Happy 215th Birthday, OHIO!

Dear Students, Colleagues, Alumni and Friends, 

Today marks a significant milestone for our great University. It was 215 years ago today that the Ohio General Assembly approved charter plans to create Ohio University – the oldest institution of higher education in the Northwest Territory. 

Because of you and the generations of students, faculty and staff who came before us, our University -- an institution recognized as a diverse community focused on innovation, engagement, academic excellence, and fostering cultural vibrancy -- is positioned to continue a legacy of meaningful contributions for generations to come.  

In honor of our historic milestone, the Cutler Hall chimes will play “Alma Mater, Ohio” at 2:15 p.m. A new exhibit entitled “Making OHIO Home: History of Housing and Residence Life from the 1800s to the Present” is being hosted by the Ohio University Libraries.The exhibit is currently on display in the lobby outside of the Mahn Center for Archives and Special Collections on the fifth floor of Alden Library. And, on February 21, our Student Alumni Board will hold a special celebration at Baker Center to honor our 215-year legacy.

I hope you will find time to reflect today on our University’s storied history and the phenomenal impact that each of you have made as we write the next chapters in our University’s great history. 

Kind regards,

Dr. M. Duane Nellis
Ohio University President