Skip to main content

Timeline

1974

President Nixon gives commencement address

President Richard Nixon became the first incumbent president to visit OSU's campus and deliver the commencement address on May 11, 1974. Nixon spoke before a crowd of more than 32,000 people, including 4,045 graduates, at the 79th commencement, which was held at Lewis Field. He was greeted by a few protesters, but overall, the stadium was full of admirers who gave him a warm and cheerful welcome. Click on the link below to read his complete message. Nixon announced his resignation from office a few months later, Aug. 9, 1974. He died in 1994.

  • Nixon gives commencement address
  • Nixon gives commencement address
  • Nixon gives commencement address