GREAT OHIOANS

About The Great Ohioan Award

In 2003, the Capitol Square Foundation (CSF) launched the Great Ohioan Award to commemorate the significant role of Ohioans in an event or series of events of lasting significance in world, American or Ohio history. The foundation's first honoree for this award was a group of individuals which commemorated Ohio's role in the birth and development of aviation: the Wright Brothers, John Glenn and Neil Armstrong. It is fitting these Ohioans were honored in 2003, Ohio's bicentennial celebration as well as the 100th anniversary of powered flight. The foundation hosted a special dinner to pay tribute to these aviation pioneers and celebrated how they have changed our world in so many ways.

Award Goal

To commemorate the significant role of Ohioans in an event or series of events of lasting significance in world, American or Ohio history through the awarding the CSF’s Great Ohioan Award.

Award Criteria

Honoree Criteria
  • Must be an individual Ohioan or group of Ohioans who have made a significant or lasting contribution to the world, American or Ohio history
  • Must have been born in Ohio or lived in Ohio for a minimum of five years
  • At least 25 years have passed since the event, in which the nominee participated, is being commemorated
  • There is a compelling reason why the Ohio Statehouse, rather than some other location in the state, should be the location of the award or commemorative work

 

Nomination Process

The CSF Great Ohioans Committee will select nominees from the list of nominations to submit up to the full Board for approval. The Capitol Square Review and Advisory Board (CSRAB), the oversight body for the Ohio Statehouse, will select the final award winners with a majority vote. The Great Ohioan Award recipients will be announced and recognized in January by the CSRAB and the CSF. 

2025 Great Ohioan Nomination Form

View Past Winners

Read Biographies of Great Ohioans