Just outside the library that bears his name stands a full length, over life-size portrait of William Oxley Thompson, OSU President from 1899 to 1925. Dressed in academic robes, he holds a scrolled diploma in his left hand. His right arm rests at his side. His garb and diploma indicate... Read more
Just outside the library that bears his name stands a full length, over life-size portrait of William Oxley Thompson, OSU President from 1899 to 1925. Dressed in academic robes, he holds a scrolled diploma in his left hand. His right arm rests at his side. His garb and diploma indicate that this represents Oxley at a graduation. Being commemorated as a presider over the timeless annual event of graduation ensures that his presence will always be felt. Thompson was the president of the University for 26 years and during his tenure, the University was appointed the only public university in Ohio permitted to have a a doctoral education and conduct basic research. It was also elected in the Association of American Universities. OSU owes much of its prestige and early success to the guiding hand of William Oxley Thompson.