Carbary recognized for service to campus

Matt Carbary, former President of the Marion Area Chamber of Commerce and currently Operations Leader for Sims Bros. Recycling of Marion was honored with the Ralph Howard Service Award Friday, April 21, at 6:30 p.m. in Morrill Hall Auditorium during the campus's annual Academic Recognition Ceremony.

The Ralph Howard Service Award is presented each year by the Marion Campus Board to an individual or an organization 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.

According to Ohio State Marion Director of Development and Community Relations Cathy Gerber, Carbary was nominated for his outstanding efforts as an Ohio State Marion ambassador in the Marion community.  More specifically, the nomination mentioned his work on the Engineering Partnership Board connecting local manufacturers with the campus's new Bachelor of Science in Engineering Technology degree program, and his work helping to implement the Marion Microfarm project in the Marion community and has served on the Marion Microfarm Task Force team since its inception. 

"He has repeatedly connected community leaders with campus initiatives and program information to further the land grant mission of the university," Gerber explained.

In her nomination form Gerber said, "Matt is a wonderful friend of Ohio State Marion and we are grateful for this service and commitment to furthering educational opportunities and development in our community."

During his award acceptance speech, Carbary congratulated the fellow winners during the awards ceremony, and had a special message to the students in attendance about keeping their skill and talent in Marion, Ohio. “We need you,” he said.  “There are so many amazing opportunities available right here in Marion and we need all of you to continue to make Marion the amazing place it is," said Carbary.

A graduate of Michigan State University, Carbary shared that he began his affinity toward a fellow Big Ten university.  "I’ve always been a big supporter of Big Ten Universities, except one of course," he joked. "But I always saw, more than other colleges, The Ohio State University as a kindred spirit, if nothing else due to our shared feelings towards another school, but also because of how well I was treated by fans, faculty and staff traveling down to the shoe as a member of MSU’s marching band," Carbary recalled.

"Ohio State is a class act, and when I eventually landed in Marion for my professional career, that reputation got me very excited assuming The Ohio State University at Marion would have the same helpful spirit," he added.

Carbary then shared that this recognition was even more special and humbling to him knowing that he joins his in-laws Gary and the late Diana Sims who were recipients of this Ralph Howard Service Award in 2014.

"It means a great deal to be in the same company as two of the most generous, community driven people I’ve ever known," said Carbary.

Established in 1997, past recipients of the Ralph Howard Service Award include:

1997 Ann Bennett
1998 Ted Myers
1999 The Ohio State Alumni Club of Marion County
2000 John Garnes
2001 Alice Galloway
2002 Larry Cline
2003 Ted Babich
2004 Scott Drew
2005 Debby Shade
2006 No Award Presented
2007 Vladimir Steffel
2008 John Keggan
2009 Marge Hazelett
2010 Janet Pry
2011 Ted and Marlene Temple
2012 Evelyn and George Ghearing
2013 Ronald Cramer
2014 Gary and Diana Sims
2015 Arthur (posthumously) and Ann Lowe
2016 Ronald J. Scharer
2017 The Black Heritage Council
2018 Dr. Richard Bradley
2019 Dr. Larry Yoder
2020 OSUM Faculty & Staff
2021 Buckeye Backers

Each of these past recipients was recognized for their outstanding and unique contributions toward the ongoing success and growth of The Ohio State University at Marion and its students and played a special role in the rich history of the campus.