Demonstrating the depth and breadth of 100 years of business education, hundreds of Fisher students, faculty, staff, alumni and friends packed The Blackwell on March 7 to celebrate the 100^thanniversary of the founding of business education at The Ohio State University.

The birthday celebration marked 100 years to the day that the College of Commerce and Journalism—the predecessor to modern-day Fisher—was established. The event was also the latest in a series celebrating the college’s centennial year this year.

“This milestone provides us with much to celebrate,” said Anil Makhija, dean and John W. Berry, Sr. Chair in Business. “The contributions of so many, including those who have gone before us, have allowed us to truly stand on the shoulders of giants. Never has this been more true than today, as we remember, recognize and celebrate our 100-year journey.”

In addition to bringing together members of the Fisher community, the event drew support from university leadership and local government. Interim Executive President and Provost Bruce McPheron delivered remarks highlighting the ways Fisher’s high-achieving students, leading faculty and innovative programs have contributed to Ohio State’s land grant mission and distinguished the college as a leader in business education.

“Any birthday is exceptional, but when you celebrate 100 years, it is almost beyond belief,” he said. “Business education and all that goes into educating some of the best graduates in business in the world really has been at the heart of the land grant mission for the past century.

“There has been much to be proud of from the past 100 years. Tomorrow is day one of the second century at Fisher, and it represents a new commitment to what the Fisher College of Business is going to be over the next century.”

The celebration also featured a special presentation, as finance student Ruidi Lu introduced Lynn Trinko, assistant deputy chancellor of educational technology at the Ohio Department of Higher Education. Trinko presented a resolution marking the college’s 100^th anniversary on behalf of Ohio Governor John Kasich.

“As we’ve begun to celebrate the centennial year, I’m often asked what is the college’s greatest legacy,” Dean Makhija said. “For me, I do not have to look very far to find an answer to that question. I look to the 75,000-plus alumni that this college has today living throughout the world. These graduates are leaders at their firms, in their industries, have advanced the practice of business and are leaders in their communities. This is what we aspire to replicate in the next 100 years.”