Franklin University Celebrates Opening of Jack O. Cartner Memorial Facilities Center with Ribbon-Cutting Ceremony

Contact:

Sherry Mercurio
Executive Director, Office of Community Relations
(614) 947-6581
Email: sherry.mercurio@franklin.edu

On Friday, Oct. 25, Franklin University proudly held a ribbon-cutting ceremony to officially open the Jack O. Cartner Memorial Facilities Center, located at 397 E. Walnut Street, Columbus, OH 43215. The ceremony paid tribute to the remarkable legacy of Jack O. Cartner, a Franklin alumnus and long-serving Board of Trustees member, whose contributions shaped the University’s growth and infrastructure.

The event was attended by University leadership, faculty, staff, family, and friends. David White, Senior Vice President, Technology Practice for RTI International and Vice Chair of Franklin’s Board of Trustees, opened the ceremony with heartfelt remarks, reflecting on Jack’s leadership and lasting impact on the University’s infrastructure and mission:

“One of the most advantageous things about Franklin University is the Board, faculty, and staff at the University,” shared David. “Jack was not only a student but also a trustee, leader, and businessman who enriched the University with his expertise and dedication. Today, as we honor his legacy with this building, we express our sincere appreciation for his invaluable contributions. This recognition is a fitting tribute to the enduring impact he has made on our community."

Following White’s reflection, Karen McCoy, Jack’s daughter, shared personal memories of her father, highlighting his passion for education and dedication to the University. Her words provided a moving testament to Jack’s deep connection to Franklin and its community.

"I deeply appreciate the University’s tribute to my dad,” shared Karen. “He would be truly honored and humbled by this recognition. Knowing he is remembered as a mentor to many would have brought him immense joy."

Dr. David Decker, President of Franklin University, then took the stage to express the University’s profound gratitude for Jack’s decades of service. He remarked:

"Jack’s unwavering dedication to Franklin University and his leadership on the Infrastructure Committee has left an indelible mark on our institution. The naming of this building honors his legacy and commitment to enhancing opportunities for our students, faculty, and staff."

The ceremony concluded with the unveiling of a commemorative plaque, honoring Jack Cartner’s immeasurable contributions to Franklin University. As the ribbon was cut, the crowd celebrated not only the new facility but also the enduring influence of a man who spent over four decades shaping Franklin’s future.

Cartner, a proud alumnus (B.S. in Business Administration, ’63) and U.S. Air Force veteran, served on Franklin’s Board of Trustees for an unprecedented 46 years. His innovative spirit, demonstrated through his work with 21 U.S. patents and leadership roles at MoTrim, Inc. and Cartlan Corp., left an indelible mark on both his professional field and the Franklin community.

The Jack O. Cartner Memorial Facilities Center now stands as a lasting tribute to his legacy, continuing his mission of supporting Franklin University’s growth and commitment to student success.

The Jack O. Cartner Center, which will serve as a dedicated Facilities Department building, is located in Lot A, accessible from E. Walnut Street and E. Rich Street. The building was designed to support various operational needs that help further ensure the overall efficiency and effectiveness of the physical infrastructure of the University.

About Franklin University

Accredited, nonprofit, and dedicated to educating adults since 1902, Franklin provides onsite course options at our Main Campus in downtown Columbus, Ohio, and is an innovator in providing personalized online education. The University offers applied in-demand undergraduate, masters, and doctorate programs that enable adult learners to achieve their educational and professional goals. Through agreements with partner institutions, the University also offers international academic programs, including its top-ranked MBA.

Franklin University is accredited by the Higher Learning Commission and holds specialized accreditations for specific academic programs through the International Accreditation Council for Business Education, the Commission on Collegiate Nursing Education, the Council for the Accreditation of Educator Preparation, and the Commission on Accreditation of Health Informatics and Information Management Education. The National Security Agency and the Department of Homeland Security have designated Franklin University as a National Center of Academic Excellence in Cyber Defense Education (CAE-CDE).