The award has been presented annually since 1997 to an individual or organization from the campus's seven-county service area (Crawford, Delaware, Hardin, Marion, Morrow, Union, and Wyandot) that has contributed to the development of academic programs, or the Honors Program, and has made a significant impact on the quality of education at The Ohio State University at Marion.

Past recipients include: Ann Barnett (1997), Ted Meyers (1998), The Ohio State Alumni Club of Marion County (1999), John Garnes (2000), Alice Galloway (2001), Larry Cline (2002), Ted Babich (2003), Scott Drew (2004), Debby Shade (2005), no award was presented in 2006, and Vladimir Steffel (2007).

Each of the past recipients was recognized for their outstanding and unique contribution toward the ongoing success and growth of The Ohio State University at Marion and its students.

Nomination packets are currently being accepted through Wednesday, April 30, 2008. Nominations should include a letter that describes the nominee's university service contributions in terms of importance and impact. Supporting materials may be included, such as letters from individuals who have been in a position to observe and assess the nominee's contributions.

Those interested in nominating someone for the Ralph Howard Service Award may download the nomination packet information from a link off the Ohio State Marion Community Connections webpage at: http://www.marion.ohio-state.edu/pdfs/ServiceAward.pdf. For more information, please contact Barbara Kaelber at 740-725-6223, or via email at: kaelber.10@osu.edu.