07/31/96

ATHENS, Ohio -- The cover of Ohio Magazine's August issue features two rainbows arching over Ohio University's East Green and the caption: "Town & Gown -- The rainbow comes down in 1996's Most Livable Communities."

The magazine's cover story focuses on Ohio University in Athens, Miami University in Oxford and Oberlin College in Oberlin, highlighting them as the top three college towns in Ohio.

"While many cities in Ohio can claim a college campus, only a few boast the type of positive town-and-gown relationships that improve the daily life of every denizen," says the introduction to the article. "We come to honor three such places because each has accomplished a feat more impressive than any dissertation: they have preserved old-fashioned charm and good will while successfully responding to modern-day demands."

The 12-page spread includes photographs of the colleges and communities and descriptions of what makes them tick.

"Ohio University has become one of the most popular colleges in the state -- enrollment has grown to nearly 20,000," says the section devoted to the university, headlined "Good News For Athens." "The presence of Ohio University brings facilities, programs, dollars and, most importantly, energy to a region that needs and appreciates it ... OU founded and supports much-needed social programs throughout the region. And students and townspeple alike keep the cash registers ringing at the restaurants and shops that line Court Street."