Additional photos below
By Paula Scott
On Saturday, October 15, Ohio Northern University launched a new capital campaign identified as “an ambitious endeavor to enhance student success.” With $87 million already pledged by donors to support scholarships, faculty research, new educational approaches and structural improvements, the university has set its sights on a $100 million goal.
The campaign was unveiled at an event at Dicke House, the campus home of the university’s new president Dr. Melissa Baumann. On the sunny but brisk day, alumni, trustees and university leaders gathered under a large tent to learn about the new campaign. Flags and sweatshirts were emblazoned with the “Forward Together” slogan and ONU spirit wear was everywhere.
Trustee Karen Fields and her husband Paul Fields of Tampa, Florida were in attendance and are an example of a long-term, long-distance alumni relationship with the university. The couple noted they met at ONU. Karen said, “I love ONU…. and I’ve had a lot of opportunities because of ONU.” Paul said of the ties to the university, “It’s a forever relationship.”
Alumni Advisory board member Ken Hall of Lima explained that he became involved with the alumni association some 30 years ago, traveling with other ONU alumni. He appreciates the opportunity to engage with students including homecoming celebrations the weekend of October 21-23. He noted that ONU provides an environment where students more easily engage with their programs and faculty.
Vice President for Advancement Shannon Spencer commented that alumni “really want the next generation of students to succeed. This is really a kick-off of their philanthropy.” She finds that her thank you notes often prompt thank you notes in return.
When asked, what does Ada and Northwest Ohio bring to the equation?, ONU President Baumann said, “About 85% of [ONU] undergraduates come from Ohio and are concentrated in this area.” These individuals can then feed the region’s workforce with expertise in engineering, pharmacy, healthcare, business, and art and sciences.
Her primary message was that the university is focused on keeping an ONU education affordable. This weekend, the board of trustees approved a 2.73% increase to the total cost of attending ONU for the next incoming class, “well below what we think inflation is going to be.”
The university’s summary of the campaign states:
- Scholarships, $50 million: To today’s students, financial aid is more important than ever. By increasing scholarship funding, we’ll make our student body more inclusive, provide students with enriching travel opportunities, and attract high-achieving scholars from every financial circumstance. Funding will go toward existing and new scholarships.
- Teaching and Learning Excellence, $30 million: Gifts will enable us to recruit and retain outstanding faculty who remain committed to the student experience; expand academic majors and add new ones; and fortify our programs, colleges, schools, and centers – all of which directly benefit students.
- Facilities for the Future, $5 million: State-of-the-art academic, athletic, and recreational facilities are the places where memories are formed and futures begin. Additional funds will provide and upgrade spaces for collaboration, competition, learning, performing arts, and social activities for our top scholars, athletes and artists.
- The Northern Fund, $15 million: The Northern Fund provides flexible dollars to quickly respond to emerging opportunities and unexpected needs, which is of paramount importance in today’s educational landscape.
To contact the Forward Together Campaign-Office of University Advancement, call 419-772-2035 or email [email protected]. Learn more at onu.edu/forward-together.
