James DeGraw, President of RHAC and Born Buckeye

Name: James DeGraw

Celebrity Status: President of the Residence Hall Advisory Council

Year: Sophomore

Major: Real Estate and Urban Analysis           

Hometown: Athens, Ohio

Activities on Campus: Mount Leadership Society, H2O Christian Fellowship, Halloran, Barrett, and Houck Activities Board

HC: What made you get involved with the RHAC?
JD: Last year, the director dropped out and there were a few empty spots.  I saw the ad, interviewed, and was lucky to get on the board as a freshman.  I absolutely loved the experience. It was jam-packed with a lot of leadership opportunities.  As Director of Programming, I got to execute and plan the Casino Night event.  I was hooked and decided to run for president this year.

HC: What changes do you hope to make to the residential community as president?
JD: This year we created a general body so that any student who wants to be involved with the residence hall council can be.  As an organization we are going to try and focus on sustainability and promote recycling around the campus.  We’re also going to continue our efforts to promote diversity, leadership, recognition of outstanding students and hall staff, in order to build an enhanced community.  We also plan on increasing our efforts in linking on-campus students to university administrators to advocate for the student opinion and suggest how to better our school.

HC: Why did you choose to come to Ohio State?
JD: I was born a Buckeye.  I believe my first outfit as a baby was an OSU onesie.  I’m a third generation Buckeye.  Both my grandparents and parents met at Ohio State, so my clear and only choice when applying to colleges was The Ohio State University.

HC: Where do you spend most of your time on campus?
JD: I spend a lot of my time at the Ohio Union, especially in the Center for Student Leadership and Service, whether it’s studying, meeting with other student leaders to promote interorganizational collaboration, or working in our office with the RHAC.

HC: Besides earning a degree, what do you hope to take with you when you graduate from OSU?
JD: The majority of my college experience has happened outside of the classroom, from meeting and mentorship with university administration to traveling on university-sponsored trips across the country to making new friends through involvement and student organizations.  The most important and influential part of OSU for me has been involvement.  More than anything else, the outstanding friendships and relationships that I’ve made here at the Ohio State University are what will last long after I graduate.

HC: What has been your favorite memory of being a Buckeye?
JD: This year I had the privilege of escorting President Gee on his annual cookie walk around campus for move-in day.  Seeing how much he, as well as the entire university administration, cares about students is what really inspires me to give Ohio State my absolute best as a student and as a leader.