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Happy Birthday, OHIO!
Founders Day • February Eighteenth

Founders Day 2023

Happy 219th Birthday, OHIO!

Founded on Feb. 18, 1804, Ohio University is proud of its rich history of educating students from across the state and around the world. While we celebrate the birthday of the institution each year on Founders Day, we also celebrate the achievements of our many students and alumni that forever enrich the OHIO community and beyond.
Happy Founders Day to Bobcats everywhere!

 

A Note From President Sherman

On February 18, 1804, the Ohio General Assembly approved the charter plans to establish Ohio University.

 

Over the last 219 years, Ohio University has served as a leader in higher education. Our great institution has seen many changes, but we remain dedicated to serving our students and our region.
As we celebrate another birthday, I want to thank the members of the Ohio University community. Each of you help to make Ohio University the special place that it is today.

 

Thank you for the ways you support one another. Thank you for the ways that you advance research and creative activity. And thank you for the positive ways you are impacting the world.

 

Happy Founders Day and Happy Birthday. This is truly old OHIO’s Day!

 

Hugh Sherman, President
 

Ohio University President Hugh Sherman

Founders Day Events

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    Cutler Hall Bells Chime

    Keeping with tradition and in honor of OHIO's historic milestone, the Cutler Hall chimes will play “Alma Mater, Ohio” at 2:18 p.m. Cutler Hall is the oldest building at Ohio University and currently serves as home to the Office of the President, the Office of the Executive Vice President and Provost, and other senior administrative staff.

  •  

    Birthday Bash

    Celebrate OHIO's birthday — Bobcat style! All are welcome to join for food, activities, family-friendly performances and more.

    When: February 18 from 1-4 p.m.
    Where: Baker Center Ballroom

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    Libraries Digital Exhibits

    Explore the history of Founders Day itself, detailing the event as it was celebrated at Ohio University from 1915 through the 2000s, from Ohio University Libraries' Mahn Center for Archives and Special Collections.

    View the 2022 Exhibit
Bobcat Network with a pawprint

219th Birthday Competition

Calling all Bobcats — Wish OHIO a Happy Birthday by joining in a fun and friendly competition on the Bobcat Network. Get creative and share your birthday message to your alma mater. Submissions may include, but are not limited to, poems, video messages, birthday cakes, photos and more!

From Feb. 1-17, post your submission on the Bobcat Network with #HappyBirthdayOHIO. On Founders Day, Feb. 18, one alumni and one student will be selected based on the creativity of submission and their use of OHIO spirit!

Each winner will have their work featured on the Founders Day website and win a birthday celebration of their own. Not a member of the Bobcat Network? Join online to get started!

Join Bobcat Network

Prize Terms and Conditions Apply

The alumni winner will receive one room for a night at the OU Inn plus dinner at Cutler's for up to four (4) people, sponsored by the Ohio University Inn and Conference Center. The student winner will receive dinner at Jackie O's for themselves and up to three (3) of their friends. *Conditions: Alcohol for students not included. Blackout dates include homecoming, family weekends, commencement weekends, etc.

Why OHIO means Forever

This Founders Day we celebrate 219 years of community that focuses on student success – yesterday, today, tomorrow and forever. Five unique Bobcats, just before graduating, share why OHIO is such a special place; a place that will always mean forever.