Ohio University Southern instructor Steve Call was there to talk about an upcoming project but State Rep. Clyde Evans turned the tables.

Evans (R-87th) visited the university Friday to surprise Travel and Tourism director Call with an award from the Ohio Legislature for his efforts in organizing the Education on Wheels program.

"You have given willingly of your time, energy and abilities far beyond what was required or expected and have earned the respect and admiration of all those with whom you have been associated," Evans read to Call from the award.

Call has been the driving force behind the program that has allowed students and community members to visit sites associated with all eight Ohio presidents, various Civil War battle sites, the Caribbean Islands, London, Ireland, the Serpent Mound in Peebles, the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame and more.

The next trip, through colonial Virginia, leaves at the end of the month. Call thought he was just going to outline this trip Friday before Evans and fellow professor Bob Leith popped the semi-surprise.

Leith said Call puts in a lot hard work behind the scenes to make these trips possible and deserves the recognition.

Though he did not know the full extent, Call was not too surprised.

"I knew something was up," Call said. "Bob did a poor job of keeping it a secret."

Call, an instructor at OUS since 1995, deflected the praise to the students and the value of the program itself.

"It is nice to be recognized," he said. "I think the students and community really enjoy the program."

The travel and tourism students plan the trips and coordinate all the events, giving them hands-on learning and providing everyone else with cultural experiences that can not be recreated in a classroom.

OUS history major John Lambert said Call could not be more deserving of the award.

"I am always amazed how smooth things go. This will be my fifth trip," Lambert said. "I can't recall any glitches. There are a lot of logistics. To me, Steve is the wizard of travel. And he is a nice guy."