Celebrating community impact in Belmont County: Ohio University’s Campus Partner of the Year

Each year, Ohio University honors outstanding community partners that foster significant, shared impact on students and local communities.

This year, the Eastern campus partner, the Community Improvement Corporation (CIC) of Belmont County, not only received OHIO Eastern’s Outstanding Community Partner Award but was also elevated as the university-wide Institutional Partner of the Year award. This distinction reflects the CIC’s exceptional contributions to both local growth and regional economic resilience, setting a standard for collaborative partnerships.

“The OHIO Outstanding Community Partner Awards recognize partners who address community priorities while offering reciprocal value,” said Mary Nally, director of the Center for Campus and Community Engagement. “CIC’s work in economic and workforce development exemplifies this ethos, making them a clear choice for Institutional Partner of the Year.”

Since its founding in 1962, the CIC has driven economic and civic development in Belmont County, fostering entrepreneurial growth and local job creation. Under the leadership of Executive Director Crystal Lorimor, the organization’s collaboration with Ohio University Eastern has created student opportunities in hands-on economic development and supported key initiatives, such as business ecosystem building and redevelopment, strengthening both the Belmont County community and student learning experiences.

Reflecting on Lorimor’s impact, David Rohall, dean of campus and community relations at Ohio University Eastern, remarked, “I cannot think of a better example of an outstanding community partner than Crystal Lorimor. Her dedication to faculty, staff, and students across the University makes her a true role model within the Ohio University system as we strive to connect resources across campuses. Her work not only benefits our students but also strengthens ties with the community, building bridges between the university and local businesses in a way that embodies the mission of Ohio University and the Center for Campus and Community Engagement. We’re proud to recognize her contributions.”

Ohio University’s Community Partner Awards are presented across multiple campuses, each honoring an organization whose mission aligns with OHIO’s commitment to community-based learning and public service.

Each campus recognizes one Outstanding Community Partner: IMPACT Prevention for the Athens campus, Adena Regional Medical Center for Chillicothe, Amy Eyman of the Fairfield County Foundation for Lancaster, the Ironton Rotary Club for Southern, and the Muskingum County Library System for Zanesville. Together, these partnerships represent Ohio University’s shared vision with local leaders and organizations for a better, stronger Southeast Ohio region.

Through these collaborations, community organizations and University students build practical skills, address critical social needs, and contribute to the public good across Ohio and beyond.