Buckeye Bus 2019: Southwest Ohio
On August 6, 2019, The Ohio State University Office of Student Life finished their Buckeye Bus trips, wrapping up the summer with a visit to Southwest Ohio. With a bus packed with more than twenty Ohio State students and staff members, we celebrated the past, present and future of the university, bringing Buckeye spirit to locations around Cincinnati.
Day One: Scioto County Fair, GE Aviation Test Plant, John Rankin Memorial House and Graeter’s Ice Cream
The Buckeye Bus hit the road, headed for the Scioto County Fair in Lucasville, Ohio. Along with President Michael Drake, we connected with 4-H exhibitors and learned about raising and showing animals.
We then toured the GE Aviation Test Plant in Peebles, Ohio. The engine test site is on 7,000 acres and tests more than 1,600 engines a year.
After experiencing the future at GE, we went back in time and visited the John Rankin Memorial House in Ripley, Ohio. The Rankin House is a National Historic Landmark, where Rev. John Rankin and his family helped more than 2,000 slaves to freedom via the Underground Railroad.
The day ended with a celebration of both Ohio State’s and Graeter’s Ice Cream’s 150th year at a Graeter’s location in Mason, Ohio. More than 150 Ohio State alumni joined us for the celebration and a frozen treat.
Day Two: Coca-Cola Service Project, Rumpke Recycling Plant and Findlay Market
On day two, we started the day bright and early with a service project with Coca-Cola. With their help, we repurposed 60 syrup drums into recycling barrels. The barrels were wrapped with a special design and will be used across Ohio State and in the Cincinnati community.
After putting in work, we headed to the Rumpke Recycling Plant in St. Bernard, Ohio. There we saw sustainability in action, touring the facilities and seeing how materials are sorted and recycled.
To wrap up the day and trip, we took a stroll through Findlay Market. The market is home to more than 50 full-time businesses and is one of the oldest markets in the nation.
Thanks to the community members, Ohio State alumni and friends who joined us this summer. We had a great time experiencing all Ohio has to offer!
