Photo exhibition opens to celebrate Voinovich School’s 10 years of impact and innovation

Reaching its tenth anniversary, Ohio University’s Voinovich School of Leadership and Public Affairs has blossomed into one of the country’s most highly regarded schools addressing rural and state issues of national importance. In celebration of this milestone, the Voinovich School recently unveiled a photo exhibition that tells the story of its impact on the organizations, communities and individuals of the region, state and nation.

“Sighting Progress” compiles the work of former participants in the Voinovich School Photojournalism Fellowship Project, a 10-year partnership between the Voinovich School and the Scripps College School of Visual Communications. The exhibit was curated by Merry Foresta , Voinovich School scholar in residence and senior curator and director of the Smithsonian Photography Initiative.

The exhibit premiered at the Kennedy Museum on October 20 with a celebration for Voinovich School stakeholders and partners.

“Tonight, we have the opportunity to thank the Ohio University leadership and our partners in business, government and other areas who have worked to build the School over the last 10 years,” Voinovich School Founding Dean Mark Weinberg told attendees. “We’re thankful that you are a part of our legacy; you’ve made possible this School, and the work of its faculty, staff and students which this beautiful exhibit exemplifies.”

Weinberg shared a quote from the late Sen. George Voinovich, for whom the School is named: “I believe the government's highest calling is to empower people and galvanize their energy and resources to help solve our problems, meet our challenges, and seize our opportunities.”

According to Weinberg, the quote encapsulates the both the senator’s mission in government and the School’s mission made visible by the photo exhibition.

“The photos in this exhibition capture the spirit, contribution, accomplishment and distinction of this school; it’s really quite remarkable,” said David Descutner, Ohio University interim executive vice president and provost. “The Voinovich School is a place where students now have literally transformative learning experiences; it’s a place that exemplifies what multidisciplinary work means. Perhaps most importantly, the Voinovich School affirms every single day the value of higher education to society at large through its impact on the region. This School is an exemplar for the rest of the University.”

Representatives of Ohio Gov. John Kasich, U.S. Sen. Rob Portman, Ohio Attorney General Mike DeWine, and state senators Larry Obhof and Frank Hoagland delivered proclamations and messages on the School’s anniversary.

Kathleen Young attended on behalf of Ohio Gov. Kasich, and delivered the following statement: “Throughout the past decade, the Voinovich School of Leadership and Public Affairs has grown to become an important part of Ohio University’s campus through its impact on entrepreneurship, energy and the environment, and public and social engagement policy areas. We commend the students and faculty of the Voinovich School for the difference they are making throughout the community, state and nation, and we extend our best wishes for many more years of continued success.”

Representative of Ohio House District 94, Jay Edwards, also attended and read a proclamation noting the School’s milestone anniversary. “The Ohio University Voinovich School of Leadership and Public Affairs has distinguished itself as a vibrant and venerable institution by consistently providing a host of opportunities to countless students through outstanding curricula, instruction, and facilities,” Edwards read. “Enthusiastically acclaimed, the School has steadily grown in stature as an exciting hub of intellectual discovery and an indispensable scholastic center for the exchange of ideas and information.”

Duane Nellis, recently installed as Ohio University’s 21st president, concluded the opening by sharing a vision for the Voinovich School’s future.

“These images convey the extraordinary impact of the Voinovich School,” said Nellis. “This is an unparalleled place, and its legacy will continue by seizing opportunities to elevate this institution and our region, nation and world.”

The Voinovich School’s tenth anniversary photo exhibition will be open until April 1, 2018. Admission is free. For additional information about the School’s tenth anniversary, and for a virtual display of the exhibition, visit voinvovichschool10.ohio.edu .