moody earned his bachelor’s degree in architecture from Ohio State in 1973 and was a member of the OSU basketball team from 1971 to 1973.
“I was, am, and will forever be deeply honored to have even been considered or elected,” Moody said in an e-mail.
After graduating from OSU, Moody opened his own architectural firm, Moody-Nolan, which has gone on to become the largest minority-owned architectural firm in the nation.
His experience in architecture, along with his contribution to the new Union, made him a candidate for the commencement speech.
“His selection was somewhat timed with the opening of the new Ohio Union, since he designed it along with so many other university facilities,” said Amy Murray, assistant director of OSU Media Relations.
Moody has also contributed to OSU in another way, by establishing a scholarship for minority students studying architecture. He is also a member of OSU’s Alumni Association Board of Directors.
His legacy also extends to buildings that students, faculty and visitors alike see on campus every day. His architectural firm designed and built several buildings including the RPAC and the Schottenstein Center.
As far as his words of advice to the new graduates, Moody hasn’t decided yet what they might be.
“I am still thinking about my message,” Moody said.
Winter Commencement will take place 2 p.m. at the Schottenstein Center.
