OSU News Service

Oregon State University President Ed Ray returns Sunday to the "other" OSU - Ohio State University - to receive the institution's highest honor, its Distinguished Service Award, as part of autumn commencement.

Prior to being named president of Oregon State in 2003, Ray served as executive vice president and provost for six years at Ohio State, the culmination of a 33-year career at that institution.

He is credited with helping the university achieve national prominence through his Selective Investment Program, which directs greater funding toward efforts with significant promise.

Ohio State's Board of Trustees established the Distinguished Service Award in 1952 to honor individuals who have made exceptional contributions to the university.

"Given the great affection and respect I have for my friends and colleagues at Ohio State, I am particularly flattered by and grateful for this honor as one member of a great team," said Ray. "Being able to return to Columbus, along with Beth, to accept the award is something we're both looking forward to, as well as an occasion I'm sure we'll treasure for years to come."

Others being honored by Ohio State at commencement include former Democratic National Committee Chairman and three-term Colorado Gov. Roy Romer and Pedro Sanchez, co-chairman of the United Nations' Hunger Task Force and director of the Millennium Villages Project at Columbia University's Earth Institute.