Emeriti Park kiosk unveiled during On The Green Weekend
One of the most picturesque areas of the Athens Campus, Emeriti Park was established in 1987. Photo courtesy of University Communications and Marketing
Members of the Ohio University and Athens communities gathered at Emeriti Park on Saturday morning for the dedication of the Charles and Harriet Carlson Information Kiosk.
Located on the park’s south outlook, the kiosk commemorates past Ohio University Emeriti Assocation President Charles “Chuck” Carlson and his wife, Harriet, as well as all members of the Emeriti Association. It will provide information to park visitors through an interactive touch screen.
Current Emeriti Assocation President Alan Boyd called the kiosk a “continuous memorial” to the Carlsons and their contributions to the University. The Carlsons were instrumental in Emeriti Park’s development and fundraising when the park was relocated and dedicated in 2000.
Beth Stilwell reads an excerpt from a speech her father, Charles Carlson, wrote about Emeriti Park. Photo by Ellee Achten, BSJ ’14, MA ’17
“This is the kind of morning that Chuck and Harriet would have enjoyed, truly,” Boyd said. “They made this park as a space of peace and quiet for others to come and enjoy this environment.”
Those gathered included OHIO President M. Duane Nellis, First Lady Ruth Nellis, members of the Emeriti Association and members of the OHIO Alumni Assocation Board of Directors.
Charles’ and Harriet’s daughter Beth Stilwell spoke on behalf of the Carlson family. She read an excerpt from a never-given speech her father had written about the park, titled “Green Space.”
“My heart warms when I see students, faculty and other members of the community enjoying this green space,” Carlson wrote.
Nellis said he and the first lady were pleased to witness such a fitting addition to “one of the most gorgeous settings on campus.”
“Emeriti faculty are truly an integral part of our campus and our history,” Nellis said. “This University is as great as it is today because of people like them.”
The kiosk’s interactive component is scheduled to be installed within the month and will include a tribute to the Carlsons and a list of the 1,207 emeriti faculty who have been designated by the University since 1942. Visitors will also be able to view descriptions and locations of the other memorials found in the park, as well as read about the park’s history and its policies for use.
Emeriti Park was established in 1987 and memorializes deceased OHIO faculty and staff who received emeriti status. This honor is reserved for those with at least a decade of service at the University who made significant contributions to the Ohio University and Athens communities.