Three generations of Ohio State alumni are cornerstone of new Daley Pavilion

Fisher's all-season structure provides year-round event space

Three generations of The Ohio State University alumni made possible the new Daley Family Pavilion and Daley Family Terrace, an all-season structure and outdoor space at the Max M. Fisher College of Business.

During Ohio State's homecoming weekend on Oct. 26, the Daley family joined Fisher administrators, faculty and staff and members of the Buckeye community for the dedication and ribbon cutting of the pavilion and terrace.

The pavilion and terrace provide a year-round setting for public and private events and educational programs on the Columbus campus. The space encompasses more than 13,000 square feet of permanent entertaining space adjacent to The Blackwell Inn, the Pfahl Conference Center and Fisher Hall.

Fisher Interim Dean Trevor Brown noted that the project received the 2024 Merit Award from the Ohio chapter of the American Society of Landscape Architects. Construction began in early 2023 on the pavilion and terrace, which were completed in late 2023 and began hosting events earlier this year.

"Not only has it welcomed alumni events and Fisher gatherings, we have had six weddings and receptions in here," Brown said. "We've launched great families in this space."

The pavilion and terrace represent a continuation of the Daley family's history with Ohio State, Brown said. The three generations of alumni include Clayton C. Daley ('51), Clayton C. Daley Jr. ('74) and Clayton C. Daley III ('06).

The new space was primarily supported by Clayton C. Daley Jr. After earning his master's in business administration from Fisher in 1974, he went on to serve as vice chairman and chief financial officer at the Procter & Gamble Company.

"My [education] worked well for me in the 35 years I spent at Proctor & Gamble. We're happy about the fact that my family was able to fund this project," he said. "I think it turned out very well and we're very happy with it."

The pavilion, at 3,200 square feet, provides sheltered space for Fisher traditions such as its annual pre-game gathering and expands the Blackwell's capabilities to host conferences, awards ceremonies and weddings. The adjacent terrace offers nearly 10,000 square feet of additional outdoor space.

"One of the things that I've always thought as I've looked at Fisher is this is a place that is training the next generation of business leaders," Brown said. "They are remarkable at giving back, and this facility is a reflection of that. I have seen, repeatedly, people giving and paying it forward as a result of being part of the Fisher family."

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