Larry Williamson spent a career making the Frank W. Hale Black Cultural Center into a community pillar of Ohio State, a home away from home for generations of students.
On Tuesday, the Office of Diversity and Inclusion honored that work as friends, family, colleagues, and former students gathered to honor Williamson's service and celebrate his 2024 Distinguished Service Award, the university's highest staff award.
Yolanda Zepeda, interim vice provost for diversity and inclusion, Dr. Wendy Smooth, senior vice provost for inclusive excellence, and Keith Key (BS, economics, '89), CEO of Keith B. Key (KBK) Enterprises, gave glowing remarks on how much Williamson - who retired in 2022 - has meant to the community, the university, ODI, and to themselves personally.
“Larry understood that everyone has a right to feel comfortable on our campus, and he really fostered a sense of belonging and community with his words, actions, and presence,” Zepeda said in her remarks, a sentiment echoed by Dr. Smooth.
Key, a student-athlete in the late 1980s who developed a close relationship with Williamson, spoke about his mentor's connections within and outside the university and how they still remain tight to this day.
Established by the Board of Trustees in 1952 to recognize individuals who have rendered exceptional service to the university, recipients of this award have provided a broad spectrum of services to the university in both official and unofficial capacities.