We remembered our friend Virginia Zirkle this weekend. Yesterday a memorial service in an overflowing church concluded with singing of Carmen Ohio. Today seated in the audience of the funeral service was another one of my storytellers, Dr. John Mount. To Virginia, John was a friend, teacher and mentor, to many of you, and to me, John was Dean of Students during our times at Ohio State.

I was introduced to Dr. Mount by Virginia, and because of her, had the privilege of sitting in his living room listening to him tell me of knowing all the Ohio State Football Coaches since Francis Schmidt, all the Athletic Directors, and all of the University Presidents since 1934. This man who started 73 years ago in the Stadium Dorm and rose to Vice-President is today a true Ohio State legend and inspiration. At age 92, Dr. Mount is still actively serving the University and still today mentoring and advising students.

John once told me that in his more than 70 years with the University, Virginia Zirkle was the brightest student he ever had. Think about how much that says. As I sat there today and saw the teacher pay respect to the pupil, I thought wow, between the two there have been more than 130 years of service to the University, to people, to society.

Would that we all could have such legacies.