Additional photos at ONU.eud/news
Every Friday morning, a group of retired Ohio Northern University faculty, staff, alumni, and local elders gather at Buckeye East Coffee Shop in downtown Ada for coffee and conversation.
With so much seasoned wisdom in one place— Dr. Terry Maris, dean emeritus of ONU’s Dicke College of Business Administration—had an idea. He trademarked the name “Old Coots” and created an organization dedicated to dispensing life advice to anyone who asks.
And people are asking. At Ada’s annual Harvest and Herb Festival in September, the Old Coots booth attracted nearly 1,000 visitors. On his website, Maris fields 50 to 60 inquiries each month. The only off limit topics? Religion and politics.
The Friday coffee klatch is a sounding board for some of life’s most challenging questions. There’s no guarantee you’ll like the advice you get, but the Old Coots motto says it all:
“It may be bad advice, but it’s free.”
The Origins of Old Coots
Maris was inspired to start the Old Coots organization after reading a news article about an Old Coots group that formed in Salt Lake City, Utah.
Upon further research, he discovered the group no longer existed—several of its members had passed away.
“That’s the problem with old coots—you have a shelf life,” he laughed.
When a trademark search revealed the name was available, he jumped on it. He launched a website, oldcoots.com, featuring blog posts on various topics and an online form where people can submit questions anonymously and receive free advice.
Maris ordered business cards, coasters, pens, notepads, and posters to promote the organization, distributing them throughout Ada and nearby towns.
“I realize the old coots label can be off-putting,” he says. “In fact, it’s often used as an insult.” But he doesn’t mind—and it certainly gets people’s attention.
A Popular Attraction
While Old Coots is primarily Maris’s endeavor, he enlists the help of friends—especially during Ada’s annual Harvest and Herb Festival in the fall.
The Old Coots booth—located near McDonald’s on Main Street—is one of the festival’s busiest stops. About 40% of the questions come from ONU students.
The Old Coots only advise on matters where they can add value, referring people to professionals when needed. Most questions, however, revolve around personal relationships.
Maris lost track of how often ONU students have asked for advice on getting someone’s attention or asking them out on a date.
In fact, the first question he ever received came from the other end of the dating spectrum—an 80-year-old widow who was lonely and wanted to know how to meet people at her age.
One of Maris’s favorite inquiries was from a young father torn between advancing his career and spending more time with his wife and young children. Maris’s advice? Don’t miss out on precious time with your family.
A Veteran’s Perspective
Maris, a Vietnam War veteran, especially appreciates connecting with fellow vets. He still carries the physical and mental scars from his seven years of service as a U.S. Army Captain.
His first assignment was Officer in Charge of the First Calvary Division’s sniper team. He next served as the Team Leader of a Mobile Advisory Team embedded with the South Vietnamese “Ruff Puffs.” His unit endured extreme physical and psychological stress on nightly combat missions in the jungle. Roughly two-thirds of those who served in the unit didn’t survive.
Maris was wounded three times and awarded numerous honors, including the Bronze Star, Purple Heart, Army Commendation Medal (for valor), the Vietnamese Cross of Gallantry with Gold Star (for heroism).
Returning home to public animosity over the war made his transition to civilian life even harder.
“There are a lot of veterans carrying around a lot of baggage,” he said.
He’s grateful whenever he can encourage veterans to get the help they need.
A Life of Learning and Leadership
After his military service, Maris earned his bachelor’s degree, MBA, and doctorate from the University of Nebraska, specializing in management and organizational behavior.
He built a distinguished career in business and academia, serving as dean of ONU’s Dicke College of Business Administration for 15 years before transitioning to a full-time teaching role. He retired in 2014.
The Coffee Club Regulars
The Friday morning attendees include:
George Gulbis—retired associate vice president and director of information technology at ONU.
Tom Kier, BSPh ’82—retired ONU pharmacy professor and administrator.
Jonathan Smalley, BSCE ’71—ONU civil engineering professor emeritus.
Carl Wilkerson, BS ’69—son-in-law of former ONU engineering dean Lawrence Archer, BSCE ’47.
David Retterer—retired associate professor of mathematics and computer science and current mayor of Ada.
Stuart Engler—with the United Eastern Lenope Nation of the Makanak Band Turtle Clan Chief.
But Maris says there’s no official membership for Old Coots. The group fluctuate each week, and any former ONU colleague, friend, or alum who happens to be in the coffee shop around 9 a.m. on a Friday is cajoled into taking a seat.
“We enjoy each other’s company,” said Maris. “It’s good socialization and it gets you out of the house.”
Carl—the group’s jokester—laughs that his wife looks forward to Fridays more than he does.
Their gatherings are filled with stories about children and grandchildren, book discussions, ONU updates, and nostalgic reminiscing. They even take field trips together.
Recently, the group embarked on a cemetery road trip to visit their fathers’ gravesites, sharing childhood memories along the way.
A Meaningful Mission
As for giving advice to strangers, Maris says running Old Coots keeps him socially engaged.
“It keeps my mind active. And it’s a good feeling to be a part of people’s lives and help them in their journeys, even in this small way.”
