From Vision to Reality
Ohio Northern’s ambitious, pioneering attitude has been alive since the very beginning. The school started with a single person and a single idea. With the help of the community, Henry Solomon Lehr founded the Northwestern Ohio Normal School in 1871. When the college’s curriculum grew to include pharmacy, engineering, law and business programs, its name was changed to Ohio Normal University and, eventually, in 1903, Ohio Northern University.
There should be a school patterned to the needs of the common people, and it must recognize God in all its teachings."Henry Solomon Lehr, founder Ohio Northern University
Featured Alumni Stories
From pioneers in modern medicine to top CEOs to influential policy makers, Ohio Northern University alumni have made their mark on the world in so many different ways over the course of our history.
Matthew Golden
Studying physics and mathematics at ONU helped him launch a career in research at Georgia Tech
Read MoreSesquicentennial Committee Members
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William Robinson, BSEd ’61, Hon.D. ’05, committee chair
John Berg, education faculty
Chris Burns-DiBiasio, first lady and director of community relations
Jeffrey Coleman, BA ’90, development
Matthew Francis, University archivist
Scott Greene, BSBA ’90
Chad Hummell, BSBA ’91
Quintin Jessee, BSPh ’95
Jim Kennedy, Hon.D. ’17
Jennifer Lambdin, student affairs
Paul Logsdon, retired archivist
Natalie DiPietro Mager, PharmD ’01, pharmacy faculty
Barbara (Long) Meek, BA ’90, development
Kirsten Osbun-Manley, alumni relations
Hannah Smith, BSBA ’20
Hayley Stratton, communications & marketing
Emily (Barbee) Toms, BA ’14
Charles Van Dyne, BA ’52, JD ’54, Hon.D. ’09
Celebrating Northern
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33,081 Living alumni
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1871 Year ONU was established
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50 States where alumni reside
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69 Countries where alumni reside
History of ONU
From a small, regional teacher’s college to an esteemed institution of higher education, the evolution of Ohio Northern University has been marked by both success and struggle. Every milestone has played a role in making the University what it is today. We treasure our rich history and will continue writing the story of Ohio Northern to honor those who came before us.
WELL ATTUNED: MUSIC INSTRUCTOR COMPOSED ONU SESQUICENTENNIAL CHORAL PIECE
Adjunct music instructor Jonathan Wey composed a sesquicentennial choral work that debuted in April 2022.
Becoming Polar Bears
In 1923, the University established the Polar Bear as the school’s official mascot. Throughout the years, there have been several iterations of the mascot – who now goes by the name Klondike. As we plan for Klondike’s 100th birthday celebration in 2023, we are looking to compile the memories of former students who donned the Polar Bear suit over the years. To share your Polar Bear mascot story, please contact us below.
Art Professor Created Nexus Sculpture
ONU faculty member and alumnus Luke Sheets, BFA ’95, professor of art and design, created an art installation unveiled in November 2021 to represent “our past, our current reality and the future yet to come.”
Heart of an Ideal
“Heart of an Ideal” is a cinematic celebration of Ohio Northern University’s founding and its 150 years of success in preparing students to positively impact the world. The film showcases how founder Henry Solomon Lehr established a clear vision and enduring values that have lived on at Ohio Northern. Defining moments in the life of ONU are chronicled, weaving the University’s story through presidential eras following Dr. Lehr’s, and presenting more than a century and a half of growth, trial, triumph and change. Included are interviews and footage not seen in nearly 50 years.