Ohio State announces fall commencement speaker -- Bitcoin-free

COLUMBUS, Ohio (WCMH) -- After a controversial spring speaker, Ohio State University has selected a former Olympian and Columbus leader to speak at its autumn commencement.

The university announced Stephanie Hightower will address graduates at the ceremony Dec. 15 at Value City Arena. Hightower is the president and CEO of the Columbus Urban League, a former Ohio State hurdler and the women's track and field team leader at the 2004 Olympic Games.

Hightower, 66, graduated from Ohio State in 1981 with a communications degree and an impressive athletic record. She was a four-time All American and an undefeated 15-time Big Ten champion, with 11 Big Ten and Ohio State records. She set a world record in the 60-yard hurdles.

After retiring from competing in 1988, Hightower continued her work with the sport and in 2008 she began two four-year terms as president and board chair of USA Track and Field. She also chairs the Gender Equity Task Force for the World Athletics, according to OSU.

Hightower is also the first woman to serve as president and CEO of the Columbus Urban League, a community-driven organization that says it "empowers Black and underrepresented groups through economic, educational and social progress."

According to its website, the Columbus Urban League has 20 initiatives offering a number of social programs, including housing resources, specialized workforce training and youth services.

Hightower follows a controversial spring speaker, Chris Pan, whose viral speech was written with the help of the psychedelic drug ayahuasca after Pan said ChatGPT was unfruitful. Among the highlights of the speech -- which spurred booing from the crowd -- was a pitch to buy Bitcoin and performances of "What's Up" and "This Little Light of Mine."

Ohio State's autumn commencement will begin at 2 p.m. on Dec. 15, and the university said it will last approximately 2 1/2 to 3 hours. Tickets are not required for the ceremony, according to OSU.