The Ohio State University celebrated its first-year Kessler Scholars near the end of the Autumn 2025 term by hosting the Kessler Scholars Coin Ceremony at the Faculty Club on the Columbus campus. This annual tradition is held during or near National First-Generation Week, and marks a pivotal milestone as the Kessler Scholars close in on a successful first semester.
All Kessler Scholars programs across the country at 16 institutions participate in the coin ceremony each year. The coins follow the same design at each school, donning the Kessler Scholars logo on one side and the other side carrying the mark of each respective school. Kessler Scholars coins also include a signature hole that allows recipients to carry the coins with them, attached to keychains, backpacks, etc., serving as a reminder to the students of their strength and the community supporting them.
Each scholar is encouraged to bring a guest, allowing them to share their accomplishment with a loved one, mentor or other meaningful individual in their life.
The Kessler Scholars Program at Ohio State provides a transformative opportunity to students who are the first in their families to attend a four-year institution.
