Why do the students refer to Ohio State as the THE Ohio State University?

The use of the word THE stems from several contributing factors:

Largest enrollment of any American institution (thus providing the anonymous students the desire to want to put THE sum ahead of its measly parts)

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The student body’s overblown ego stemming from their football and basketball teams.

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The utter boredom and monotony of the Midwest.

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An academic reputation rivaling ITT Tech

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Alcohol

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THE premier day care facility in the great state of Ohio.
-PSmiths