Dear Students:

        Valentine's Day is traditionally a day for declaring one's affections, and so I send this note to let you know how much I appreciate each and every one of you. Our numerous campuses create one University with a huge heart, and I see evidence of your caring at  every  turn.

        On this Valentine's Day, I want to celebrate your incredible spirit, which covers every corner of Ohio. I love the spirit that I see this winter as we cheer on the Buckeyes in the "Nuthouse" at the Schottenstein Center, or spend evenings at Woody's in the Ohio Union.

     Your enthusiasm warms a brutally cold February.

        And now, I issue a challenge: Smile. Even if you are having the worst day ever. I guarantee that it will lift your mood, people will smile back, and eventually your day will not seem so challenging. Just try it.

     Happy Valentine's Day!

E. Gordon Gee