A team of university and community volunteers served an early Thanksgiving dinner to students, faculty and staff Wednesday at the Ohio Union.
Every year, The Ohio State University hosts one of the largest Thanksgiving dinners on a college campus. An estimated 1,100 guests attend the free event, held at the Ohio Union in the Archie M. Griffin Ballroom.
The annual Thanksgiving Dinner, now held the day before the holiday, is a 32-year-old tradition that started with 25 Hale Black Cultural Center graduates.
“Thanksgiving dinner at Ohio State brings our Buckeye family together from near and far to celebrate this long-standing tradition,” said Kaya Şahin, vice provost for global strategies and international affairs, and one of the hosts of the dinner. “For many of our international students and scholars who are so far from home, it is the first time they are experiencing the holiday. This event fosters a strong sense of belonging and nurtures kindness and gratitude for our Ohio State community.”
Members of the university community consume more than 650 pounds of turkey, 30 gallons of gravy, 432 pounds each of green beans and corn, 320 pounds of cornbread and 1,200 slices of pie. The annual celebration serves those unable to travel home for the holiday.
Thanksgiving Dinner is supported by the Office of Diversity and Inclusion, the Office of International Affairs, Frank W. Hale, Jr. Black Cultural Center, the Office of Student Life’s Dining Services and the Alumni Association.
View 2023 Thanksgiving Dinner photo album (via One Drive).