Former Ohio State Newark Advisory Board Member Receives University Award

Ohio State Distinguished Service Award Presented to Thomas J. Hall, MD

Thomas J. Hall, MD, has spent decades pouring resources into multiple programs at The Ohio State University in hopes of giving back to the institution that helped him establish his path in life. In recognition of
Hall’s dedication and generosity, the university awarded Hall its prestigious and rare Distinguished Service Award at its autumn 2021 commencement.

The award, established by the Board of Trustees in 1952, recognizes individuals who have rendered exceptional service to the university. Awards are not made on the basis of long, faithful, or loyal service alone, but rather for service that is truly distinguished. Recipients of this award have provided a broad spectrum of services to the university in both official and unofficial capacities.

Hall’s connection with the university is an intimate one. As a zoology graduate student with aspirations of attending medical school, he discovered a world of possibility at Stone Laboratory, Ohio State’s island campus on Lake Erie. There, in 1972, Hall immersed himself in the environment and his studies, his interest translating into a standout medical school application and, in turn, a distinguished career as an emergency physician at Licking Memorial Hospital and later as a medical director and Ohio medical operations director with Anthem Blue Cross and Blue Shield.

Hall served for nine years on the Ohio State Newark Advisory Board, during which time campus enrollment grew 20% and significant new building projects were completed. He was a member of the Newark campus’s Campaign Cabinet for the new John and Mary Alford Center for Science and Technology.

He credits Stone Laboratory with helping shape much of his future life, including his decision to attend medical school, where he met his wife, Mary Beth Hall, MD. He also has served as president of Friends of Stone Laboratory, a nonprofit group devoted to advancing the campus’s mission.

The Halls established the Drs. Thomas J. and Mary Beth Hall Stone Laboratory Scholarship for the Newark Campus to help Ohio State Newark students defray the costs of attending classes at the location that holds such a special place in their hearts. “Ultimately, we hope it opens doors to students of all types to do a summer experience that's unlike anything they would get on the Columbus campus or here in Newark,” Hall said.

Their philanthropy extends to other areas as well, including support of the John and Mary Alford Center for Science and Technology and the Newark campus Pelotonia team, through which Hall has helped spur essential cancer research at The Ohio State University Comprehensive Cancer Center – Arthur G. James Cancer Hospital and Richard J. Solove Research Institute.

Ohio State Newark Dean and Director William L. McDonald, PhD, said the nomination was well deserved. “The Newark campus is a better place because of Tom Hall, and our students get to reap the rewards of his leadership, service and generosity,” MacDonald wrote in his nomination letter.