German alumni of Ohio University were puzzled about the institution's publications that noted how Ohio University prides itself on its longstanding global links, but referred to chapters and events in Asia and Africa rather than in Europe.
Two of the university's German alumni, former exchange student Katja Auen and Alexander Tung, MFA '94, recently asked Vice President for University Relations Adrie Nab, "Why no emphasis in Europe? Doesn't that represent significant missed opportunity if a university considers itself international?"
The point was well-taken.
"I have long felt that an institution the size and quality of Ohio University should have a prominent central presence in Europe; other quality American universities like Harvard, Michigan and North Carolina and others do," said Nab, a Harvard graduate who oversees Alumni Relations as part of his division. "We have long established a major central and highly recognized presence in Asia -- our third Asian Alumni Conference next year in host country Korea is now in the planning stages. But it is high time to include Europe in our global alumni and friends network-building."
Nab notes that over the years, various Ohio University departments have established links with European universities, but no major central initiative has been made. "The recent efforts of a relatively small number of highly dedicated German alumni is an important historic step in that direction," he said. On April 26, the first European chapter meeting was held in Bonn, Germany. Representing the university at that first meeting were Nab and Ohio University Foundation Board Chair Bob Axline, BSCOM '57.
Support for Ohio University student internships in Europe, student recruitment and scholarship opportunities were major topics of the first meeting, and committees for those purposes were formed following selection of chapter officers.
Alumni in London and Paris also have indicated an interest in forming chapters.
Of the 1,220 Ohio University students who have studied abroad in the past four years, 65 percent went to Europe.
"This newly formed chapter in Bonn is a timely part of our new European visibility initiative," Nab said. "We have placed and are planning Ohio University art and archival collections exhibits in Europe since 1994 and recently added speaking engagements and high-level round-table discussions on higher education and other issues in key locations with key audiences for President Glidden and others."
On April 1, Glidden opened an Ohio University exhibition, "From The Longest Day To A Bridge Too Far: Untold Stories From the Cornelius Ryan Archive," in the National Army Museum in London. More than 150 VIPs attended the opening.
Several days later, Glidden led a round-table discussion on the use of technology in higher education in Berlin at the Aspen Institute.
Parts of the Ryan Collection from Alden Library have been exhibited since 1994 in Europe and at the National Press Club in Washington, D.C.
"It makes good sense to now develop support for the university in that part of the world that is of great interest to our students," Nab said. "It will be increasingly beneficial for both our undergraduate and graduate students to have study and internship programs in Europe, with meaningful assistance from an engaged and growing network of alumni and friends."
Nab recently asked Alumni Relations to update the international alumni brochure and urged the Alumni Board to formally change the board's name to recognize its international membership.
