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Alumni and Friends

The Office of Alumni Engagement and Annual Giving provides opportunities for events, programs, volunteer activities, networking and anything that creates an affinity to Ohio Northern University, which leads to opportunities for alumni to give back to their alma mater.

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Office of Alumni Engagement and Annual Giving

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Resources for Alumni

ONCE A POLAR BEAR, ALWAYS A POLAR BEAR!
The Office of Alumni Engagement and Annual Giving would like to encourage all ONU alumni to take advantage of these services.

  • Alumni Resources
  • Transcripts
  • Refer a Student
  • Alumni Career Services
  • Ways to Give
  • Where to Stay
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Northern Express Archive

Northern Express is Ohio Northern University’s community newsletter that is distributed quarterly.
See our Archived Newsletters

Meet the Alumni Engagement and Annual Giving

  • Office of Alumni Engagement and Annual Giving, alumni@onu.edu, 419-772-2727
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Alumni Facts & Figures

  • 34,683 Living alumni
  • 1871 Year ONU established
  • 50 States where alumni reside
  • 69 Countries where alumni reside

Alumni Awards

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  • The Distinguished Alumni Award was created in 1956 by the Alumni Advisory Board to recognize alumni with exemplary professional careers that illustrate the value of an Ohio Northern University education and to recognize those alumni with continued relationships with the University who have made a tangible expression of loyalty to their alma mater. This award provides an opportunity to recognize, engage and steward outstanding alumni. 

    Nominate a Polar Bear

     

    Previous Recipients


  • The Alumni Service Award was created by the Alumni Advisory Board in 2017 to recognize alumni who serve the University in a volunteer capacity consistently over time and/or who make a significant impact on a University project or initiative. This award provides an opportunity to recognize, engage and steward key volunteers whose energy, dedication and enthusiasm epitomize the spirit of Ohio Northern University. 

    Nominate a Polar Bear

     

    Past Recipients

  • The William L. Robinson Young Alumni Award was established in 2004 by the Alumni Association to honor and recognize William L. Robinson and the 50 years he dedicated to impacting Ohio Northern University students. This award recognizes alumni who graduated within the last 15 years and who demonstrate passion and loyalty toward their profession, community and alma mater. It provides an opportunity to engage and steward young alumni donors who exemplify the values and outcomes of an ONU education. Up to one female and one male may be selected per year.

     Nominate a Polar Bear

     

     Past Award Recipients

  • The highest athletic honor bestowed by the University, the Athletics Hall of Fame recognizes Ohio Northern University men and women who have distinguished themselves in the field of athletics by virtue of their performance on athletic teams representing the University or by meritorious efforts on behalf of athletics either as an undergraduate or in years after leaving the University. 

    Nominate a Polar Bear

     

     Past Award Recipients

  • The Ohio Northern University College Distinguished Alumni Awards provide an opportunity to recognize, engage, and steward outstanding alumni from each of the five colleges.

    Nominate a Polar Bear

     

     Past Award Recipients

     

Alumni News

News Article Image - KISS and tell, 50 years later

KISS and tell, 50 years later

ONU hasn’t forgotten the night rock ’n roll shook Ada, Ohio.

Learn More
News Article Image - Pharmacists can fill gaps in maternity care

Pharmacists can fill gaps in maternity care

ONU researchers uncover perceptions and opportunities in Ohio

Learn More
News Article Image - Drone Day Takes Flight at ONU

Drone Day Takes Flight at ONU

Construction management, manufacturing technology, and civil engineering students learn from industry experts.

Learn More
News Article Image - ONU students hit the runway for a cause

ONU students hit the runway for a cause

Students show up to support Beatitudes.

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News Article Image - ONU receives prestigious classifications in redesigned Carnegie classification system

ONU receives prestigious classifications in redesigned Carnegie classification system

New classifications by the Carnegie Foundation and the American Council on Education reinforce the value and return on investment.

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News Article Image - ONU 2025 commencement speakers, honorary doctoral degree recipients announced

ONU 2025 commencement speakers, honorary doctoral degree recipients announced

ONU’s three commencement ceremonies will be held May 17 and 18.

Learn More
News Article Image - ONU becomes a green chemistry institution

ONU becomes a green chemistry institution

University joins a global movement to embed sustainability in science education.

Learn More
News Article Image - ONU theatre students give voice to the Ukrainian people

ONU theatre students give voice to the Ukrainian people

Worldwide Ukrainian Play Readings project takes the stage, April 26-27.

Learn More
News Article Image - Students dive into advanced manufacturing technology

Students dive into advanced manufacturing technology

Mechanical engineering students are exploring the cutting-edge systems in the new Don Wood Foundation Advanced Metal Technology Lab.

Learn More
News Article Image - Tropf to lead ONU Men’s Basketball program

Tropf to lead ONU Men’s Basketball program

Ohio Northern University’s men’s basketball program will be passing the torch to a new leader.

Learn More
News Article Image - ONU finance students lead the way in financial education for teens

ONU finance students lead the way in financial education for teens

Capstone project promotes financial literacy at local high schools.

Learn More
News Article Image - Senior capstone project helps build economy in Honduras

Senior capstone project helps build economy in Honduras

Business students learn about the interconnected global economy

Learn More

ALUMNI PROFILES

Ohio Northern produces alumni whose impact on society cannot be overstated. We invite you to learn about some of these remarkable people and the contributions they are making to our world.

graphic circle - decorative only Photo of Jody Blankenship, BA ’00

Jody Blankenship, BA ’00

President and CEO, Indiana Historical Society

Read More
graphic circle - decorative only Photo of Rick Keyes, BSPh ’92, Hon. D. ’19

Rick Keyes, BSPh ’92, Hon. D. ’19

CEO of Meijer.

Read More
graphic circle - decorative only Photo of Monica Ramsey, BFA ’01

Monica Ramsey, BFA ’01

Vice President, Experience Development and Family Learning, Children’s Museum of Indianapolis

Read More
  • See all Alumni

Class Notes

Catch up on the latest news from your classmates and friends, including careers, accomplishments, recognitions, marriages, retirements, and the addition of new family members.

  • Read Class Notes

Upcoming Alumni Events

  • May.
    30

    Polar Bear Club Celebration of Athletics Golf Outing

    Read More
  • Jun.
    21

    2025 ONU Cedar Point Day

    Read More
  • Jun.
    25

    2025 Cincinnati Reds Game

    Read More
  • Jul.
    23

    2025 Dayton Dragons Game

    Read More
  • Jul.
    29

    2025 Cleveland Guardians

    Read More
  • Aug.
    07

    2025 Columbus Clippers

    Read More
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Office of Alumni Engagement and Annual Giving

301 Lehr Memorial Building
525 South Main Street
Ada, Ohio 45810

419-772-2727
alumni@onu.edu

Hours: Monday-Friday 8 a.m. to 5 p.m.; Closed Saturday and Sunday
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