Luncheon attracts nearly 100 student-athletes and faculty members

COLUMBUS, Ohio - For the third-consecutive year, the Ohio State Student-Athlete Advisory Board hosted its Faculty Appreciation Luncheon. The 2009 event was held at the recruit room in Ohio Stadium Wednesday.

The program, which garnered its largest turnout with nearly 100 student-athletes and faculty in attendance, allows the Buckeyes to invite an Ohio State professor or advisor to let them know they are appreciated.

"More than anything, this luncheon is an opportunity to get to know our professors and advisors better outside of the classroom," Steven Kehoe, SAAB's Academic Integrity Chair and coordinator of the event, said.

"I invited Maurice Cox who teaches finance in the Fisher College of Business because I saw this as an opportunity to build a relationship with him. I have really enjoyed his class this fall and would like to take more of his classes in the future," the junior setter from the men's volleyball team added.

Melissa Hunter, a senior on the field hockey, invited Roy Koenigsknecht, better known as "Dr. K" in the classroom, a professor in the Department of Speech and Hearing Science. Hunter is currently applying for graduate programs to continue her education in speech pathology.

"I have had Dr. K for a few classes and I love his teaching style," Hunter said. "He is passionate about what he does. To see that enthusiasm in the classroom every day is refreshing."

At the luncheon, SAAB annually recognizes a Faculty and Advisor of the Year based upon submissions from the student-athletes.

Sophomore rifleman Jonathan Krabacher honored Ivan "DJ" Hovermale from the Department of Linguistics as Professor of the Year while senior wrestler Cory Morrison recognized his four-year scholars program manager Karrie Mills as Advisor of the Year.