What can clubs and societies do to assist the Alumni Association in its goal of becoming the biggest and best alumni organization in the world?
Archie: One of the biggest things clubs and society members can do is join the Alumni Association to help themselves stay connected with Ohio State. We also encourage our groups to remain active and continue doing the good work that they’ve always done, whether it’s supporting scholarships, offering interesting programs, or meeting regularly. I also encourage clubs and societies to remain in contact with us and tell us what we can do to help them.
How do you balance being a husband, father, and highly visible public figure?
Archie: It’s difficult at times but those are the cards I was dealt and I have never for one moment regretted it. I enjoy the fact that people still remember my playing career and the things I accomplished when I played football. Although it is challenging balancing the various aspects of my life, it is not a burden. It’s a blessing.
What was your proudest moment as a football player?
Archie: Certainly winning the Heisman Trophies were very, very proud moments. To me, those were team awards. It is a high honor to receive, but I would have never received those awards without the support of my teammates. I was very lucky to have played with a great group of players.
What is your proudest moment at the Alumni Association?
Archie: The fact that we’re heading in a great direction and growing as an organization. We’re not where we want to be yet, but we are definitely going to get there. I’m also proud of the fact that we have a staff that is dedicated to helping us achieve our goal of being the biggest and best.
When you played, did you have any superstitions before football games?
Archie: I had a few. In college, I would always sit in a warm bathtub the night before the game, just soaking in the water, thinking about my assignments, and trying to visualize how the game would play out. I also always visited the restroom twice before the game, once before warm-ups and once right before we went on the field. When I was with the Bengals, I always clicked my heels back and forth when I lined up in the I-formation. Once I did that, I was ready to go. I also always drew a cross on the toe of my shoes so when I looked down I was reminded that a bigger force was there with me. Come to think of it, I had a lot of superstitions.
How do you plan to increase membership in the Alumni Association?
Archie: One way is by having more interaction with current students. That’s why our student programs are so important. When the new Ohio Union is complete we’re going to have an office there because we want to make students aware of the things we have to offer, both during their time here and after they graduate. People don’t always equate students with an alumni association, but to me it’s important that we remain strongly invested in our students. Also, I think that membership could increase through the exceptional programming we offer. Lastly, our strategic plan has sketched out some clear goals for us, goals that if followed will no doubt result in a boost in membership.
What do you do in your free time?
Archie: A number of things. Family is very important to me, so it’s always important to spend time with my family. I also like to golf, and listen to music, mostly rhythm and blues and old-school stuff. I do like to read, too. Usually I’ll read sports-related books, or Robin Cook’s medical mysteries. I enjoy those.
What would you say to someone who is thinking of enrolling in Ohio State?
Archie: I would encourage it. I think it was Gordon Gee who used to say there’s something for everyone at Ohio State. A big school like this means more opportunities, more variety, and more choice. Plus, I think even though this school is very large, it can be as big or as small as you want it to be. I think we’re unique in that way. Above all, I’d tell students that you can get a great education here.
What advice do you have for incoming freshmen?
Archie: In the first quarter it is really important to buckle down and concentrate on your studies. There’s a lot to do at Ohio State, and it can be easy to be distracted, but most studies show that if you have a good first quarter here you’ll be here for the long haul. Other than that, you have to take advantage of the many opportunities we have on this campus. There’s so many ways to get connected to this campus, and I’d encourage anyone to make the most of them.
Does the Alumni Association have any exciting new programs on the horizon?
Archie: We are always looking for ways to better serve our members, so we’re constantly trying to discover new methods to entertain and enlighten them. I mentioned earlier that we want to hear from our clubs and societies, and if any of their members have programming suggestions, we’d love to hear those suggestions. We’ve also introduced many new things recently. Our magazine and Web site have both been improved, and we’re very excited about how those turned out. We also have new programs offered by our department of outreach and engagement, things like Girls Night Out and Women and Money. Those have really attracted a new audience, and we’ll continue to develop programs that are of interest to all of our members.
Fall 2007
- Hall of Fame Class of 2007
- Senior Send Off
- Meet Archie Griffin
- Kate Riffee receives Barbie Tootle Buckeye Spirit Award
