"the" before country (and university) names

[Janet Marting]

I wonder if this thread has any connection to the use of "the" before
university names. When "The" did not precede my university's name (Akron) in
a publication, I heard about it.  (I find it a tad presumptuous to
capitalize the article of my place of employment, The University of Akron,
just as I cring at hearing The Ohio State University, while other schools in
the state, for example, are not called The Miami University or The Ohio
University.)  I don't recall my graduate schools being called The Colorado
State University or The Michigan State University.  Hmm.  Any reactions or
clarifications?

Jinny Marting
Professor of English



No virus found in this outgoing message.
Checked by AVG.
Version: 7.5.524 / Virus Database: 269.23.16/1428 - Release Date: 5/12/2008
7:44 AM

------------------------------------------------------------
The American Dialect Society - http://www.americandialect.org