CLEVELAND – Cleveland’s historic West Side Market could have easily been mistaken for an Ohio State University tailgate party Friday morning.
Dozens of people, who were donned in Buckeye gear, stood outside the city landmark patiently waiting for the arrival of a special guest.
OSU’s president Gordon Gee stopped by the West Side Market. The visit was part of the Gee’s summer bus tour. Gee chatted with every single person who turned out to see him and took photos with them.
Gee told NewsChannel5, “I love meeting with the students. I love having a chance to meet with our alumni. I love seeing Ohio.”
The annual road trip started several years ago, but this year is Gee’s last tour with the university. Gee recently announced he’s stepping down after two terms as Ohio State’s president amid controversy over remarks he made about Notre Dame.
Gee said he was not forced out and that he is looking forward to retirement. Gee is planning to spend more time with his grandchildren, get back to teaching and possibly pen a few memoirs.
“I got a lot of books in my head. I’ve been working so long and hard. I now want to write about some of the things I’ve done. I have another great chapter in front of me,” said Gee.
Gee’s last day on the job is July 1.
