The Ohio State University at Marion Board of Trustees recently named longtime Marion campus supporter and friend of The Ohio State University John C. Keggan as the winner of the 2008 Ralph Howard Service Award.

Keggan was called to the Palace Theatre stage to accept the honor on Thursday, May 29, at Ohio State Marion’s 37th Annual Academic Recognition Program. Keggan was one of two community supporters honored in addition to students that evening. Longtime campus friend, alumnus, and supporter Oliver Hamilton, who passed away earlier this year at 104 years of age, was also recognized.

Keggan graduated from The Ohio State University in 1953 with a Bachelor of Science degree from the College of Agriculture, majoring in floriculture. A lifelong resident of the Marion area, he has dedicated his life to service to The Ohio State University in a multitude of capacities.

Primary among his many contributions to the university was his role as one of the seven founders of the Marion campus. He served as chairman of the Marion County Development Fund for a number of years, and at his request, the OSU Century Club was formed for those donors who contribute $100 or more to the university.

The Ralph Howard Service Award has been presented annually since 1997 to an individual or organization from the campus's seven-county service area (Crawford, Delaware, Hardin, Marion, Morrow, Union, and Wyandot) that has contributed to the development of academic programs, or the Honors Program, and has made a significant impact on the quality of education at The Ohio State University at Marion.