Writing Sample

Home : Web Services : Samples :

Frederick L. Ransier III Recipient of 2004 Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. Image Award

February 17, 2004

Frederick L. Ransier III, a Columbus attorney, was the recipient of the 2004 Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. Image Award. The award, presented on February 16, was given by the Capital University Law School Black Law Student Association, the Office of Student and Minority Affairs and the Office of Development and Alumni Relations.

The award recognizes individuals who possess such qualities as leadership, courage and faith — qualities that made Dr. Martin Luther King Jr., an exceptional leader. The award also recognizes individuals who have demonstrated a commitment to improving the lives of African Americans and who hold a thorough knowledge of what it means to be an African American.

In presenting the award to Ransier, law student A.C. Powell said, “The award is to immortalize heroes who would dare to step into the footsteps of greatness.”

A partner in the Columbus office of Vorys, Sater, Seymour and Pease, LLP, Ransier has dedicated his practice to areas of affirmative action, employment discrimination, housing and urban development and other areas of the law. He has demonstrated his commitment to the Columbus community by serving as a long-time member of the Columbus Municipal Civil Service Commission, Columbus City Council and numerous local boards.

Ransier is credited with helping to save Central State University, a historically black college in Wilberforce, Ohio, by chairing its board from 1996 through 2000. About this achievement, Ransier said, “Sometimes a moment comes when you are in the right place at the right time. Because of the misdeeds of a few, Central State might have been closed. There was something there to be preserved and I was fortunate [to be able to preserve it]. We don’t know when opportunity will present itself and that is the image I have of Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. It is tremendously meaningful to receive this award.”

The Dr. Martin Luther King Jr., Image Award has been presented to community leaders for many years. Previous recipients of the award include Steven C. Bahls, president of Augustana College, Capital University Law School interim dean Athornia Steele, attorney John W. Waddy, Capital University Law School professors Floyd D. Weatherspoon, Stanton G. Darling, N. Douglas Wells and Jeffrey T. Ferriell.