Community Relations | Ohio Northern University

Recent Events

April 17-27 ONU to celebrate National Women's Helath Week

March 5 ONU hosts the first Good Neighbor Initiative meeting for students to learn about resources available in the community and what is expected of them as residents in the community.

March 1 ONU president Dan DiBiasio and Chris Burns-Dibiasio, director of community relations attended the Hardin County Chamber & Business Alliance Annual Meeting and Awards Presentation on Thursday, March 1, 2012 at ONU’s McIntosh Center.

Feb. 7 Community and University leaders met in the Ada Historic Railroad Depot to discuss “Strategic Visioning: A Collaborative Effort between the Community of Ada and Ohio Northern University.”

Jan. 2012 The Ada Chamber of Commerce welcomed David Dellifield, Director of McIntosh Center & Dining Services, as ONU's Chamber representative.

Outreach

Experts—ONU faculty are available to community organizations, area schools and religious institutions to speak on a variety of topics. View a list of topics and find out how to request a speaker.

Student Groups—There are more than 150 student organizations on campus, which engage in service projects that benefit the surrounding commuties.

Community service—Service, engagement and outreach are an integral part of the ONU experience. Statistics show that about two-thirds of ONU’s students (2,395 of 3,570), were engaged in community service during 2011. Of that number, 513 were engaged in academic service learning and 1,882 were engaged in other forms of community service. In total, ONU’s students donated 49,722 hours of service. Typically, while classes are on spring break every year, several groups of ONU students take part in Habitat for Humanity projects in multiple locations and also work on local projects.

Stories of service

Fill the Fireplace
ONU student organizations adopt area communities to help make Christmas special this year.

SMArts Program
Saturday mornings are for art for area youths.

Hearts and Soles
ONU cross country kicks in to help Hardin county.

Feeling the Burn
Exercise physiology students keep the Ada-Liberty Township Fire Department in peak condition.

Tax Breaks
ONU business students help relieve the stress of tax season for area taxpayers.

Leadership

In addition to her role as first lady at Ohio Northern University, Chris Burns-DiBiasio serves as director of community relations.

At Wilmington College, she held the position of director of community relations, serving as a liaison between local businesses, non-profits, education and government agencies and the college. Former positions include director of affirmative action at the University of New Hampshire, director of training and development at the University System of New Hampshire, and training and development manager at Bank One in Columbus, Ohio.