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Celebrating Northern

Celebrating 150 Years

In August 1871, the Northwestern Ohio Normal School officially opened its doors, with a central mission to train teachers in effective classroom instruction methods. For the past 150 years, ONU has shaped some of the brightest scholars, scientists, philanthropists, businesspeople, health care professionals and performers – to name a few. Through wars, economic turmoil, social unrest and other unprecedented challenges, Northern has always remained Northern.

test hero
Lehr
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.
Normal building was the first building on campus
From Yesterday to Today
Many of the hallmarks ONU is known for today are rooted in our past. Adjusting the curriculum and programs to fit today’s needs; providing a diverse, well-rounded education; immersing students in hands-on learning – these are all values that have stood the test of time.
student works in the mobile clinic.
Into the Future
Because there was (and is) an ONU, the world will never be the same. From government to business to entertainment to scientific discovery, ONU has left traces of influence in so many different ways. In our next 150 years, we will continue this legacy while forging new paths into new frontiers. The new space race, the age of sustainable development, the continued effort for diversity, equity and inclusion – these are just a few examples.
students graduate from Ohio Northern University
Founder, Henry Solomon Lehr
Quote SVG
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 past 150 years.

graphic circle - decorative only Photo of Clay Mathile, BA ’62

Clay Mathile, BA ’62

Philanthropist entrepreneur.

Read More
graphic circle - decorative only Photo of William M. Powell, BSCE ’47

William M. Powell, BSCE ’47

Served heroically in battle and faithfully at home.

Read More
graphic circle - decorative only Photo of Kimberly Reid

Kimberly Reid

Nursing alumna's career takes root at ONU

Read More
  • See more

Sesquicentennial Committee Members

  • 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

     

fall leaves
2021 Sesquicentennial Pictorial Book

2021 Sesquicentennial Pictorial Book on sale

Celebrate Ohio Northern University’s sesquicentennial with this stunning pictorial book that captures the spirit of the University's 150-year journey.
Purchase a copy today
150 celebration loyal forever badge

Celebrating Northern

  • 33,081 Living alumni
  • 1871 Year ONU was established
  • 50 States where alumni reside
  • 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.

1871 - First classes held at Northwestern Ohio Normal School with initial student enrollment of 147.

Normal school building exterior.

1874 - The first commencement ceremony takes place on June 12 at 9 a.m. for eleven graduating members (six males/five females).

First commencement composite.

1893 - ONU participates in the 1893 World’s Columbian Exposition, also known as the The Chicago World’s Fair. An exhibit was created by faculty member Mrs. Maglott. Students received a blue ribbon award and bronze medal.

World columbian exposition

1896 - Students created a University-based “athletic organization” (not sanctioned by the University), which promoted athletics, most notably including baseball and football.

1896 football team

1903 - Institution name changed to Ohio Northern University (from Ohio Normal University) in recognition of the university expanding beyond its original mission as a normal school.

Ohio Northern University sign.

1910 - President William Howard Taft delivered the 1910 commencement address.

president taft give a speech on campus.

1923 - The University establishes the Polar Bear as the official mascot.

Polar Bear established as mascot 1923 - reflected on cover of yearbook in 1925

1900s Post-WW II - May Day established as an ONU tradition.

May Day tug of war

1968 - Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. speaks at ONU.

Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. speaks at ONU

1973 - ONU signs a “Friendship Pact” with Dankook University (South Korea).

Friendship Pact” with Dankook University (South Korea)

1991 - Freed Center for the Performing Arts, an indoor Sports Center/Fieldhouse constructed alongside King-Horn and the “Green Monster” track are finalized.

freed center exterior in 1991.

1993 - Men's Basketball team - they won it all!

1993 Men's Basketball Champions
Photo of Choral

WELL ATTUNED: MUSIC INSTRUCTOR COMPOSING ONU SESQUICENTENNIAL CHORAL PIECE

If Ohio Northern University’s sesquicentennial celebration was a song, what would it sound like? Adjunct music instructor Jonathan Wey has been commissioned to answer that very question.
Article and Video
Polar bear mascots over the years.

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.
  • Share your Klondike story and images with us
Nexus 150 close up

Nexus Sculpture Unveiling

Ohio Northern University’s year-long sesquicentennial celebration pivots from looking backwards at our history to looking forward into our future on Nov. 5, with the unveiling of a special art installation in Heterick Memorial Library. A ceramic statue aptly named Nexus is a work of art by ONU faculty member and alumnus Luke Sheets, BFA ’95, professor of art and design, who created a piece to represent “our past, our current reality and the future yet to come.”
Article and Video

How to get involved

Connect with Ohio Northern University to celebrate our sesquicentennial from wherever you are. Learn more about about ways you can engage with us during this special time of celebration.

  • Contact the Office of Alumni Engagement
  • At Home Media Toolkit
  • Get your ONU gear

How do you ONU?

Showcase what ONU has meant to you and help us curate an image gallery about what it means to be a Polar Bear. Use the hashtag #LoyalForeverToDearONU on Instagram to be featured in the images below.

  • Don't have Instagram? Email Us!
stuff
nancy burnett

Submitted by track and field alumni member

Alumni Runner
fire
Welker

Submitted by alumni member and former basketball coach

Alumni Coach
blood plate

show us how you onu

The Letter “N” is a familiar icon with the ONU community. Using the letter “N” as art, submit your photo on social media by using the hashtag #LoyalForeverToDearONU to show what Northern means to you. Please join us for this nostalgic celebration!

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Share your ONU story

Share gratitude, fond memories and images about what ONU has meant to you.
Share now!
ONU Theatre

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.

Learn more about life as a Polar Bear:
  • facebook
  • twitter
  • instagram
  • youtube
  • google
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