On Thursday, November 21, 2024, Eugene Smith, a former Notre Dame Fighting Irish football star and the first African American athletic director at Ohio State University, received the prestigious Who’s Who in Black Columbus Lifetime Achievement Award. The ceremony took place at the Ohio State Union’s Archie Griffin Ballroom, marking a significant moment in Smith’s illustrious career. 

This recognition was part of the 18th edition of Who’s Who in Black Columbus, which celebrates individuals who have made outstanding and lasting contributions to their fields. Smith’s remarkable career and influential impact were highlighted during the event.

The event surrounding the night’s honoree ceremony was a dynamic celebration that blended networking opportunities with exquisite cuisine. It served as a platform for honoring Black excellence and inspiring future leaders. Attendees had the unique chance to engage with living legends, drawing inspiration from their professional and personal journeys. Rising stars also showcased their potential, making their mark in this vibrant atmosphere.

The award comes after Smith’s 19-year tenure at Ohio State, during which the institution won 24 team and 104 individual national championships, along with 105 team and 331 individual conference championships in the Big Ten.

Smith’s leadership extended beyond athletic achievements; he fostered a positive cultural environment emphasizing heart, grit, and academic success. His legacy includes involvement in innovative projects to enhance OSU’s sports facilities inspiring future leaders. Before his time at Ohio State, Smith served as athletic director at Arizona State, Eastern Michigan, and Iowa State.

In a video presentation, prominent figures from the state, including current Ohio State Football Coach Ray Day and former student-athletes, shared testimonials about Smith’s profound impact on their lives. Congresswoman Joyce Beatty highlighted Smith’s commitment to excellence during his time at OSU and recognized him on the cover of this year’s edition of Who’s Who in Black Columbus. Although Smith, the Lifetime Achievement Award recipient, could not attend the event, he expressed his heartfelt gratitude to both the organization and the institution for the honor and recommendation in a touching video message.

The 18th edition also honored numerous other accomplished individuals, including executives from Cardinal Health, Nationwide, and representatives from the City of Columbus in the Community Spotlights category. These individuals, from various fields and industries, were recognized for their innovative contributions and leadership, reflecting the diversity of achievements celebrated by the initiative.

Who’s Who in Black recognizes corporate executives, influential personalities, and distinguished community members, underscoring the wide spectrum of achievements honored by the initiative. Notable recipients included Kevin Boyce, President of the Franklin County Commission, and Congresswoman Joyce Beatty. Vinita Clements, Executive Vice President and Chief Human Resources Officer at Nationwide, authored the introduction for this publication, shining a spotlight on this year’s honorees.

Ray Miller, founder and publisher of the Columbus African American News Journal, emphasized that true success is not measured by financial gain but by the number of lives one impacts, helps save or influences positively; he took home the Living Legend honor. Alice Daniels, founder of Daniels Consults, also received Living Legend honors, stating, “I was always going to do it my way, good or bad.” Additionally, 14 African-American faculty members at OSU were recognized in the Academic Spotlight category.

Other notable recipients included Dr. Carter D. Womack, Chief Operating Officer for Who’s Who in Black, and 21 more individuals who received the Community Spotlight honor. Jordan Hawkins, President of Ohio Young Black Democrats, was recognized as a Game Changer for his efforts in helping African-American and Democratic political hopefuls succeed in various open positions.

The event also acknowledged the achievements of African-American leaders in the dental field, including Portria J. Bell, Blake Livington, Regina Savage, and Robert D. Wood II, who were recognized for their significant contributions to the industry, which has seen an increase in African-American dentists in recent years. Twenty African-American leaders at Nationwide were honored as part of the Corporate Spotlight category, alongside executives from Huntington Bank, Encova Insurance, and other organizations.

Since its inception, Who’s Who in Black Columbus has had a profound impact on the community. The initiative has significantly changed the lives of African Americans in Columbus by providing role models, fostering community engagement, promoting diversity and inclusion, supporting economic empowerment, and preserving history. Its influence is evident in various areas, from inspiring young people to strive for excellence to creating a more inclusive environment.  

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