10/13/2026
Spooky season has arrived and we cannot wait to share a few haunting tales from OSU's past! Let the "Terrifying Tuesday" series begin! ---
Within the walls of Bricker Hall lies one of Ohio State’s most unusual secrets.
Herbert Atkinson, a 1913 OSU law graduate and longtime member of the Board of Trustees, was a true Buckeye at heart. In fact, he loved the university so much that he made an unusual request: after his death, he wanted his ashes to remain on campus.
When Atkinson died in 1952, his wish was granted and his ashes were placed inside Bricker Hall, near the Board of Trustees’ meeting room.
But some say Atkinson never truly left campus. Staff have reported flickering lights, doors closing on their own, and even sightings of Atkinson himself. Some claim to have seen him in the lobby, enjoying a glass of punch as if attending an old OSU event.
Could Atkinson still be keeping a watchful eye on the university he loved so much?
