The Ohio State University School of Communication mourns the loss of alumna Ilene S. Zeldin (Journalism ‘78), a member of the school’s Advancement Board and an avid supporter of the school.
After graduating from Ohio State, Zeldin went on to get her MBA at the University of Dayton. Throughout Zeldin’s career, she was a speechwriter to then-Sen. Joe Biden, former Sen. Fritz Hollings, former Treasury Secretary Llyod Bentsen, William Daley, and Chrysler auto legend Lee Iacocca.
Zeldin also served in the Pentagon as a defense contractor, writing for many generals and handling communication, social, and digital media for Army Logistics Branch.
Zeldin’s remarkable career history lives on to inspire other professionals in the field.
Zeldin was a huge Ohio State Buckeyes fan. Like her brother and father, Zeldin’s blood ran scarlet and gray.
“I have always been a Buckeye and always will be a Buckeye,” Zeldin said. “Being a part of the Ohio State family has been just a wonderful experience.”
She also loved playing the clarinet for local community bands and piano. She lived in Arlington, Virginia.
For more information, visit Zeldin’s obituary and a fall 2020 School of Communication Alumni Spotlight on Zeldin.
