Ohio Northern University

In this installment of the "Critical Questions" series for the Institute for Civics and Public Policy, ONU students examine the evolution of Presidents' Day, discuss the consensus around who the greatest presidents are, and pay special attention to Ohio's role as the "mother of presidents."

Introduction:

Across American History, many outstanding individuals have held the title of President of the United States. It is a distinction only a select few can claim, but some stand out as truly remarkable leaders. George Washington served valiantly as General of the Colonial Army in the founding of our country, later becoming our nation’s first president–casting the mold of what America’s premier leader should look like for his successors. Abraham Lincoln led our country through the Civil War, rejoined the Confederacy to the Union, issued the Emancipation Proclamation, and exemplified how even when all seems lost, we the people are able to form a more perfect union. Presidents Day is how the American people celebrate the birthdays of Washington and Lincoln, as well as honor the integrity of the office of the President of the United States of America.

Question #1 How did Presidents Day come about?

Karl W. Reid, Ed.D., CDP, a leading national advocate for diversity and inclusion will be the featured speaker for Ohio Northern University’s T.J. Smull College of Engineering as part of its Spotts Lecture Series. The free, public event will be held at 7 p.m. Monday, Feb. 21 at the Freed Center for the Performing Arts.

Reid, Northeastern University’s senior vice provost and chief inclusion officer, will discuss “Pursuing Mastery by Working Smarter, and Why it Matters.”