Don't know if this has been covered before, but does anyone know why they insist on "The" Ohio State University. I can't think of any other school that makes such a big deal of adding "The" in front of the name. As if there was another Ohio State? Seems rather pretentious, and I notice (this from the 49er game intros last night) that the ex-players make it a point to say "The" Ohio State. And is seems to me this is a relatively recent thing, as I don't remember this emphasis from the past. Any enlightenment?

It's visually driven into the heads of OSU Alums to say it....

Damn, and I thought the "t" stood for turd.

Larno;841952774 said:

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Don't know if this has been covered before, but does anyone know why they insist on "The" Ohio State University. I can't think of any other school that makes such a big deal of adding "The" in front of the name. As if there was another Ohio State? Seems rather pretentious, and I notice (this from the 49er game intros last night) that the ex-players make it a point to say "The" Ohio State. And is seems to me this is a relatively recent thing, as I don't remember this emphasis from the past. Any enlightenment?

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Just guessing, it's like the long (tiresome & useless) debate about how socal residents routinely speak of The 405 / 5 / 101, but nocal-lers economize away the The.

A binga a bonga, regional color, whatevs.

#GoTheBears!

In 1986, a new University logo was introduced in the hopes of moving away from the "OSU" symbol, which had been used since 1977. The change from simply "OSU" was said to "reflect the national stature of the institution." University officials wanted the institution to be known as "The Ohio State University," again, since OSU could also mean Oregon State and Oklahoma State University.

However, the "The" was actually part of the state legislation when the university was renamed in 1878. The following excerpt is from the Board of Trustee minutes:

"...the educational institution heretofore known as the 'Ohio Agricultural and Mechanical College,' shall be known and designated hereafter as 'The Ohio State University.'"

Those who wanted the name change thought the original name was too narrow in scope, and that it was inadequate for the institution that was the only beneficiary of the land grant act. President Edward Orton was insistent that a new name would separate the institution from other colleges in Ohio.

Legend also has it that "The" was used to show the other colleges which institution was supposed to be the leader in the state - both in size and in financial support from the legislature.