Congratulations to Graduate Program Coordinator Polly Graham, who will retire on June 30, 2022 after many years of valued service to the Department of Design!

Polly has been an employee of Ohio State for just over twenty-two years, and she spent half of that time as a dedicated staff member in the department. Throughout her time in Design, Polly has assisted countless prospective and incoming MFA students by providing information and answering many questions. She has also maintained our graduate program records with an eye for detail and has ably assisted several faculty members who have served in the role of Graduate Program Chair throughout her tenure in the department. She has also cataloged thesis titles and tracked graduate student employment. On top of that, Polly also serves as the building coordinator for historic Hayes Hall and behind the scenes, she keeps track of our equipment, has handled graduate course scheduling, and is generally always available to offer a helping hand to anyone who needs one.

Over the years, Polly has made an unforgettable mark in our department with her warmth and generosity. International students, in particular, have praised Polly for the friendly manner she uses to attend to their early questions, and the many ways that she makes them feel welcome even before they arrive on campus. Many have greeted her with a hug upon their arrival because she has taken such care in overseeing their admissions process. Likewise, the faculty and other staff members have been the beneficiaries of Polly’s talents in candy making and baking. A plate of Polly’s goodies has brightened up the front office on nearly every holiday. Those treats and her homegrown vegetables will be missed of course, but not as much as we will miss Polly herself.

 All faculty and staff members wish Polly many relaxing years ahead and we sincerely thank her for all she’s done for our students and the department.