Q&A
with Jeffrey Ritter ‘76
Jeffrey Ritter is a lawyer, researcher, educator, UN contributor, author, and a Buckeye. Jeffrey graduated with a perfect 4.0 and concurrent B.A. and M.A. degrees—the first to do so in Ohio State’s history. He majored in Communication, obtained his J.D. from Duke University, and practiced law for over 25 years until redesigning his work toward answering the question, “How can we achieve digital trust?” He is internationally recognized for his contributions to the global legal framework for online electronic commerce. Today, Jeffrey teaches graduate school software engineering at the University of Oxford and Johns Hopkins University, and was recently appointed as a Visiting Fellow at Oxford.
Q: When it came time to decide where to go to college, what stood out about The Ohio State University and the Honors Program? A: As the child of a faculty member, I literally grew up on campus. The decision was easy—OSU was the only school at which my father would assist with the tuition. But the Honors Program was the hidden jewel that made all the difference for this Columbus native. I found the Program toward the end of my freshman year. My first courses had been “easy A’s” and I was bored. Invited to visit the Program office to find a more challenging academic path, I was skeptical; I had not been an academic standout in high school and was not sure of the Program’s relevance. In my first meeting, two memorable statements were made that I have cherished throughout my life. On the cover of the program handbook was a drawing of Linus, sucking his thumb and holding his blanket, and in the bubble above his head appeared “There is no heavier burden than a great potential.” Then, the counselor explained, “In this office, we believe those with high potential are just as vulnerable to failure as those with limited potential. Here, we give those with great potential the chance to succeed.” From that moment on, I had found a safe harbor from which to dare to define and achieve whatever my potential would be. Only now, after 40 years, am I doing the best work of my life.
Q: What is one of your most memorable moments from attending Ohio State? A: Our family home was located among the first houses on the far side of the corn fields beyond West Campus. Another professor who lived down the street would walk from our neighborhood, crossing the fields to work (no West Campus was there yet!), and I asked to join him. He did not object to me doing so, and as soon as we crossed the first street, he asked, “What have you learned about the battle of Rhodes?” I admitted I knew nothing at all. On that and each succeeding walk, I received one-on-one lectures on Mediterranean military history. Oh, that professor also had another job that kept him very busy—his name was Woody Hayes. He insisted on just one rule on our walks: “We don’t talk football.” Q: How did the University Honors Program impact your Ohio State experience and future career? A: For years, I have told people the Program changed the direction and quality of my adult life. I learned two critical lessons then, each of which has only become more vivid in recent years. First, I realized no one else should write our stories; instead, given the chance, we each have the chance to craft and live our stories on our own terms. That often requires great courage, but it is the only way to live.