Almost 70 alumni, partners and friends joined the reception and photo exhibit on February 12. In addition to Ohio State’s 150 years, the event also marked Brazil Gateway’s five years of existence and 55 years of collaborations between Ohio State and the University of São Paulo (USP).

The photography exhibit highlighted many important moments of our 150-year history through 25 images—from the first recorded Brazilian student, Isaac Abramson in 1946, to Ohio State’s first delegation visit to USP School of Agriculture (ESALQ) in 1964 and on to recent activities involving students, visiting scholars and faculty. Copies of historical documents, including a faculty letter from 1936, were also displayed.

During the reception, Executive Vice President and Provost Bruce McPheron and Vice Provost for Global Strategies and International Affairs Gil Latz highlighted the importance of alumni connections, of the partnership with USP and other collaborations in Brazil.

Helaine Carrer, president of the International Relations Committee at USP’s Luiz de Queiroz College of Agriculture (ESALQ-USP), shared with attendees the history, including special alumni and projects that exist between ESALQ-USP and Ohio State. In closing the reception, USP Rector Vahan Agopyan emphasized the importance of the collaborative relationship between both institutions.

“The Brazil Gateway team organized a touching event to celebrate Ohio State’s 150 years and the 55 years interactions with ESALQ. This partnership is very special,” said Carrer.

The event was made possible through the support of USP and Ohio State’s Sesquicentennial Office and Alumni Association.

“As a new employee in the Gateway, the 150 celebration gave me the experience of what is to be a Buckeye—I could feel the energy of it,” said Camila Ramos, business development manager, Brazil Gateway. “It was remarkable to see The Ohio State University’s influence over people’s lives, how symbolic it is the change and impact through education. I was fascinated with the stories and how being a Buckeye is also about caring for people."